Toyota Motor Corporation plans to release the new “GR Yaris Aero Package,” a partially improved version of the evolved GR Yaris, on May 6, 2025. It was officially announced on April 11, 2025, and orders began on the same day. Prices range from 3,560,000 to 5,330,000 yen. This improvement incorporates knowledge gained from motorsports and incorporates features to further improve driving performance. In particular, the “GR Yaris Aero Package,” unveiled at Tokyo Auto Salon 2025, features various improvements, including improved aerodynamics and cooling performance.
Summary of changes to the new Toyota GR Yaris
- New GR Yaris Aero Package:
- Option package for RZ “High performance” and RC grade
- Set of six parts including an adjustable rear wing to improve aerodynamic performance
- Approximately 1 second reduction in lap time at Fuji Speedway
- Developed in collaboration with professional driver Kazuya Osaki
- Vertical parking brake
- Evolution of the 8-speed AT “GR-DAT”:
- Improved based on feedback from a wide range of drivers
- Expanded range of paddle downshifts possible when driving in D range
- Reduced time from paddle operation to gear shift start
- Improved direct feeling in sport mode
- Optimizing shift-up timing on uphill gradients
- Improvements to existing models:
- High-rigidity bolts are used to fasten some chassis parts
- Improved front and rear handling stability
- Wider flange width for rear suspension member fastening bolts
- Optimized tuning of dampers and electric power steering
- Applying anti-static aluminum tape to the bumper
- Expanded footrest area for automatic transmission vehicles
- Vertical parking brake now available on all grades
- Toyota Safety Sense+3.0 comes standard on the RC grade
- ENKEI wheels are available as an option on the “RZ” High performance ” grade.
- Exterior: 3-door hatchback, specially designed to enhance driving performance and reduce weight
- Size and body design: Overall width has been increased to improve driving stability, and lightweight materials have been used to prevent an increase in vehicle weight.
- Interior: A space that allows you to concentrate on driving, equipped with a digital meter
- GRMN Yaris 2: High-performance model may be available
- Specifications: Improved 1.6L turbo engine, maximum output 304ps, maximum torque 40.8kgm
- Fuel economy: GR Yaris RZ: 12.4km/L (6-speed manual transmission), 10.8km/L (8-speed automatic transmission)
- Price: Price increased due to improvements, aero package is optional
- Release date: May 6, 2025
New GR Yaris Aero Package
A major highlight of the new GR Yaris is the new optional package, the GR Yaris Aero Package. This package is available for the RZ “High performance” and RC grades, and production is scheduled to begin in October 2025.
GR Yaris Aero Package
The aero package includes six parts that improve aerodynamic performance, such as an adjustable rear wing, as well as cooling performance. Installing these parts will enable an improvement of approximately one second in lap times at Fuji Speedway.
Professional driver Kazuya Osaki was involved in the development, and improvements have been made to the braking behavior at the TGR corner, which was an issue at Fuji Speedway, as well as understeer and steering response at the Green Fight 100R corner.The car will also be equipped with the popular “vertical parking brake” that is available as a manufacturer option on the RC grade of the GR Yaris.
The main equipment of the aero package is as follows:
Aluminum hood with duct
This hood, which was first adopted in the All Japan Rally, improves cooling performance by releasing heat from ducts while driving. An aluminum hood with ducts is available, with the same shape as the carbon fiber hood used on the GRMN Yaris.
GR Yaris Aero Package: Aluminum hood with duct
- In order to improve the cooling performance that was an issue in the motorsports field, the engine was first adopted in the All Japan Rally.
- Improved cooling performance by dissipating heat from the ducts while driving
- An aluminum hood with ducts is available, with the same shape as the carbon fiber hood used on the GRMN Yaris.
front lip spoiler
Initially, an aero package was being considered that included all parts except the front spoiler, but development was extended due to comments from driver Oshima that “the front lacked ground contact and the aerodynamic balance was poor,” and ultimately a front lip spoiler was added.
GR Yaris front lip spoiler
- Initially, an aero package was being considered that included only the parts excluding the front spoiler, but the decision was made to extend the development period after driver Oshima commented that “the front lacked ground contact and the aerodynamic balance was poor.”
- Finally, a six-item aero package was completed with the addition of a front lip spoiler.
Fender duct
To solve the problem of poor steering feel caused by air accumulating inside the wheelhouse during nose dive and reduced handling stability at corner entrances, the duct releases turbulence inside the wheelhouse.
GR Yaris fender duct
- To solve the problem of poor steering feel caused by air accumulating in the wheelhouse during nose dive and reduced handling stability at corner entrances, turbulent air inside the wheelhouse is released from the duct.
Fuel tank undercover
This model adopts the idea of a flat bottom surface of the safety fuel tank that was installed on the No. 32 S-Taikyu car. By streamlining the airflow under the body, the Cd value is improved.
GR Yaris fuel tank undercover
- Adopted the idea of a flat bottom surface for the safety fuel tank installed in the No. 32 S-Taikyu car
- Improved Cd value by rectifying the airflow under the body
Adjustable rear wing
It contributes to steering stability at high speeds and suppresses the snake effect during braking. The angle can be adjusted as desired, allowing for changes to be made according to the motorsport event or the user’s driving situation.
GR Yaris adjustable rear wing
- Contributes to steering stability at high speeds and suppresses the snake-like phenomenon during braking.
- The angle can be adjusted as desired to suit the motorsports event or the user’s driving situation.
Rear bumper duct
The impetus for its development came when the rear bumper came off during a run at the S-Taikyu track. The duct reduces the Cd value and suppresses the parachute effect.
GR Yaris rear bumper duct
- The development began when the rear bumper came off during a run at the S-Taikyu track.
- Ducts reduce the Cd value and suppress the parachute effect
Evolution of the 8-speed AT “GR-DAT”
GR Yaris 8-speed automatic transmission “GR-DAT”
The new GR Yaris will also see improvements to the GR-DAT automatic transmission, which was newly introduced during the April 2024 model update. Even after its release, the GR-DAT has been driven by professional drivers and master drivers, and Vice Chairman Hayakawa has participated in rally challenges as a gentleman driver, with feedback from a wide range of drivers being reflected in its development. Aiming to combine the same driving performance as a manual transmission with the operability unique to two pedals, the speed range in which downshifting from 2nd to 1st gear is possible by operating the paddles while driving in D range has been expanded.
In addition, the time from paddle operation to the start of gear shifting has been shortened. When Sport mode is selected in manual mode, the direct feeling is improved near the redline. In order to optimize the timing of upshifts during full throttle acceleration, the timing of upshifts is slightly delayed because the engine speed rises slowly on uphill gradients, making it possible to maintain high power output even after upshifting.
Improvements to existing models
The new GR Yaris also includes improvements to existing grades, with bolts with high flange rigidity being used to fasten some chassis components. This improves steering feel and responsiveness in the front, while grip response when cornering and a firm feel when steering in the rear.
In addition, increasing the flange width of the rear suspension member fastening bolts from 22mm to 24mm contributes to improved straight-line stability and steering response. In addition, the dampers and electric power steering have been tuned optimally, and anti-static aluminum tape has been applied to the bumper. On AT models, maneuverability has been improved by enlarging the footrest area.
Vertical parking brake is an option for all grades
The vertical parking brake is now available as an option on all grades . The “RC” grade comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense+3.0, complying with the latest regulations. The “RZ”High performance” grade now comes with ENKEI wheels as an option, which were previously only available on the “RZ” grade.
Exterior design
The exterior of the new GR Yaris has been specially designed to significantly enhance its driving performance. The body type is a three-door hatchback, and the aggressive bodywork, blister wheel arches, special bumpers, and large front grille have significantly increased the vehicle width from the base model. The use of a carbon fiber roof and aluminum hood and doors has reduced the vehicle’s weight.
Size and body design
The new Toyota GR Yaris measures 3995mm long x 1805mm wide x 1455mm high, with a wheelbase of 2558mm and a weight of 1280kg. The width has been significantly increased from the base Yaris, resulting in high driving stability. While the weight has increased due to the adoption of 4WD, driving performance has been improved by using an aluminum engine hood, trunk lid, and door panels, as well as a carbon fiber roof panel molded using the SMC method.
Interior design
The interior of the new Toyota Yaris has been stripped of all unnecessary clutter to create a space that allows you to concentrate on driving. The interior trim features special accents and a steering wheel, and the car is equipped with sports seats that provide better support. The 2024 improvement saw the interior layout changed to improve operability, and the car is equipped with the latest 12.3-inch digital meter.
Added GRMN Yaris 2
The Toyota GR Yaris is scheduled to have a high-performance model, the GRMN Yaris 2. The GRMN Yaris 2 is an evolved version of the GRMN Yaris, which was released in 2022 as a limited edition model of 500 units, using the latest technology and know-how.
Based on the minor change GR Yaris, the car’s driving performance has been improved by adopting a special aero kit. In addition, the car’s special rigidity reinforcement parts and specially set engine allow you to enjoy a sharp driving experience. The brake system is equipped with Endless’s large-capacity brakes, which enable stable and high driving performance.
Specifications and driving performance
The new Toyota GR Yaris is powered by an improved inline 3-cylinder 1.6L gasoline turbo engine. It produces a maximum output of 304ps and a maximum torque of 40.8kgm. It is available with a 6-speed manual transmission, as well as a newly developed 8-speed automatic “GR-DAT.” It is equipped with an electronically controlled 4WD system, which allows for variable front/rear drive split between 0:100 and 100:0. The front and rear differentials are equipped with Torsen limited-slip differentials, providing excellent traction. The suspension is a strut type in the front and a specially developed multi-link type in the rear, enhancing driving performance from the ground up.
fuel economy
The fuel economy of the new Toyota GR Yaris (WLTC mode) for the GR Yaris RZ (1.6L turbo & 4WD) is 12.4km/L for a 6-speed manual transmission and 10.8km/L for an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Toyota’s new GR Yaris partial improvement price and grade
The grades and prices of the Toyota GR Yaris are as follows:
GR Yaris 2025 model
| grade | engine | transmission |
Drive system |
Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RC | 1.6L inline 3-cylinder intercooler turbo G16E-GTS |
6-speed MT (iMT) |
4WD (FF) |
3,560,000 yen |
| RZ | 4,480,000 yen | |||
| RZ “High performance” |
4,980,000 yen | |||
| RC | 8-speed automatic transmission (GR-DAT) |
3,910,000 yen | ||
| RZ | 4,830,000 yen | |||
| RZ “High performance” |
5,330,000 yen |
GR Yaris 2024 model
| grade | engine | transmission |
Drive system |
Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RZ | 1.6L inline 3-cylinder intercooler turbo G16E-GTS |
6-speed MT (iMT) |
4WD (FF) |
4,480,000 yen |
| RZ “High performance” |
4,980,000 yen | |||
| RZ “High performance Sébastien Ogier Edition” |
8,450,000 yen | |||
| RZ “High performance Kalle Rovanperä Edition” |
8,450,000 yen | |||
| RZ | 8-speed automatic transmission (GR-DAT) |
4,830,000 yen | ||
| RZ “High performance” |
5,330,000 yen |
Toyota’s new GR Yaris partial improvement specs
| Specifications | GR Yaris |
|---|---|
| full length | 3,995mm |
| Overall width | 1,805mm |
| Overall height | 1,455mm |
| Wheelbase |
2,560mm |
| tread | Front 1,535mm , rear 1,565mm |
| Passenger capacity | 4 people |
| Vehicle weight | 1,280 kg (1,300 kg for models equipped with GR-DAT ) |
| engine | 1.6L inline 3-cylinder intercooler turbo G16E-GTS |
| Maximum power | 224kW (304PS) / 6,500rpm |
| Maximum torque | 400Nm (40.8kgf) / 3,250~4,600rpm |
transmission |
iMT (6-speed MT) GR-DAT (8-speed AT) |
| Drive system | Sports 4WD system “GR-FOUR” electronically controlled multi-plate clutch (3-mode selectable) |
| Differential device | TORSEN® LSD |
| suspension | MacPherson strut double wishbone |
| brake | Ventilated discs (18-inch aluminum opposed 4-pot calipers) Ventilated discs (16-inch aluminum opposed 2-pot calipers) |
| wheel | BBS forged aluminum wheels 8J inset 45mm |
| tire | 225/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S |
| Fuel tank capacity |
50L |
GR Yaris
