Toyota GR Yaris gets motorsports-inspired Aero Performance Package

Toyota Gazoo Racing gives GR Yaris plenty of aero upgrades

The Toyota GR Yaris is already a rally-bred hot hatch that's ready for any on-road and off-road conditions. With a turbocharged 1.6L three-cylinder that makes 304 PS with 400 Nm of torque and is available with either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic gearbox, the AWD GR Yaris is ready to conquer any road and any type of terrain with ease.

But if you thought Toyota Gazoo Racing was done giving the GR Yaris upgrades, the company recently released the Aero Performance Package, which was developed together with professional drivers. The result is an uncompromising approach to achieving targeted performance by addressing issues encountered in both racing and circuit evaluations on the RZ high-performance trim and RC trim levels of the GR Yaris.

The GR Yaris Aero Performance Package consists of six parts that maximize aerodynamics and result in better cooling for the hot hatch. The first component is a ducted aluminum hood, which shares the shape of the carbon fiber hood used on the GRMN Yaris. Aside from being lightweight, the ducted hood improves engine cooling by discharging heat from the engine bay.

The next part is a front lip spoiler, which suppresses the generation of front lift while also enhancing front ground contact and aerodynamic balance. The front lip spoiler was developed after the GR Yaris competed at the Super Taikyu Series.

Moving on, the Aero Performance Package also sees the introduction of fender ducts. These help release rearward air that accumulates in the front wheel-wells, improving steering feel during nose dives and handling stability when entering corners.

The fourth component in the Aero Performance Package is a Variable Rear Wing. It helps to give the hot hatch better handling stability at high speeds and suppresses skittish handling when braking. Since it's adjustable, its angle of attack can be changed, depending on the driving situation.

Up next are the rear bumper ducts, which reduce the GR Yaris' drag coefficient. While they may only look to serve a cosmetic purpose, the ducts were developed to cope with harsh winds that the rear bumper can catch from the front of the vehicle, AKA the “parachute effect”.

Last but certainly not least is the fuel tank undercover. This was inspired by the flat shape of the bottom of the fuel tank that entered the Super Taikyu Series. Thanks to its design, the fuel tank undercover optimizes airflow under the vehicle, which improves aerodynamic performance.

Looking to get an Aero Performance Package for your GR Yaris? Better have the checkbook at the ready as the package starts at JPY 4,055,000 (around PHP 1.576 million) for the 6-speed manual RC+ version and goes all the way to JPY 5,825,000 (around PHP 2.264 million) in the RZ High Performance version with an 8-speed automatic.