Evolved GR Yaris Special Editions Supervised by WRC Drivers Unveiled

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) unveiled the GR Yaris RZ "High Performance·Sébastien Ogier Edition" (Ogier Edition) and the GR Yaris RZ "High Performance·Kalle Rovanperä Edition" (Rovanperä Edition) at the Rallye Monte Carlo, the first round of the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). These special-edition vehicles are based on the evolved GR Yaris and are set to go on sale in Japan this spring, with a purchasing lottery through GR Garage locations. Sales will be limited to 100 units each.

Special Editions Honoring WRC Champions

These special editions, initially introduced at Tokyo Auto Salon 2023, are supervised by TGR-WRT members Sébastien Ogier, an eight-time WRC champion, and Kalle Rovanperä, the consecutive WRC drivers' title winner in 2022 and 2023. The development of these models reflects Chairman Akio Toyoda's respect and gratitude for the drivers and the entire rally community. The cars incorporate feedback from both drivers, featuring interior and exterior changes, 4WD control enhancements, and exclusive TGR-WRT-related experience programs for buyers to join in the WRC excitement.

Ogier Edition Highlights

MORIZO Mode: Maximizes restraint (direct connection) to the front and rear wheels during acceleration and relaxes as necessary during braking, ensuring high levels of traction and turning performance. This mode, preferred by Ogier, was derived from extensive testing by Chairman Toyoda, a.k.a. Morizo.

SEB. Mode: Favors rear-wheel driving force to enhance front-wheel turning performance and vehicle control, providing a sense of oneness with the car and contributing to shorter race times.

NORMAL Mode: The standard mode found in the RZ "High Performance" trim of the GR Yaris.

Rovanperä Edition Highlights

DONUT Mode: Maximizes restraint to the front and rear wheels for superior slide control during drifting, a specialty of Rovanperä.

KALLE Mode: Uses an additional constant velocity rear differential to swing the vehicle's rear aggressively into curves and pull the front forward using the accelerator, aiding in shorter race times.

NORMAL Mode: The standard mode found in the RZ "High Performance" trim of the GR Yaris.

Unique Design Features

Both editions feature unique design elements to improve aerodynamic performance and aesthetics:

• Ogier Edition: Features a new matte color called "Matte Stealth Gray" and a newly developed CFRP lightweight rally spoiler.
• Rovanperä Edition: Boasts a three-tone paint design applied by a designer who is a friend of Rovanperä, along with the same variable-wing CFRP rear spoiler as the GRMN Yaris.

Additionally, both editions include WRC victory commemorative decals on the front fenders and steering wheel stitches that match the colors of the national flags of the drivers' home countries (France for Ogier and Finland for Rovanperä). An exclusive plaque commemorating TGR's WRC victories is mounted on the instrument panel.

Conclusion

The GR Yaris RZ "High Performance" special editions, supervised by WRC champions Sébastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä, are a tribute to the rally heritage and cutting-edge technology of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing. These models are a testament to the continuous evolution of the GR Yaris, offering fans a chance to experience the excitement of WRC in a unique and personalized way.

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