As the Tokyo Motor Show prepares to open on January 10, Toyota has revealed a striking new creation: the mid-engined GR Yaris M Concept. This special build, designed for both the show and motorsport, showcases Toyota’s commitment to its GR performance brand.
The most notable change in the GR Yaris M Concept is the relocation of the engine. Instead of sitting under the front hood, the engine has been moved to a mid-mounted position behind the driver. This shift aims to improve weight distribution and handling, making the car more agile on the track.
Under the hood—or rather, behind the driver—the GR Yaris M Concept features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This is a significant upgrade from the standard GR Yaris road car, which uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine. The larger engine is expected to deliver more power, though exact performance figures have not yet been disclosed.
Visually, the GR Yaris M Concept retains much of the road car’s design, with one key exception: the rear. A cut-out panel on the hatchback allows onlookers to see the engine at all times, giving the car a bold, race-ready appearance.
Toyota plans to enter the GR Yaris M Concept in Japan’s S-Taikyu racing series. The development team will use the competition to rigorously test the car’s durability and performance. By identifying weak points under race conditions, they aim to refine and improve the vehicle for future iterations.
This mid-engined concept underscores Toyota’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of its GR performance lineup. For anyone questioning Toyota’s commitment to high-performance vehicles, the GR Yaris M Concept serves as a clear statement of intent.
The Tokyo Motor Show will provide the first public glimpse of this exciting new concept, alongside a variety of race cars and classic models from Toyota’s storied history.
