The 2024 Toyota GR Yaris brings just that - a breath of fresh air and some spice. This little sportsman, who until now stuck to a manual transmission, is now changing the rules of the game with the introduction of a new, advanced automatic transmission. But this is not the only novelty that this Japanese little one brings. It also adds some horses, which are now around 300. This should make it much faster than the current version.
At the Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota revealed the updated GR Yaris and its associated new transmission called the Direct Automatic Transmission. It is an eight-speed automatic transmission based on the classic torque converter, but optimized for faster shifting and adapted for use on the race track. Although it is not a dual-clutch transmission as found in other sports cars, the example of the ZF 8HP can show that even "regular" automatic transmissions can be more than satisfactory.
Parallel to the introduction of the new gearbox, the Toyota GR Yaris also brings more power and a series of improvements in various areas. Engine power increases from 268 horsepower (199 kW) and 273 pound-feet (370 Nm) of torque – it inspires excitement and is considered a “sick” little athlete. But now, with a new 300 horsepower (223 kW) and 295 pound-feet (400 Nm) of torque, and the addition of an advanced automatic, Toyota adds even more sharpness and performance. It takes the technique from the GR Corolla model. There will also be a “Circuit” specification with improved cooling, including an additional radiator, an intercooler diffuser and a redesigned air intake system. Automatic transmission cars will also have a dedicated transmission cooler that will be visible in the side air intakes. Surprisingly, the automatic transmission only weighs about 18 kilograms more than the manual.
Overall body and suspension stiffness improvements support the power boost from the turbocharged three-cylinder engine. It's not just a new setup, but a "strengthened" valve mechanism, new exhaust valve material, increased direct injection pressure, a new air intake pressure sensor and redesigned lightweight pistons.
Finally, the GR Yaris also received a renovation of the interior and exterior. A revised, more aggressive front bumper allows for the installation of additional coolers, while the interior has been completely redesigned to be more driver-focused. While the dash is a bit odd and dated compared to the previous version, at least the new gauge on the dash is now the 12.3-inch display from the GR Corolla model.
Even the predecessor Toyota GR Yaris arouses enthusiasm with its performance numbers. With 268 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, it was a "sick" little athlete that left a strong impression on the roads and racetracks. But now, with a new 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and the addition of an advanced automatic, Toyota adds an extra edge to it. All this without losing what made the original GR Yaris so special. We are glad that the manual transmission will still be available. In this mix of new and old, the 2024 Toyota GR Yaris represents an evolution in the right direction that will undoubtedly continue to stir the spirits of sports car enthusiasts.
