The Future of Hot Hatch Excellence: Toyota GR Yaris Facelift 2024 with Automatic Transmission, Enhanced Power and a comprehensive set of updates to enhance its performance and aesthetics.
Tokyo, January 12, 2024 – Toyota has officially unveiled the highly anticipated facelift of the GR Yaris, introducing an automatic transmission option, a power boost, and a comprehensive set of updates to enhance its performance and aesthetics.
Automatic Transmission:
The most notable addition to the 2024 GR Yaris is the optional eight-speed automatic transmission, breaking away from its manual-only tradition. Toyota claims the torque-converter design, named ‘Direct Shift,’ provides lightning-fast shifts, drawing inspiration from motorsports. The transmission was rigorously tested in circuit and rally racing in Japan, incorporating input from Toyota Gazoo Racing rally drivers. The 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine receives a substantial power boost, now producing 224kW and 400Nm, contributing to improved competitiveness in motorsports.
Performance Enhancements:
The power increase is not merely a result of a retune; it involves upgraded engine internals, a revised exhaust system, heightened direct injection pressure, a new intake air-pressure sensor, and lightweight pistons. The six-speed manual transmission remains available, but the eight-speed automatic, developed for durability in racing, is a promising alternative.
Chassis and Handling:
To complement the power surge, Toyota has stiffened the chassis with additional bolts, increased spot welding points by 13%, and applied 24% more structural adhesive. The springs have been revised for sharper handling, ensuring an exhilarating driving experience.
Styling and Interior Overhaul:
Externally, the GR Yaris showcases a restyled front bumper with replaceable corners, larger air intakes, and new full-width tail-lights. Inside, the dashboard has undergone a redesign, addressing concerns from the previous model. The central control panel is now tilted towards the driver, and the driving position has been lowered by 25mm. Toyota has introduced a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, offering GR-specific graphics and features such as automatic-transmission oil temperature readout and visual alerts for optimal gear selection.
Advanced Cooling and Additional Features:
All GR Yaris variants can be equipped with a Cooling Package, including a sub-radiator, cool air intake, and an intercooler water sprayer. Automatic models feature a transmission fluid cooler. The facelifted model also focuses on improved cooling with additional outlets in the front bumper to exhaust heat from various components.
Driving Modes and Circuit Mode:
Toyota introduces three new all-wheel-drive modes – Normal, Gravel, and an updated Track mode. Sport, Normal, and Eco modes are available to vary steering weight, throttle response, auto-gearbox shift behavior, air-conditioning intensity, and instrument cluster view. A new ‘Circuit Mode’ enhances the car’s performance on race tracks, activating an anti-lag system, increasing the speed limiter, and displaying a shift light on the dashboard.
Future Implications:
The 2024 Toyota GR Yaris “Evolved” is set to open for orders in the northern spring of this year in Japan. The updated model lays the groundwork for special editions honoring Toyota’s World Rally drivers Sébastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä, scheduled to be unveiled later this month at the Monte Carlo Rally. While the 2024 GR Yaris might not make it to the United States, its advancements hint at potential features for future GR Corolla models, including the automatic transmission.
Toyota enthusiasts can expect an exhilarating fourth quarter of 2024 or an early 2025 launch for the updated GR Yaris, promising a thrilling driving experience with a perfect blend of power, style, and advanced technology.
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