Toyota GR Yaris concept to debut at Tokyo Auto Salon

“Fully tuned” hot hatchback concept to get uprated aero and expected to be powered by an uprated engine; Toyota to also reveal one-off GR GT3 race car concept.

Published On Jan 10, 2022 11:21:00 AM

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Toyota GR Yaris concept to debut at Tokyo Auto Salon

Toyota will reveal two performance car concepts at next week's Tokyo Auto Salon, one of the biggest custom car exhibitions in the world. The firm will promote the link between its Gazoo Racing motorsport efforts and its road cars with a heavily uprated version of the Toyota GR Yaris and an all-new race car concept called the GR GT3.

GR Yaris concept to get notable aero enhancements
Carmaker to also reveal a GR GT3 race car concept

The honed GR Yaris is described as a "fully tuned" take on the acclaimed hot hatchback. The teaser image of the hatchback shows a number of aero modifications, including a substantial rear wing, a gaping intake in the bonnet and tweaks to the front end – all of which hint at an enhanced focus on aerodynamics and, thus, dynamic ability.

However, references to the concept being "fully tuned" suggest the car's 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder could have been uprated as well, to produce more than its standard 260hp and 361Nm of torque.

The firm reaffirmed its commitment to "offer ever better motorsports-bred cars", suggesting that the development of the new GR Yaris hybrid WRC racer could have influenced the Tokyo-bound concept.

It is unclear at this stage whether Toyota intends to put this uprated GR Yaris into production, offer the modifications as an upgrade package for existing owners or, indeed, if the concept is simply a showcase for the car's ultimate potential.

Toyota to also reveal GR GT3 race car concept

Alongside the GR Yaris, Toyota will reveal the new GR GT3 concept, which in a darkened preview image appears almost entirely unrelated to any production car currently on sale.

The teaser image reveals a low-set two-door coupe with an elongated bonnet, front fender vents, short tail and large rear wing.

It is described as a "racing-dedicated concept car that incorporates the knowledge and refined technologies TGR has gained in the field of motorsports". The GT3-spec car will be shown alongside the Le Mans-winning GR010 Hybrid and various other Toyota race cars, as a showcase of the brand's commitment to motorsports.

Toyota’s plans for India

Back in 2020, we had reported that Toyota was considering the GR Supra for the Indian market, though it still remains to be seen if and when the car could arrive. For now, Toyota is set to launch the new Hilux pickup truck in India later this month, with the facelifted Camry also set to launch soon.

Should Toyota bring the GR Yaris to India? Let us know in the comments below.

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