Hot-hatch enthusiasts have been patiently awaiting
the arrival of the Toyota Yaris GRMN. The wait will be over soon as production
is set to kick off this fall, but before it does, the Japanese automaker has
released its key final specifications.
While output from the 1.8-liter supercharged
inline-four was previously said to exceed 205 hp, it's now been confirmed at
209 – 212 on the metric scale. That's coupled to 250 Nm of
torque, all channeled to the front wheels through a six-speed manual and
limited-slip differential.
The 0-100 km/h time is estimated at 6.3
seconds, with the top speed restricted to 228 km/h. That's thanks in
no small part to the spritely curb weight of 1135 kg, giving the Yaris GRMN
“the best power-to-weight ratio in its class,” according to the manufacturer. And while the top Renault Clio RS 220 Trophy boasts
more juice, the Toyota still claims quicker acceleration times – and its
supercharged engine ought to offer an intriguing alternative to the
turbocharged competition.
Toyota's been tweaking the Yaris GRMN on the Nürburgring and surrounding
roads. It's dropped the standard Yaris' suspension by 24 mm, beefed up the
anti-roll bar, and fitted Sachs shocks, 275-mm front brake discs, 17-inch BBS
alloys, Bridgestone Potenza RE050 tires, the steering wheel from the GT86, and
the cooling system from a V6 engine. The aero package has also been further
optimized to the benefit of downforce, balance, and cooling.
Even if the performance didn't, pricing would
elevate the Yaris GRMN above its rivals, with a market-dependent sticker quoted
at € 29,900. But with only 400 of them (now confirmed) to be made for the
European market, Toyota ought to have little trouble selling them all.
