Toyota surprised its fans at the beginning of the year by presenting a special version of the small “hot hatch” GR Yaris, equipped with an engine positioned behind the seats, at the Tokyo Motor Show.
The GR Yaris M Concept was announced as a prototype equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that was under development, and little was known about it since Toyota Gazoo Racing did not reveal the engine’s power or other details.
Despite the work of Toyota’s technicians, the new “pocket rocket” with a central engine is currently experiencing a more difficult phase in its development due to specific technical issues related to this type of central engine models, particularly regarding braking, steering, and driving.
Due to these difficulties, the GR Yaris M Concept’s participation in the Super Formula round held last weekend at the Autopolis circuit in Japan has been postponed.
Toyota stated that it decided not to participate in the race to further refine the GR Yaris M Concept. Despite the setback, the Japanese brand plans to participate in future races as part of its effort to create “better sports models”.
