Toyota has detailed two particular editions of the just lately upgraded GR Yaris sizzling hatchback, which can go on sale in restricted numbers later this 12 months. 

Named the GR Yaris RZ High Performance Sébastien Ogier Edition and the GR Yaris RZ High Performance Kalle Rovanperä Edition, they have been first revealed on the Tokyo Auto Salon final 12 months. 

As their names counsel, the vehicles are impressed by the Gazoo Racing competitors equipment pushed by Sébastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä within the World Rally Championship (WRC).

They’re restricted to the Japanese market, the place potential prospects can participate in lotteries to safe an order slot. Just 100 examples of every might be made.

While no modifications have been made to the 299bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine seen within the new GR Yaris, the 2 vehicles get four-wheel drive and particular rally-specific driving modes. 

In the Ogier Edition, drivers have entry to Normal mode – the identical because the Normal mode on the RZ High Performance Trim of the usual GR Yaris – and Morizo mode, which improves traction and cornering by making use of most restraint to the entrance and rear wheels. 

It additionally good points Seb mode, with energy distribution that is biased to the rear wheels, which “provides a sense of oneness with the vehicle” and boosts dealing with at increased speeds.

The Rovanperä Edition additionally will get Normal mode, plus it will get Donut mode, which improves drifting and donut spins by making use of most direct connection to each the entrance and rear wheels. 

Kalle Mode permits drivers to make full use of an additional rear differential to swing out the rear of the automobile and helps to drag the entrance finish ahead when accelerating out of corners. 

As for design modifications, the Rovanperä Edition is fitted with the rear wing from the GR Yaris GRMN, whereas the Ogier Edition will get a newly developed, light-weight rear spoiler. 

Both vehicles function decals that remember Gazoo’s 2023 WRC title on the entrance wings, plus steering wheel stitching that matches the nationwide flag of every driver’s residence nation (France and Finland).

Each automobile additionally will get a celebratory plaque on the dashboard. 

The two vehicles have been developed on the request of Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda, an avid motorsport fan.

He mentioned they have been made to “categorical my respect and gratitude to the drivers who hone and develop our vehicles in rallies, to all of the groups that present us with such alternatives and to rally organisers and all others concerned, in addition to to followers”.