In it Tokyo Auto Salonan event dedicated to special car preparations, is that two special editions of the fantastic Toyota GR Yariswhich were prepared by the Gazoo Racing competition department itself, the sports division of the brand.
Both models based on version GRMN (which stands for “Gazoo Racing Master of Nurburgring”)the most radical of the compact, are named after a world rally champion with Toyota: Sebastien Ogier Y Kalle Rovanperathe latter, current WRC champion with the new Rally1 Hybrid.
In addition to the aesthetic differences characteristic of these models, the Toyota GR Yaris RZ Sebastien Ogier Edition Y GR Yaris RZ Kalle Rovanperä Edition They were worked on in collaboration with the pilots themselves, so each one has a personalized set-up to the taste of each champion.
Of course, both maintain the 1.6-liter turbo engine that offers 268 Hp of power, coupled to a six-wheel drive manual gearbox and four-wheel drive. The only improvement in this area is a small increase in torque, from 266 to 288 pound-feet.
The pilot Frenchman Sébastien Ogier has won not one but eight world rally titlesthe last one with Toyota. And perhaps because of his age or experience, the Frenchman designed his car in a sober metallic gray, which in any case looks impressive. To this it adds a large rear wing, a specific vinyl dedicated to the WRC champion, black wheels with a specific design, blue brake calipers, and an interior with black upholstery with blue, white and red stitching.
“It’s not every day you can have a street car named after you. I’m excited to have my own special edition Toyota GR Yaris.”wrote the French on his Twitter account. “It has been a pleasure to have participated in the project, and I want to thank everyone who has been involved in it.”
Kalle Rovanperacurrent world champion, is really young, and for the same reason, he opted for a more striking design, using the same color pattern as toyota gazoo racing: red, black and white. It includes aesthetic details such as the number 69 that he uses in the competition. Features the rear wing used by Toyota in the 2022 WRCa black front splitter, red brake calipers, and black 18-inch alloy wheels.
“The GR Yaris Kalle Edition will be available soon! Many thanks to Toyota for making it possible and allowing me to be a part of something so special. I am also very happy with the decoration, designed by Liupakka Graphics”declared the Finnish champion.
For now, both models are presented as conceptual, an idea that emerged a few months ago when the WRC returned to Japan with an immense success of public in the routes. Will they go on sale? At least Toyota does not leave this sentence: “The release date and details of the vehicle will be released in the future.”
