Toyota GR Yaris receives a boost in power and now comes with a rally-style handbrake option

The Toyota GR Corolla no longer boasts the most powerful version of the company’s turbo 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine, as it has been shared with the smaller GR Yaris. The lighter weight of the GR Yaris will make it the ultimate version of Toyota’s rally hatchbacks. A distinctive new feature in the form of an automatic transmission option has been added to the GR Yaris, which has already undergone extensive testing in Toyota rally and Super Taikyu circuit race cars.

The introduction of an eight-speed automatic transmission in the GR Yaris is a significant change, especially for rally hatchback fans. The automatic transmission includes a transmission fluid cooler, upgraded case and clutch materials, as well as a traditional race car layout for manual shift mode. This new eight-speed transmission is designed to keep the car in the power band more consistently than the six-speed manual gearbox.

Additionally, the GR Yaris has received updates to its exterior, including a steel mesh grille, expanded intake vents, a new diffuser for reduced drag, and a full-width taillight design. Inside, the dash has been redesigned, the infotainment screen canted toward the driver, and the instrument cluster reconfigured for drive modes.

The chassis of the GR Yaris has been strengthened with additional spot welds and adhesive strips, and a Cooling Package has been added. Toyota has also announced an upgrade package for existing GR Yaris owners to bring their cars up to date with the latest improvements.

While the GR Yaris may not be available in the United States, the introduction of the automatic transmission and other enhancements in this model may signal similar updates for the GR Corolla in the near future. As such, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the automatic transmission as an option for the GR Corolla, along with other improvements in chassis reinforcement and cooling enhancements.