A redesigned steering wheel, revised high-performance tires and optimized power steering are intended to further improve the driving experience of the sporty compact car – at unchanged prices starting from 47.590 euros.
Since its market launch in 2020, the GR Yaris has embodied the philosophy of Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) to continuously develop production vehicles through insights gained from motorsport.
Experiences from the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) as well as from various national racing series are directly incorporated into the development.
The engineers analyzed driving data, examined stressed components, and evaluated feedback from rally professionals to ambitious track day drivers. The focus of the redesign is the interface between driver and vehicle.
More direct, more precise, suitable for motorsport
The newly developed steering wheel was designed in close collaboration with professional racing drivers, refined using clay models and extensive test drives on the racetrack, and reduced to a diameter of 360 millimeters – five millimeters less than before.
This allows for faster steering inputs and more direct feedback. The grip area has been enlarged, while the thumb rests have been removed.
The arrangement of the control buttons has also been revised: Since steering wheel angles of up to 180 degrees without repositioning the hands are common in motorsport, all switches have been moved further away from the grip area to prevent accidental activation. The new steering wheel is rounded off with an exclusive GR emblem.
Archive image: Toyota GR Yaris (2026) receives motorsport optimizations
Bridgestone Potenza Race and chassis
For the 2026 model year, the GR Yaris will come standard with newly developed Bridgestone Potenza Race tires. Revisions to the tread pattern, construction, and rubber compound improve the performance of the semi-slick tire during sporty driving on the racetrack, without compromising everyday comfort – road noise has been noticeably reduced.
To make optimal use of the increased grip level, the damper settings on the front and rear axles were adjusted. The electric power steering benefits from insights gained in the Super Taikyu and the Japanese Rally Championship.
Because increased torsional stiffness in the torque sensor and updated control software extend the operating range of the power steering – even under heavy braking and high lateral forces in curves.
Further equipment improvements
In addition to the sporty upgrades, a driver monitoring camera has been integrated into the standard safety equipment. It detects signs of distraction or fatigue and is linked to the vehicle's emergency braking system.
Furthermore, heated seats and steering wheel are now also available in combination with the optional vertical handbrake. All these new features are standard equipment on the current GR Yaris and GR Yaris Aero Performance – at no extra cost.
In Germany, the modified GR Yaris is now available to order: GR Yaris from 47.590 euros, GR Yaris Aero Performance from 51.090 euros.
