Toyota has revealed the GRMN Yaris, which will be a limited-run car with only 500 units being produced. Sales will start in mid-2022 at GR garages all around Japan, and Toyota says that the car has been designed with professional racing drivers, and with daily vehicle evolution in mind.
The GRMN is a special-edition version of the GR Yaris and has been refined through the “driver first” type of development as Toyota say. The weight of the car has been reduced by 20KG, width has been increased by 10mm and height reduced by another 10mm, mechanical LSD (Limited Slip Differential), all of which helps in braking, grip, cornering and more as well.
The car can be reserved via the GR website and garages across Japan and will be only sold on a lottery basis. There will also be an even more limited-run “Circuit Package”, which focusses on road performance and will be available in a special Matte Steel exterior colour. Apart from this, a Rally Package can be added to every model as an optional extra, which will add parts that enhance driving performance on all road surfaces.
The gear ratios have also been modified, with a close gear-ratio transmission and low final gear set. New material was also used to improve shock torque and fatigue strength, and also to make the most out of the engine power. There has also been high-rigidity carbon used for the hood, roof and rear spoiler to reduce weight, and the rear seats have also been removed with rollbars now in their place.
Prices for the base model starts at 7317000 yen (approx Rs 47.5 lakh), and along with the Circuit Package the price rises to 8467000 yen (approx Rs 55 lakh) and with the Rally package, it rises to 8378764 yen (approx Rs 54.5 lakh). Production will be carried out by a “Takumi” (master craftsperson), and the reservation window will be open till 28th February, with winners being announced on March 9th. It’s interesting to see Toyota go the distance and make such efforts to make attempts to build what is possibly the best hot hatch of its segmentl!
