Toyota’s New Limited Edition Toyota Yaris / Vitz GRMN Turbo with 150HP [w/Videos]

If you noticed the “Vitz” nameplate on the title of this piece as well as the pictures of the new car, then you should have figured out already that this sported-up and turbocharged version of the supermini we know as the Yaris in markets such as North America and Europe is a Japan-only edition.

The new Toyota Vitz GRMN Turbo is a slightly de-tuned, limited production version of the 2012 Tokyo Motor Show concept from the Japanese automaker’s tuning and motorsports partner Gazoo Racing.

At the heart of the car lies a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 150hp (152PS) and 206Nm (152 lb-ft), an increase of 42hp (43PS) over the standard model’s naturally aspirated 1.5L unit. No acceleration figures were released, but the noteworthy bump in power together with a low curb weight of 1,070kg (2,359 pounds) should make the Vitz feel zippy.

The engine is connected to a standard five-speed manual gearbox, with Gazoo also adding a higher-performance 4-pot caliper brake system and a sports-tuned suspension, plus 17-inch wheels in tires size 215/45R.

Available in a choice of two shades named Super White II and Black Mica, the exclusively three-door Vitz GRMN Turbo gains new front and rear bumpers, large rocker panel moldings with a contoured GRMN logo on the side of the body, a rear diffuser, LED lights, new tailpipe and roof spoiler.

Interior appointments include body-hugging sports seats, new instrument gauges, aluminum pedals, and a three-spoke leather steering wheel with red stitching.

Only 200 examples of the Vitz GRMN Turbo will be made for the local market, each carrying a base price of 2,700,000 yen, which comes to about US$28,000 / €21,000.

PHOTO GALLERY