Upcoming Toyota GR Yaris with Automatic Transmission Nears Final Release

The Toyota GR Yaris and GR Corolla have garnered attention as two of the most thrilling vehicles to come out of the company. However, their manual-only transmission may seem daunting to some enthusiasts. In response to this, Toyota has been working on an eight-speed direct automatic transmission for the GR Yaris, and recent reports from Japan’s Magazine X suggest that this gearbox will be unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January.

While the manual transmission of the Yaris is impressive, not everyone feels comfortable driving a manual car. Toyota’s new direct automatic transmission (DAT) aims to address this issue by offering improved responsiveness and intelligence compared to traditional automatics.

One notable feature of the DAT is its ability to predict the driver’s intentions, resulting in reduced acceleration lag. Additionally, it can detect braking for more timely downshifts, potentially overshadowing the need for the car’s paddle shifters in certain situations. This enhanced performance is expected to make track driving more accessible and safer for those learning to control a car.

Former CEO Akio Toyoda has labeled the DAT as a “game-changer,” emphasizing that “there’s no time lost when shifting, so the gap between myself and the pros was much smaller than usual. I can just concentrate on braking and accelerating.” Toyoda’s driving expertise has even led the automaker to name a trim after his racing nickname, Morizo.

It is anticipated that production of the automatic GR Yaris will begin in January at Toyota’s dedicated GR Factory in Japan, which is also responsible for manufacturing the GR Corolla. While the GR Yaris is not available in the American market, the GR Corolla serves as a compelling alternative with the added practicality of two extra doors. Notably, both cars share the same powertrain, prompting speculation about the potential for a DAT-equipped GR Corolla in the future.