Toyota Unveils Its Hottest Hatch Yet: The GR Yaris Morizo RR Edition
Akio Toyoda, the visionary chairman of Toyota, has once again made headlines with his influence on the company's Gazoo Racing sub-brand. The GR arm, born from Toyoda's racing aspirations, has revolutionized Toyota's image from mundane commuter cars to a performance powerhouse.
At the Tokyo Auto Salon in Japan, Toyota unveiled the highly anticipated GR Yaris Morizo RR edition, a limited-run model that promises to ignite the hearts of automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
Named after Toyoda's racing nickname, Morizo, this edition follows in the footsteps of the two-seat Morizo edition of the GR Corolla and the Lexus LBX Morizo RR. Despite being a prototype, Toyota plans to produce 200 examples, with 100 available in Japan through a lottery system and the remaining 100 destined for Europe.
The GR Yaris Morizo RR is a testament to Toyota's commitment to performance and innovation. Developed after the 2025 Nürburgring 24 Hour race, where two GR Yaris prototypes dominated, the car features a unique carbon fiber rear wing and bonnet, along with a revised front splitter and side skirts. These aerodynamic enhancements are coupled with a refined suspension system, ensuring a smoother ride on uneven roads like those at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
The all-wheel drive system has also been fine-tuned, incorporating the exclusive 'Morizo' package. The exterior boasts a distinctive Gravel Khaki paint color, complemented by Piano Black highlights and matte bronze wheels, all paired with yellow brake calipers for a striking visual impact.
Inside, the GR Yaris Morizo RR showcases a smaller, suede-trimmed steering wheel with yellow contrast stitching and additional switches, reminiscent of the GR Yaris Rally2 car. The digital instrument cluster graphics pack, revised seats, and unique numbered plaque further enhance the exclusivity of this edition.
Toyota has not disclosed any power output adjustments beyond the standard 221kW and 400Nm from its turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. However, the GR Yaris Morizo RR is exclusively equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, making it more accessible to a broader range of buyers.
While the GR Yaris Morizo RR is not available in Australia, Toyota's local division recently introduced the Yaris GTS Aero Performance Package, adding $4500 to its price. This package includes GR Corolla-inspired features like cooling ducts and vents on the bonnet, a new front lip, an adjustable rear spoiler, altered front wheel arches, and a host of other enhancements.
The GR Yaris Morizo RR's unveiling has sparked excitement and curiosity among car enthusiasts, leaving them eager to learn more about this limited-edition masterpiece. As Toyota continues to push the boundaries of automotive performance, the question remains: Will this hot hatch ad be 'reckless' enough to be banned in certain markets?
