New GR Yaris Is a 260 Horsepower Hyper Hatch

Track to Street

Japan always gets all the cool toys, and now they're getting another one Americans can't have - the Toyota GR Yaris. And while we often think of the regular Yaris as some sort of economical commuter car, in other parts of the world, it's a formidable competitor in the FIA World Rally Championship. Now, the automaker has created a homologation version of its racing Yaris for a select number of customers, and it's obviously very intriguing.

Photos: Toyota

Squeezing Power

The GR Yaris is powered by a little 1.6-liter inline three-cylinder engine that somehow pumps out an impressive 257 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. It's backed up by a six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching, which sends power to an available advanced all-wheel-drive system with Torsen limited-slip differentials in the front and rear, plus an electronically controlled center differential.

Photos: Toyota

>>Join the conversation about the new limited GR Yaris right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Lightweight

As if the little Yaris wasn't light enough already, Toyota also sought to make the GR version even more svelte. So it features goodies like an aluminum trunk, hood, and door panels, along with a carbon fiber reinforced plastic roof panel to shave a few more pounds.

Photos: Toyota

>>Join the conversation about the new limited GR Yaris right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Next Level

The GR Yaris is only available as a two-door hatchback, but has been treated to some upgraded styling to give it a meaner look. That includes a new and rather large front grille, flared fenders, 18-inch wheels, and red brake calipers. Those few changes are enough to take an unassuming hatch to the next level, visually-speaking.

Photos: Toyota

>>Join the conversation about the new limited GR Yaris right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Racing Bred

Toyota says that the GR Yaris is the automaker's first all-wheel-drive sports car since the Celica GT-Four. It was mostly developed in Finland in partnership with Tommi Mäkinen Racing, which is obviously a good thing. In terms of performance figures, the hot hatch runs 0-60 in just 5.5 seconds and tops out at a limited 143 miles-per-hour.

Photos: Toyota

>>Join the conversation about the new limited GR Yaris right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Two Choices

In terms of pricing, the RZ First Edition model will run buyers around $36,000, while the special RZ High-Performance Edition, which adds Torsen limited-slip differentials, tweaked suspension, an intercooler with a cooling-spray function, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, and 18-inch BBS wheels will set them back around $42,000. We certainly know which one we'd go for.

Photos: Toyota

>>Join the conversation about the new limited GR Yaris right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Small Batch

Toyota remains mum on just how many GR Yaris examples they'll actually build, but we figure it won't be many. After all, this is a homologation special, and automakers typically only build enough of those to satisfy racing rules. Regardless, the lucky few who get their hands on this hot hatch certainly won't be disappointed.

Photos: Toyota

>>Join the conversation about the new limited GR Yaris right here in the ClubLexus forum.

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