While the Toyota GR Yaris AWD hot hatch has just started appearing on European and Japanese streets, it looks like the automaker is already working on an even more extreme version. At least that’s what these spy shots taken at the Nürburgring Nordschleife seem to suggest. The images sent by our spy photographers reveal a hardcore GR Yaris prototype featuring new performance parts and measuring equipment.
The most obvious additions over the stock
car include the huge rear spoiler made up of two elements, new winglets on each
side of the front bumper, as well as a pair of massive air outlets in the front
fenders behind the front wheels.
All these upgrades should improve the GR
Yaris’ aerodynamic performance, especially the downforce on the rear axle. The
black roof could be camouflage for a carbon fiber roof top, in which case we
could be looking at a lightweight version of the subcompact hot hatch. A
stiffer and lower sports suspension appears to be part of the package too.
We can also spot some measuring equipment
attached to the rear bumper and makeshift discs fitted on top of the rear alloy
wheels. Judging by the helmet, a professional racing driver was behind the
wheel of this prototype, indicating that Toyota is serious about improving the
GR Yaris’ performance and handling.
About that, the standard car offers enough
power for most people, with the 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder petrol
engine delivering 261 PS and 360 Nm of torque in
European specification. Hooked to a six-speed manual transmission and
four-wheel drive, the engine enables a 0-100 km/h sprint in less
than 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h.
