Mar. 13, 2026

GR Launches Motorsports-honed Type 26 GR Yaris

GAZOO Racing (GR) unveiled today a partially upgraded GR Yaris and announced that Toyota vehicle dealers across Japan are now accepting orders, with sales to commence on April 6.

: Type 26 GR Yaris

First use of a newly developed GR steering wheel
Power steering setting modified by leveraging feedback from competing in motorsports
Newly developed high-performance tires on certain trim levels^*1
Changes to factory-installed options

The GR Yaris is an iconic GR model that came to life under the concept of making ever-better motorsports-bred cars. Since the launch of the Type 20 GR Yaris in 2020, GR has continued to hone the GR Yaris in extreme environments, such as those of circuit racing and rallies. The Type 26 GR Yaris, like its predecessors, incorporates improvements derived from insights gained from competing in motorsports.

GR intends to continuously evolve the GR Yaris by continuing to enter it in races and incorporating input from a diverse range of drivers.

Main features

GR steering wheel developed with professional race drivers

The newly designed GR steering wheel was meticulously crafted for superior operability while driving. Certain situations in motorsports necessitate maintaining a constant hold on the steering wheel without regripping it, even when turning it 180 degrees. The conventional steering wheel used up to now required care not to touch the switches during such an operation, leading to complaints about not being able to place the palms in an ideal position. The development that started in response involved attaching clay-molded steering wheel prototypes to vehicles and taking them to circuits for repeated evaluation with professional race drivers. The result is a steering wheel with a reduced diameter for improved steering response and a left- and right-hand grip shape that fits comfortably in the palms when pushing on the wheel during cornering. Also, the steering wheel-mounted switches leverage insights from motorsports, with each switch positioned independently for enhanced operability and ringed in illumination for better nighttime visibility.

Electric power steering settings modified leveraging insights from motorsports

Improved settings for the electric power steering (EPS) assist function ensure the function engages reliably even with high-grip circuit or rally tires, or during high-load cornering that requires a high level of braking force. Specifically, optimized torsion-bar rigidity within the torque sensor and modified control software have expanded the steering torque detection range, enabling optimal assistance even when cornering under extremely high loads.

Change in standard tires (on the RZ "High performance" + "Aero performance package" and RZ "High performance" trim levels)

The RZ "High performance" + "Aero performance package" and the RZ "High Performance" trim levels come standard with Bridgestone POTENZA RACE tires, newly developed through extensive field testing to deliver extended-period, high-grip performance. The tires' revised tread pattern, internal structure, and rubber compound significantly improve control when driving a vehicle to its limit, delivering stable performance, both on and off the track. Optimization of the damping characteristics of the front and rear shock absorbers maximizes tire performance.

Changes to factory-installed options^*2

Seat heaters and a steering wheel heater, which were previously unavailable when selecting a vertical parking brake together with either the "Navigation Package" or "Comfort Package", are now available even when selecting a vertical parking brake together with either of the above packages.

Manufacturer's suggested retail prices

(Including consumption tax; unit: yen)

	GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (8-speed automatic transmission / 4WD)	6-speed manual transmission (4WD)
RZ "High performance" + "Aero performance package"	5,882,200	5,532,200
RZ "High performance"	5,387,200	5,037,200
RZ	4,887,200	4,537,200
RC + "Aero performance package"	4,462,200	4,112,200
RC	3,967,200	3,617,200

RZ "High performance" main specifications

Length			[mm]	3,995
Width			[mm]	1,805
Height			[mm]	1,455
Wheelbase			[mm]	2,560
Track (front / rear)			[mm]	1,535 / 1,565
Occupancy				4
Weight			[kg]	1,280 (1,300 for version with GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission)
Engine				In-line 3-cylinder with turbo and intercooler
	Type			G16E-GTS
	Bore x stroke		[mm]	87.5 x 89.7
	Displacement		[liters]	1.618
	Max. output	[kW (PS)/rpm]		224 (304)/6,500
	Max. torque	[N･m (kgf･m)/rpm]		400 (40.8)/3,250-4,600
Transmission				iMT (6-speed manual transmission) or GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (8-speed automatic transmission)
Drivetrain				GR-FOUR sports 4WD system Electronic multi-plate clutch 4WD (with 3 selectable modes)
Differentials			Front	Torsen^® LSD^*3
Differentials			Rear	Torsen^® LSD^*3
Suspension			Front	MacPherson strut
Suspension			Rear	Double wishbone
Brakes			Front	Ventilated disk (18-inch aluminum, opposed 4-pot calipers)
Brakes			Rear	Ventilated disk (16-inch aluminum, opposed 2-pot calipers)
Wheels				BBS 8J forged aluminum wheels with 45 mm inset
Tires (front / rear)				225/40ZR18 Bridgestone POTENZA RACE
Fuel tank capacity			[liters]	50

*1	The RZ "High performance" + "Aero performance package" and the RZ "High performance"
*2	The seat heaters and steering wheel heater are factory-installed options on the RZ "High performance" + "Aero performance package", RZ "High performance", and RZ trim levels.
*3	Torsen^® is a registered trademark of JTEKT Corporation.

Link to the "GR Yaris" webpage (Japanese only)

Link to the "GR app" webpage (Japanese only)

GR app (in Japanese)

Toyota Motor Corporation works to develop and manufacture innovative, safe and high-quality products and services that create happiness by providing mobility for all. We believe that true achievement comes from supporting our customers, partners, employees, and the communities in which we operate. Since our founding over 80 years ago in 1937, we have applied our Guiding Principles in pursuit of a safer, greener and more inclusive society. Today, as we transform into a mobility company developing connected, automated, shared and electrified technologies, we also remain true to our Guiding Principles and many of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals to help realize an ever-better world, where everyone is free to move.

SDGs Initiatives: https://global.toyota/en/sustainability/sdgs/

DOWNLOADS (IMAGES)

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GR Yaris RZ "High performance" (GR-DAT)
GR Yaris RZ "High performance" (GR-DAT)
GR steering wheel
225/40R18 Bridgestone POTENZA RACE x BBS 8J forged aluminum wheels with 45 mm inset
GR Yaris RZ "High performance" + Aero performance package (GR-DAT)
GR Yaris RZ "High performance" (GR-DAT)
GR Yaris RZ "High performance" (GR-DAT)
GR Yaris RZ "High performance" (GR-DAT)
GR Yaris RZ "High performance" (GR-DAT)
GR Yaris RZ "High performance" (6MT)
Paddle shifter (GR-DAT)
GR Yaris
GR Yaris RZ "High performance" + Aero performance package (GR-DAT)
GR Yaris RZ "High performance" + Aero performance package (GR-DAT)
GR Yaris RZ "High performance"
GR Yaris RZ "High performance"
GR Yaris RZ "High performance"
GR Yaris RZ "High performance"
GR Yaris RZ "High performance"
GR Yaris RZ "High performance"