Car critics around the world call the rally-bred Yaris GR “the best Toyota we’ve ever driven” and “a single superlative.” Gran Turismo developer Kazunori Yamauchi, an industry influencer and racecar driver in his own right, offers us what other journalists can’t: a chance to get behind the wheel.
Gran Turismo Sport offers a free update tonight at 10 PM PST, introducing the Yaris GR RZ in a dedicated spec race series hosted at the fictional Sardegna windfarm circuit. Expect four production colors: red, black and two shades of white. Keep an eye out for the historic “turbo” logotype on the engine cover, as well as an exquisitely detailed interior with a manual transmission in the center console.
Toyota USA continues to be coy: the official Toyota GR Yaris microsite insists this heralded homologation special isn’t destined for our shores, but implores handraisers to register their interest in an American-market “hot hatch to call its own.” Rumors suggest America’s quick Toyota will be a five-door Corolla equipped with the Yaris GR’s three-cylinder turbo. Translating the Yaris’s exaggerated rear box fenders and pint-sized three-door charm into a larger form-factor will be a difficult challenge, but as long as a manual transmission makes the cut, consider us on board.
@highmileage is a world-traveling automotive historian. follow adam barrera on instagram.
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