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Toyota GR Yaris: Rally Car for the Road
29 Jan
Summary
- The GR Yaris is a road-legal rally car developed by Toyota's WRC team.
- It features a powerful three-cylinder engine and advanced four-wheel drive.
- Top rally drivers use the GR Yaris, with some owning their own.
The Toyota GR Yaris represents a fusion of rally performance and road usability, developed by Toyota's World Rally Championship team. This bespoke vehicle is far removed from the standard Yaris, featuring unique body panels, advanced suspension, four-wheel drive, and limited-slip differentials on both axles.
Its heart is the world's most powerful three-cylinder engine, delivering exhilarating performance. The GR Yaris offers specialized driving modes, including a track mode that adjusts torque balance for enhanced cornering. Notably, it includes an upright handbrake, personally requested by Toyota's chief Akio Toyoda, which can disconnect the rear wheels to aid rotation, mimicking a WRC car's feel.
This exceptional car has garnered admiration from professional drivers. Monte Carlo Rally winner Oliver Solberg, his teammate Elfyn Evans, and nine-time world champion Sebastien Ogier are all owners of the GR Yaris. Solberg likens it to driving a Group N rally car and sees Toyota following Subaru's legacy of creating accessible performance vehicles for enthusiasts.
