New Toyota GR Yaris Is A Driving Enthusiasts’ Dream Car

• It goes on sale today in Japan.

• There’s little to no hope that we’ll get it.

• There are three versions offered.

The crown of the hottest-of-the-hot hatchbacks has just been handed over to Toyota. Now that the giant Japanese automaker has revealed more details on the GR Yaris, we’ve never been more sorry about the fact that we’ll never get it.

The Toyota GR Yaris will come in three flavour, two of them fairly distinct. The base car will be the RS spec version. It will feature a 120-PS (118 horsepower) 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine mated to a CVT transmission that will have 10 pre-programmed gears. Importantly, the RS will be FWD only. This one is aimed at those who favour 2-pedal driving, GR styling, and better fuel economy.

Then comes the GR Yaris RC. It will be powered by an intercooled 272-PS (268 horsepower) 1.6-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder which will be paired to a 6-speed manual transmission. Crucially, it will get the brand’s “GR-FOUR” sports 4WD system with active torque split. Also included are 17-inch wheels, a WRC-car gained front suspension, large slotted and ventilated disc brakes, sport seats as well as a digital sports meter built into the instrument cluster.

Finally, the RZ. This sport-power pocket-rocket includes the same 1.6-litre turbo engine, 6-speed transmission, and GR-FOUR AWD however the latter is upgraded with a multi-plate clutch Torsen limited-slip front and rear differentials. Drool-worthy indeed. Furthermore, it will be delivered with optional 18-inch BBS forged aluminum wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires as part of a High-Performance package. Standard units will be Enkei wheels with Dunlop tires.

On September 16^th, Toyota will hold a virtual launch event where we assume more details will be revealed. The event will take place in Japanese only… How’s that for proof that we’ll never see one tearing up the local track and shaming GTIs, STIs, and Type-Rs.