“Evolved” Toyota GR Yaris debuts at 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon with an 8-Speed Automatic

After teasing the possibility of the Toyota GR Yaris getting an automatic transmission, the Japanese automaker has confirmed its debut at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon. However, that’s not all happening to Toyota’s hot hatchback, as it has also received other small upgrades and a slight adjustment to the interior.

The main focus of the “evolved” GR Yaris is its new 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct automatic transmission. It’s based on a standard torque converter automatic gearbox, but Toyota has added its special touch, tuning the transmission for faster shifts. Aside from this, the Japanese automaker has also tuned its shift logic for track use. The new 8-speed was also tested at the Super Taikyu endurance series and the Japan Rally Championship.

That’s not all, certain trim levels for the Toyota hot hatchback will get an improved cooling package. It has an extra radiator, an intercooler spray, and a redesigned intake system. Automatic versions of these trim levels will also have a transmission cooler. As for the new coolers, these are positioned near the side intakes of the car.

The body of the “evolved” GR Yaris also gets stiffened, with its suspension getting a slight rework to accommodate more power. The extra power doesn’t come in the form of “just a tune” as the engine gets a strengthened valvetrain, a new exhaust valve material, increased direct injection pressure, a new air pressure sensor, and redesigned lightweight pistons. These changes bump up the power from 272 horsepower to 304 horsepower. Meanwhile, its torque figures have also increased from 370 Nm to 400 Nm. To help put the extra power to the ground, the updated GR Yaris also gets a Torsen limited-slip differential for the front and rear axles. 

Aside from these mechanical changes, the new GR Yaris gets a new front bumper to accommodate the coolers, the interior has also been reworked slightly to be more driver-focused, and it gets a new 12.3-inch gauge cluster display from the GR Corolla. The driving position has also been reworked in the hatchback as the driving position has been lowered by 25 mm along with the steering wheel. Aside from this, the shifter has been raised by 75 mm. Also an optional vertical parking brake lever is available.

Will this come to the Philippines? Given the good reception the Toyota GR Yaris has gotten here, it highly likely will. The question is when?