Will Toyota Motor PH launch the updated GR Yaris at the TGR Philippine Cup?

The Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Philippine Cup is just a few weeks from now, but it seems like Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) will also be using the annual motorsports event to introduce something.

The Japanese automaker just teased on the social media pages of its motorsports division, Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippines, what is definitely the updated GR Yaris. See the full teaser below:

It only makes sense for TMP to introduce the latest version of their performance three-door hatchback as it is where everything GR is brought together, and it will be happening very soon, on March 22 to be exact.

Other than what they’ve shown in the teaser, there isn’t much to know about the updated GR Yaris. Looking at other markets though, we already know that it comes with more oomph under the hood.

Its 1.6-liter G16E-GTS turbocharged three-cylinder engine now comes with 304 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed manual transmission or a new eight-speed GR-DAT. 

That stands for Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission which Toyota has tuned for track use with faster shifts. It isn’t confirmed if we’ll get this here but who knows.

Changes are not limited to the mechanicals as it also receives changes on the exterior and interior. In front, it gets a new front bumper with larger air intakes for better engine cooling, and the rear gets a new set of taillights (as seen on the teaser).

Inside, the dashboard has been largely revamped with a more driver-centric layout and more rally car-inspired appearance. The driving position has also been lowered by 25mm, and the gear shifter raised by 75mm, making sure everything is optimal for the driver.

That’s all we know for now. Are you excited for the arrival of the updated Toyota GR Yaris?