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Toyota’s new Yaris GRMN hot hatch
205bhp version of the Yaris takes rally inspiration to challenge Fiesta ST
Words by: Phill Tromans
Published on 8 March 2017 | 0 min read
- Hot hatch with a supercharged 1.8-litre engine
- Influenced by Toyota’s 2017 World Rally Championship car
- Three-door only, 17-inch alloy wheels, on sale in 2018
Say hello to Toyota’s new small hot hatch, the rally-inspired Yaris GRMN.
Coinciding with Toyota’s return to the World Rally Championship – with a Yaris – in 2017, the Yaris GRMN boasts a substantial power increase over the standard hatchback. It puts out 205bhp to the front wheels from a supercharged 1.8-litre engine, which is more than the also-new Ford Fiesta ST. For those wondering about the name, GRMN stands for Gazoo Racing by Meister of the Nurburgring; a reference to the fact that Toyota has tested the new car at the famous German racetrack. Gazoo Racing is the name used by all Toyota’s motorsport projects, and is an Anglicisation of a Japanese phrase.
Coinciding with Toyota’s return to the World Rally Championship – with a Yaris – in 2017, the Yaris GRMN boasts a substantial power increase over the standard hatchback. It puts out 205bhp to the front wheels from a supercharged 1.8-litre engine, which is more than the also-new Ford Fiesta ST. For those wondering about the name, GRMN stands for Gazoo Racing by Meister of the Nurburgring; a reference to the fact that Toyota has tested the new car at the famous German racetrack. Gazoo Racing is the name used by all Toyota’s motorsport projects, and is an Anglicisation of a Japanese phrase.
The exterior of the Yaris shows off the motorsport link with its white, red and black paint scheme, which echoes the rally car livery. The body has more aggressive bumper designs, a rear diffuser and a centre exhaust, as well as a black rear spoiler. Inside, sports seats and a small steering wheel taken from the GT86 coupe.
Underneath, the Yaris GRMN has a reinforced chassis to cope with the extra power, and a limited slip differential to aid traction and handling. It sits lower than the standard Yaris GRMN, and rides on new Sachs shock absorbers, with a larger front anti-roll bar and big brake discs behind 17-inch BBS multi-spoke alloys. The Yaris GRMN will go on sale early in 2018. Prices have yet to be confirmed.
Underneath, the Yaris GRMN has a reinforced chassis to cope with the extra power, and a limited slip differential to aid traction and handling. It sits lower than the standard Yaris GRMN, and rides on new Sachs shock absorbers, with a larger front anti-roll bar and big brake discs behind 17-inch BBS multi-spoke alloys. The Yaris GRMN will go on sale early in 2018. Prices have yet to be confirmed.
