The Tokyo Auto Salon kicks off on January 10. Toyota decided to wait until the last moment to disclose the vehicles it was bringing to the aftermarket-focused show. The wait was worth it, though.
In addition to a wide range of race cars and a few classic models, Toyota built a special GR Yaris for the event. The considerable revisions include moving the engine from under the hood in front to a new mid-mounted position.
The GR Yaris M Concept
Beyond moving the engine behind the driver, there are other significant modifications to the
M Concept. It adopts a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rather than the road car’s turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder. Unfortunately, Toyota isn’t disclosing this engine’s output.
The mid-engined GR Yaris M Concept looks largely like the road car, except at the back. This new hatchback has a cut-out panel that allows people to see the engine at all times.
There are no details about the drivetrain, including the vehicle’s transmission. However, the photos indicate that the car retains an all-wheel-drive layout.
The GR Yaris M Concept will compete in Japan’s S-Taikyu racing series. The development team plans to use motorsport to torture test the car. The crew wants to see what breaks and then improve those parts.
Other Toyota Vehicles At Tokyo Auto Salon
While the GR Yaris M Concept is Toyota’s highlight at this year’s show, it’s not the only vehicle the company has on display at Tokyo Auto Salon. The company is also bringing the GR Yaris Aero Package Prototype that makes the hot hatch look more aggressive. The body kit consists of a front fascia with larger inlets, a hood with a subtle vent, a tall rear wing, and a new rear bumper.
The company has lots of race cars there, too. They include the GR Yaris competing at this year’s
24 Hours, a Toyota Altezza from the 2007 Nürburgring 24 Hours, a Lexus LFA from the 2014 event, and a Supra from the 2019 running.
TopSpeed’s Take
A mid-engined GR Yaris with a bigger engine is a wild idea. The setup should improve the car’s weight distribution and have more power than the road-going model. Plus, it’s interesting to see Toyota toying with this idea because a person has to wonder if a production vehicle could come out of the experimentation.
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