Toyota Unleashes Exhilarating GR Yaris Special Editions: WRC Glory Transformed
Toyota's spirit of victory and innovation, celebrated on rally stages worldwide, has once again been translated into something tangible for enthusiasts and collectors alike. The launch of the new GR Yaris special editions pays homage to an unbroken streak of triumphs in the World Rally Championship (WRC), highlighting Toyota's dominance in one of the most challenging motorsport disciplines.
In the past five years, drivers at the helm of the GR Yaris have clinched the Driver's Championship title: Estonian Ott Tanak in 2019, French virtuoso Sebastien Ogier in 2020 and 2021, followed by Finnish rising star Kalle Rovanpera in 2022 and 2023. Their exceptional achievements have been immortalized through the creation of two distinct special editions of the GR Yaris, presented in the Japanese-market RZ High Performance guise. One honors Ogier's legacy, while the other celebrates Rovanpera's recent WRC victories.
Distinctive Features and Exclusive Modes
Both editions of the GR Yaris have been meticulously crafted, featuring unique adaptations that exceed the boundaries of performance. Rovanpera's edition boasts a swan-neck rear wing crafted from carbon fiber, red brake calipers nestled behind 18-inch BBS rims, and an arresting camo pattern in red, white, and gray. Its interior is a testament to Toyota's attention to detail, with blue and silver stitching adding an exclusive feel to the steering wheel, shifter boot, parking brake handle, and seats. The special Kalle Mode has been engineered for an exhilarating drive, enhancing rear diff tuning for aggressive cornering and rapid front-pull exit strategies, cutting down race times substantially.
On the other side, Ogier's edition stands out with a larger rear stabilizer and striking blue brake calipers, complemented by a sophisticated bi-tone glossy silver paint with black door accents. The cabin's distinct red, white, and blue stitching further emphasizes its exclusivity. Seb Mode, named after Ogier, prioritizes torque to the rear axle for a more rear-wheel-drive sensation, while the Morizo Mode, inspired by Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda's racing alias, delivers handling tuned for the apex of performance, a nod to Ogier's extraordinary contributions to the sport.
A Limited Opportunity for Enthusiasts
The reveal of these limited-edition hot hatches at the Monte Carlo Rally, albeit with Hyundai clinching victory, marked the continuation of Toyota's celebration of its WRC achievements. Prospective owners in Japan will face a lottery to determine who will have the privilege of owning these remarkable vehicles. Those fortunate enough to emerge victorious from the draw will enjoy not just the car, but a range of exclusive benefits including their names on Toyota's WRC cars for the remainder of the 2024 season and special access to the Toyota team during Rally Japan.
Toyota's decision to immortalize the achievements of its drivers through these special editions of the GR Yaris serves as a testament to the unyielding spirit of competition and innovation that drives the brand forward. For enthusiasts and collectors, these limited-edition models offer a unique opportunity to own a piece of motorsport history, infused with the technological prowess and racing DNA that Toyota has become synonymous with.