- Toyota GR Yaris Morizo RR gains lighter carbon fiber parts.
- Power output remains unchanged at 300 hp and 295 lb-ft.
- Only 200 units will be made globally, half for Japan.
Just when it seemed the GR Yaris had already reached its peak, Toyota brought a new spin to the story at the Tokyo Auto Salon. The company has revealed a sharper, more focused version of the rally-bred hot hatch, introducing it under the name GR Yaris Morizo RR. Although shown in prototype form, this more aggressive take on the GR Yaris is headed for limited production.
Read: Toyota Stepped Away So GR Could Grow Into Something Bigger Than Toyota
It shares its name with the high-performance Lexus LBX Morizo RR, a nod to company chairman Akio Toyoda’s racing pseudonym, and retains the GR Yaris’s hallmark 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. Output is expected to match the current Japan-spec version, delivering 300 hp (224 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. Even so, this isn’t just a cosmetic refresh.
What Sets It Apart?
One of the most obvious changes is the addition of a large carbon fiber rear wing, complemented by a new front splitter and redesigned side skirts. Toyota has also given the car a lighter carbon fiber hood, matte bronze wheels, and bright yellow brake calipers. The body is finished in a new exclusive paint color known as Gravel Khaki, helping it stand out even further.
The new aero setup isn’t just for show. With increased downforce from the rear wing, the suspension has been reworked to handle more demanding conditions, including punishing surfaces like those found at the Nurburgring.
What Changed Underneath?
Toyota has also made a notable change to the GR-Four all-wheel drive system. Gone is the Gravel mode, which previously distributed torque at a 53:47 front-to-rear ratio. In its place is a new Morizo mode, delivering a 50:50 split, identical to what was once offered in the Track mode of the original GR Yaris.
Also: Toyota Refused To Let Akio Toyoda Race With Its Name, So He Entered As A Website
The brand has also taken the opportunity to fine-tune the electric power steering, suggesting an even more direct and communicative feel behind the wheel than the standard model.
Perhaps the coolest upgrade of them all is found in the cabin. A bespoke steering wheel has been redesigned for the GR Yaris Morizo RR with a motorsport-inspired design. It’s trimmed in Alcantara with yellow accents and includes custom switches for the audio and cruise control functions. There’s also a custom gauge display for the instrument cluster.
How Many Will Be Made?
The only real downside is how few people will actually get the chance to own one. Toyota plans to build just 100 units for Japan, along with an additional 100 earmarked for select European markets. In Japan, prospective buyers will have to enter a lottery through Gazoo’s official smartphone app, making the Morizo RR as elusive as it is intriguing.
