280 hp is the power of the updated Toyota GR Yaris (2024). Two hundred and eighty horsepower! That’s more than a BMW 330i or a Volkswagen Golf GTI. And that in such a nice model.
Of Toyota GR Yaris already had the most powerful series-produced three-cylinder under the hood. If there was already a competitor that Toyota wanted to outdo, they can start all over again. The power of the GR Yaris with turbo and intercooler increased from 261 hp to 280 hp and the torque from 360 Nm to 390 Nm. At the same time, the weight remained within limits: the fastest Yaris weighs 1300 kilos.
New eight-speed automatic transmission
All the power produced by the 1.6-liter engine goes to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox or (optional) a new eight-speed automatic transmission from Gazoo Racing. The old automatic had six gears. The advantage of eight gears is that the transmission ratios are shorter.
The chassis was also overhauled. The suspension has been adjusted with stronger shock absorbers to provide more balance when you push yourself to the limit. Only the Performance version is still for sale, including forged rims, red brake calipers and a Torsen differential.
The driving position in the interior has been improved. The seat has been lowered by 25 millimeters and the shifting direction is exactly what drivers want: pushing is downshifting and pulling is upshifting.
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As long as it doesn’t break
So much power, such a small engine. Won’t that all break very quickly? That is a credit to Toyota. The camshaft was strengthened and fuel injection pressure was increased. New lightweight pistons with wear-resistant rings have also been installed, and Toyota added a new intake pressure sensor.
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Optimized for accidents
And then the appearance of the very fastest Toyota Yaris. The facelift took expressly into account the place where the GR Yaris is often taken out: the circuit. For example, the lower bumper now consists of three separate parts instead of one, which makes repair or replacement easier and cheaper.
The fog and reversing lights are no longer incorporated in the bumper, but integrated into the rear light units. Toyota did this to limit the risk of damage. The third brake light has been moved from the rear spoiler to a lower position on the tailgate.
Furthermore, Toyota’s racing department installed a new steel grille for the lower grille and the side grille was given a larger opening. At the back, an opening in the lower molding allows air to escape through the bottom. This limits air resistance, improves stability and better dissipates heat from the exhaust system.
And then there is the inevitable new color, which you also see in the photos: Precious Metal. Other colors include Emotional Red, Precious Black and Super White/Platinum White Pearlescent.
Toyota GR Yaris (2024): price indication
We know that almost half of all customers buy a Toyota GR Yaris as a second or third car, in addition to a good family car or a lease car with a plug. The updated Toyota GR Yaris will come to the Netherlands in the summer of 2024. The price – which will probably be announced in March – will certainly not be cheap. As an indication, the current Toyota GR Yaris costs 63,495 euros. That is also more than a BMW 330i or Volkswagen Golf GTI…