Looks Like Toyota Gazoo Racing Is Developing A More Hardcore GR Yaris

While the Toyota GR Yaris AWD hot hatch has just started appearing on European and Japanese streets, it looks like the automaker is already working on an even more extreme version.

At least that’s what these spy shots taken at the Nürburgring Nordschleife seem to suggest. The images sent by our spy photographers reveal a hardcore GR Yaris prototype featuring new performance parts and measuring equipment.

The most obvious additions over the stock car include the huge rear spoiler made up of two elements, new winglets on each side of the front bumper, as well as a pair of massive air outlets in the front fenders behind the front wheels.

All these upgrades should improve the GR Yaris’ aerodynamic performance, especially the downforce on the rear axle. The black roof could be camouflage for a carbon fiber roof top, in which case we could be looking at a lightweight version of the subcompact hot hatch. A stiffer and lower sports suspension appears to be part of the package too.

We can also spot some measuring equipment attached to the rear bumper and makeshift discs fitted on top of the rear alloy wheels. Judging by the helmet, a professional racing driver was behind the wheel of this prototype, indicating that Toyota is serious about improving the GR Yaris’ performance and handling.

About that, the standard car offers enough power for most people, with the 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine delivering 261 PS (257 HP / 192 kW) and 360 Nm (266 lb-ft) of torque in European specification. Hooked to a six-speed manual transmission and four-wheel drive, the engine enables a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in less than 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph).