Gazoo Racing (GR), the go-fast division of Toyota has lifted the wraps off a new production vehicle in addition to an exciting concept that promises to take the brand’s customer motorsport programme to greater heights. The GRMN Yaris and GR GT3 Concept duo form part of Toyota’s showcase at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon – one of the biggest motor shows of the automotive calendar.

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An even faster Yaris from Gazoo Racing

The GRMN Yaris follows the homologation special GR Yaris as part of Toyota’s ongoing commitment to motorsport. The key difference, apart from a few mechanical changes, is that prospective customers can opt for either a rally or circuit-specific model.

Read our GR Yaris launch report at this link.

Under the bonnet lies the same 1,6-litre three-cylinder that makes 200 kW at 6 500 r/min, though GR engineers have massaged an extra 20 N.m of torque out of it for a total output of 390 N.m. Drive is still send to all four wheels, but this time through an even more optimised six-speed manual gearbox. The final drive has been lowered from 3,941 to 4,25, while the Torsen limited slip differential (LSD) has been replaced with mechanical LSDs front and rear.

The rear seats have also been removed, for a weight saving of approximately 20 kg compared with the standard GR Yaris.

Last week, Toyota Gazoo Racing clinched the Dakar Rally with Qatari driver Nasser Al-Attiyah

The circuit package includes model specific 18-inch alloy wheels by BBS, 18-inch brake discs, adjustable Bilstein shock absorbers, carbon-fibre reinforced plastic rear spoiler and bonnet. The rally package also include GR shock dampers, a GR roll bar and GR underbody protection panels.

Read our review of the previous generation GRMN Yaris by clicking here.

Apparently, GR is only making 500 of these available for the Japanese Domestic Market only. Prospective customers can enter a lottery to be eligible to purchase one.

GT3 Concept a racecar of tomorrow

The GR GT3 Concept was borne out of the desire at Gazoo Racing to provide attractive cars for customers who wish to participate in the GT3 category of tin-top racing, which is the highest tier of motorsport in which you’ll find gentleman racers. There has not been much in the way of detail, save for the fact that the engine will be mounted ahead of the cabin.

Instead of turning a current production vehicle into a GT3-spec car, the GR GT3 Concept has been designed and developed from the ground up. GT3 racing usually requires cars to be based on existing production models, but this isn’t. It raises the intriguing question: will Toyota produce a limited number of these race first, road second models just to fall within the rules?