04:26 12-03-2026

Toyota teases new GR Yaris variant, debut set for March 13

Toyota has released a teaser for a new GR Yaris variant, sparking speculation about a possible 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Details will be revealed on March 13.

Toyota has released a cryptic teaser for a new GR Yaris variant, revealing no details beyond a March 13 debut date. This announcement has sparked immediate speculation. The exterior, visible in a brightly lit image, appears identical to the 2024 model, ruling out a major facelift and suggesting localized technical changes.

The GR Yaris remains a unique rarity in today's market—a compact, all-wheel-drive hot hatch built in the spirit of homologation specials from the past. Following the 2024 update with its new interior, improved aerodynamics, and eight-speed automatic transmission, Toyota has released several special editions, including the Morizo RR. This new teaser could signal another limited-run version. However, a more ambitious possibility exists.

Toyota has been developing a new 2.0-liter turbocharged G20E engine for several years. This four-cylinder unit is based on the T24A family's 2.4T engine. It was fitted to an experimental GR Yaris at the Tokyo Auto Salon and later competed in Super Taikyu races for reliability testing. Against this backdrop, a logical assumption emerges: the new GR Yaris variant might debut with the G20E, becoming the most powerful and technologically advanced version in the model's history.

The current three-cylinder 1.6 Turbo remains one of the most outstanding engines in its class, but a four-cylinder unit would deliver a noticeable performance boost and better unlock the chassis's potential. If this engine is indeed also intended for the GR Corolla, updating the GR lineup would take on a more systematic character.

Details will emerge in just a few days. For now, Toyota is keeping the intrigue alive, which only heightens anticipation for this new sports car premiere.