2024 GR Yaris gets an Auto, slightly more power, and an interesting interior

Toyota had just propelled the automotive excitement to new heights with the latest revelation from Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR)—the all-new GR Yaris hot hatch unveiled at the recent. Tokyo Auto Salon 2024.

The car arrives not just with fresh updates but boasts enhanced performance, thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission paired with an all-wheel-drive (4WD) system.

This transmission, Toyota reveals, is a marvel of engineering, blending the high-octane essence of motorsport with the refined performance needed for city cruising and highway journeys.

Tested by the adrenaline-fueled drivers of the TGR World Rally Team across various terrains—from Finland's snowy trails to the intense Super Taikyu races by none other than Akio Toyoda, or 'Morizo'—this system promises an exhilarating drive.

Toyota promises that this automatic transmission system will deliver the thrill of a manual gear shift, igniting excitement in every drive.

While retaining the previous 1.6-liter turbo engine, the facelifted GR Yaris ramps up the excitement, boosting its power from 272PS to a heart-racing 304PS and torque from 370Nm to a robust 400Nm.

Externally, it sports a new, more athletic front bumper design with enlarged air vents for better cooling. The rear design also gets a revamp, enhancing aerodynamics and exhaust flow.

The 'Drive Mode' feature allows drivers to tailor their ride, adjusting elements like electronic power steering, air conditioning, and powertrain settings to suit different driving modes.

Step inside, and you're greeted by a 12.3-inch full-color TFT screen, serving up all the technical data you could wish for.

Moreover, the driving position has been refined, lowered by 25mm to ensure a more connected drive and broadened forward visibility, giving drivers a clearer view of the road ahead.

The GR Yaris has a history as dynamic as its performance. Conceived as a road-going rally car, it was first debuted to the world's stage with a splash, making its mark with a respectable 261PS.

Although the engine might be small, the GR Yaris' engine is one of the most tunable as proven by Powertune Australia, a tuning powerhouse from down under, who has remarkably coaxed an astounding 740 PS from the GR Yaris' modest 1.6-liter three-cylinder turbo engine—tripling the machine’s original output with their engineering prowess.

This brainchild of Toyota's rallying experience was engineered to transfer the thrill of the world's most challenging races to the tarmac of everyday roads. Since its electrifying debut, the GR Yaris has continued to evolve, now packing even more power and performance, making history not just on the track, but in the hearts of car enthusiasts everywhere.

The latest iteration is no exception, standing as a testament to Toyota Gazoo Racing's relentless pursuit of perfection and the spirit of motorsport innovation.

Also Read: Comparison: Toyota Vios Hybrid vs Honda City RS e:HEV - Which will reign supreme?