The Toyota GR Yaris has already gained cult status for transferring rally car thrills to the road.
From winning the 2021 UK Car of the Year Award, to generating an endless waiting list, the homologation special’s impact has been huge.
Despite the GR Yaris being quite a hardcore proposition, however, Toyota has found ways to make it more extreme. Meet the limited-edition GRMN Yaris.
Toyota previously used the GRMN name name in 2018, applied to a limited-run performance version of the previous Yaris.
Be in it to win it
First, a disclaimer. Toyota will only sell 500 examples of the GRMN Yaris, and only to Japanese customers. Even they will have to enter a lottery to be in with a chance of owning one.
The three-cylinder engine’s power output unchanged, at the standard 268hp found in Japanese-market cars. However, torque has increased by 20lb ft to a total of 288lb ft.
The six-speed manual gearbox is upgraded, with shorter ratios used for the first four gears. A new clutch is also fitted, with the all-wheel-drive system gaining mechanical limited-slip differentials both front and rear.
Toyota has also managed to trim 20kg in weight from the diminutive Yaris. An extra 545 spot welds are added, with more structural adhesive used.
Track day or rally stage?
Other changes include the addition of a carbon fibre bonnet, suspension lowered by 10mm and a 10mm wider track.
As with the ‘regular’ GR Yaris, those lucky enough to bag a GRMN can pick from two options packages. The Circuit Pack is limited to just 50 examples, with the option to specify a bespoke Matte Steel exterior finish.
Circuit Pack cars gain a set of 18-inch BBS wheels, Bilstein suspension dampers and a special bodykit with a huge carbon fibre rear spoiler.
The Rally Package adds parts developed from the All Japan Rally series. Underbody protection, a Gazoo Racing suspension setup and a hefty roll cage are included.
Brace yourself
Room for the extra rear scaffolding comes from the GRMN Yaris being a strict two-seater. All versions get a pair of deep Recaro buckets, which are fitted with side airbags.
Ditching the rear bench seat contributes to the weight-saving exercise. It also places the GRMN Yaris in a special class of two-seat hot hatches, such as the Renault Megane R26.R.
Prices for the GRMN Yaris are not cheap, with the base car starting at the equivalent of £46,900. The reservation lottery is open now, with deliveries to customers expected later this year.
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