Self-shifting Toyota GR Yaris becoming reality in 2024

First alleged as happening towards the end of 2021, before being indirectly affirmed last year, a new report from Japan has claimed that the incoming automatic version of the Toyota GR Yaris will additionally benefit from the same power and torque outputs as the GR Corolla.

Power trip

The first major change to head the GR Yaris’ way since its world debut in 2020, the much reported automatic ‘box, likely to be offered in the GR Corolla at some stage should approval be given, will be a torque converter eight-speed affair as opposed to a CVT or dual-clutch.

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Tipped to be different from the BMW-sourced unit used in the GR Supra, the eight-speed has reportedly been undergoing significant development work in the one-make Gazoo Racing Rally Challenge in Japan spearheaded by Toyota’s Vice-Chairman, Shigeru Hayakawa.

According to newest claims by Best Car Magazine, the inclusion of the eight-speed transmission will see the G16E-GTS 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine being revised to produce the same 221kW/370Nm as in the GR Corolla.

‘Box of tricks

Representing an increase of 20 kW over the Japanese Domestic Market GR Yaris, the self-shifter will not only feature paddle shifters, but also a lock-up function the publication says will have a similar direct feel to the present six-speed manual.

In addition, the updated GR Yaris, rumoured to the receive the Evolution II tag, will benefit from interior and exterior tweaks, improved brakes and suspension, plus a reinforced chassis and body as a result of the increase outputs.

“When you think of the GR Yaris, you think of a sports car, and when you think of a sports car, you think of a manual transmission, but even an automatic transmission is quite competitive.

“Maybe an automatic transmission would be better,” former Toyota CEO and President, now Chairman and Head of GR Development, Akio Toyoda, told Car Watch about the automatic transmission last year.

More details soon

While still largely under wraps most likely as a result of development still continuing, Best Car claims the automatic GR Yaris could become a production reality as early as January next year with order books opening before the end of 2023.

As mentioned though, nothing has been confirmed and given the publication’s often contrived launch date claims, for now, the January 2024 reveal, unless stated by Toyota outright, should be taken with a pinch of salt.

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