Toyota launched an up to date model of its GR Yaris scorching hatch in January in the course of the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon, however nonetheless within the works is the automobile’s hotter GRMN variant, a prototype for which has been noticed for the primary time.

GRMN is the range-topping choice for street automobiles developed by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing motorsports division. It stands for “Gazoo Racing Masters of Nürburgring,” and automobiles labeled as GRMNs might be in comparison with prime choices from the likes of Subaru’s STI and Mercedes-Benz’s AMG divisions.

The prototype for the GRMN Yaris reveals a number of noticeable variations to the common GR Yaris, which is already an excessive automobile. These embody a brand new makeshift consumption up entrance, the place the license plate usually sits, necessitating a shift within the license plate on the prototype.

There’s additionally an prolonged entrance splitter and an upgraded brake package deal from Infinite. The rear wing with its swan-neck struts is featured on the present GRMN Yaris launched in 2022, and also will function on the up to date model, almost certainly.

2025 Toyota GRMN Yaris facelift spy photographs – Picture credit score: Baldauf

Typical GRMN upgrades embody improved rigidity, additional downforce, and lowered weight. The present GRMN Yaris additionally has a barely wider monitor and decrease trip top in comparison with the common GR Yaris.

The present automobile does not have any additional energy over the common GR Yaris, which implies the up to date model will doubtless pack the identical 276 hp because the up to date GR Yaris, although the additional cooling up entrance might point out in any other case.

In line with our photographer, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda, the grandson of Toyota’s founder and a champion of the GR and GRMN variations of the Yaris, was current in the course of the check session which passed off on the Nürburgring. He was one of many key backers for the Direct Automated Transmission that was developed for the most recent GR Yaris and certain additionally fitted to the GRMN Yaris.

2024 Toyota GR Yaris

The 8-speed auto is designed to shift quicker than an everyday auto by utilizing software program to foretell driving habits. Whereas such expertise is not new, Toyota’s software program appears past the usual metrics resembling deceleration g-forces and pace, and integrates acceleration and braking into its logic. By doing so, it is ready to anticipate when a shift is important earlier than a change in driving habits really takes place.

Search for the GRMN Yaris to debut late this 12 months or early subsequent.

Though the U.S. misses out on each the GR Yaris and GRMN Yaris, Toyota presents the larger GR Corolla right here and in addition appears to be readying a GRMN Supra that may doubtless be offered within the U.S. as effectively.