Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has officially launched the new GR Yaris, now available with both a six-speed manual transmission and an eight-speed Direct Automatic Transmission, and retail sales began last March 6. The announcement reinforces Toyota’s philosophy of using motorsports to develop high-performance road cars, with the GR Yaris drawing direct inspiration from the World Rally Championship (WRC).
This latest version of the GR Yaris, often referred to as the "evolved" model, brings significant improvements, including a power boost, subtle visual changes, enhanced aerodynamics, better cooling, and, for the first time, an 8-speed automatic transmission developed through motorsport experience. Improvements which not only enhance the GR Yaris’ performance, but also make it more approachable for a broader range of driving enthusiasts.
Improved engine specs
Under the hood, the evolved GR Yaris is still powered by the G16E-GTS 1.6-liter, 3-cylinder, in-line, DOHC 4-valve engine. Toyota engineers have squeezed out an additional 20 horsepower and 30 Nm of torque, bringing the output to an impressive 280 PS and 390 Nm when running on 98-octane fuel.
Additional upgrades include a new sub-radiator and intercooler spray, enhancing cooling performance and maintaining optimal power output even under demanding driving conditions. The lightweight pistons now feature wear-resistant rings, and Toyota has added a new intake pressure sensor to further refine performance.
Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission
While the GR Yaris will still be available with a 6-speed manual transmission, Toyota is introducing a new 8-speed Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) for the first time in the model’s history. Developed with motorsport technology, this new gearbox aims to deliver lightning-fast shifts, improved responsiveness, and better control in high-performance driving conditions.
Developed through extensive testing in motorsports, including the Japanese Rally Championship and the Super Taikyu Series, the new Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) uses heat-resistant friction material in the gear-shift clutch, ensuring improved shifting speeds and reliability. The transmission software is finely tuned to sense braking and accelerator inputs, anticipating gear shifts before changes in vehicle behavior occur, and replicating the gear selection techniques of professional drivers. Toyota asserts that the new automatic GR Yaris can achieve faster lap times than the manual version, a claim that will soon be tested on roads and tracks.
Improved aerodynamics and cooling
Toyota has optimized the GR Yaris' exterior with motorsport-inspired improvements to aerodynamics and cooling. The lower grille now features a strong yet lightweight steel mesh, while a new separable bumper structure allows for easier repairs after motorsport use. The front and rear bumpers have been reshaped, not just for aesthetics, but to improve airflow and comply with homologation requirements for competition use. Several aerodynamic and structural changes in the road-going GR Yaris take inspiration from its rally counterpart, including improved cooling ducts, a revised bumper design, and enhanced chassis reinforcement techniques.
To further improve handling, Toyota has increased body rigidity with additional reinforcement. The number of bolts fastening the body to the shock absorbers has been increased from one to three, reducing alignment changes during high-performance driving and improving handling precision. Spot weld points have been increased by 13 percent, and areas covered by structural adhesive have been expanded by 24 percent, further reinforcing the chassis.
Interior enhancements for a better driving experience
The interior now features a driver-focused cockpit equipped with a 12.3-inch TFT meter display with a tire pressure monitoring system, alongside a 7-inch display audio system supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Inspired by race cars in the Super Taikyu Series, the control panel and display are now tilted 15 degrees toward the driver for enhanced visibility and operability. The center stack has been refined for better ergonomics, while the shift lever position has been adjusted to match the manual transmission model. Additionally, a hand brake remains in place for precise vehicle control in rally and gymkhana driving. Toyota has refined the cockpit layout to enhance driver focus, ensuring controls are more intuitive and accessible for high-performance driving.
Coming to the Philippines
The new GR Yaris will be publicly showcased at Race Weekend 1 of the 2025 Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup on March 22 at Clark International Speedway, where admission is free. Pricing for the new GR Yaris starts at ₱3,391,000 for the 1.6L Turbo manual and ₱3,550,000 for the 1.6L Turbo 8-speed DAT. It is available in four colors: Super White, Emotional Red, Precious Black, and the newly introduced Precious Metal.