Don't be fooled by the image at the top of this article — it's not the new Toyota Yaris GRMN . The image quality is not the best either, but this is the first official image of the Yaris with accessories from Gazoo Racing.
The additional visual apparatus provided by the Gazoo Racing items leaves us in anxious mood: will there be a successor to the “old-school” Toyota Yaris GRMN?
Far from being perfect, the Yaris GRMN was a breath of fresh air, a reminder of the times when analogue reigned — we became fans and only regretted its price and its limited production (only 400 units).
Last week we met a new generation of Yaris, based on a new platform (GA-B) promising better driving position, lower center of gravity, and more refined dynamics; surely a better starting point for a GRMN vitamin version?
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There is still no official confirmation that there will be a new Toyota Yaris GRMN, but everything points to that, considering Matt Harrison, Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Europe, to Autocar:
“This is Gazoo Racing's strategy — not just sports cars like the Supra, but performance versions as well. We have some ideas about aspirational opportunities for the car, but you'll know more in a few months. It's more related to our desire to link the Yaris to our success in motorsport (WRC).”
Which way to go?
The Toyota Yaris GRMN used a 1.8 supercharged via a compressor, with more than 200 hp and coupled to a manual gearbox. Can the successor follow in his footsteps?
The current context is one of great pressure due to compliance with average CO2 emissions for 2021. Toyota is one of the manufacturers that is best prepared to meet them thanks to the high share of its hybrids in the sales mix, which is why the future Yaris of High performance doesn't exactly have to follow the hybrid path, remaining faithful to the combustion engine, again bearing in mind Matt Harrison's statements.
“Because of the strength of our hybrids in the sales mix, it allows us the flexibility and scope to have low-volume performance versions like the Supra.”
However, Toyota's participation in the WRC with the Yaris could mean a change of course. As we've previously reported, the WRC will also surrender to electrification from 2022, with the hybrid route being chosen — opportunity for a small hybrid 4WD monster to reflect the competition car?