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Toyota revitalises three GR high-performance sports cars for 2025
Toyota has given three of its driver-focused high-performance GAZOO Racing (GR) sports cars a big update for 2025.
Launching to the New Zealand public and GR fanbase in January, the GR Yaris, GR Corolla and limited GR86 Hakone Edition will all offer something even more exciting and tantalising to the driver who wants to feel truly connected to the road.
Toyota New Zealand Vice President Andrew Davis says the upgrades represent Toyota’s steadfast commitment in building ever better cars.
“TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has given us a brand platform to appeal to New Zealand performance car enthusiasts. The GR programme started in motorsport and has shifted into our road going products with the GR Yaris, undoubtedly the best hot hatch on sale today, and then continued with the revived GR Corolla, and more recently the revamped GR86.
“It’s amazing that the ongoing development of our GR models continues, and this really appeals to customers who want to see ongoing improvements and tuning enhancements that make these cars even more fun to drive. For 2025, all three models have been improved with advancements ranging from an increase in power from their highly efficient engines, advancement in drivetrains, engineering, and design that will continue to put a broad grin on the face of every driver who gets behind the steering wheel,” Andrew says.
Andrew, who is also responsible for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing in New Zealand, says the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing series and the GR models are an important part of Toyota’s presence in New Zealand as they showcase the breadth and depth of the brand’s product design, technical expertise and manufacturing capability. The GR Yaris, and subsequently, the GR Corolla were born from Toyota’s World Rally Championship experience and technology, while the GR86 were co-developed with other well-respected performance car manufacturers.
Multiple award winner and beloved by hot hatch owners and motoring writers around the globe, the GR Yaris has been improved for 2025 with a focus on the car’s on-road performance. Performance from the ever-willing three-cylinder engine has been uprated with another 21kW of power and 30Nm of torque.
In addition to the 6-speed manual transmission, a new 8-speed direct shift automatic transmission variant has been added to the GR Yaris line-up. The auto version also receives launch start control, enabling powerful start off acceleration from a stationary position. The auto version also receives a water-cooled and air-cooled Automatic Transmission Fluid cooler.
For both variants, a new three-piece front bumper with larger cooling apertures has been added along with a new engine sub-radiator, cold air intake, and intercooler spray to enhance cooling. The front end was stiffened to improve stability through corners without losing its famous agility and cornering ability.
Inside, the GR Yaris has a newly designed instrument panel and an audio display that is angled towards and around the driver to improve visibility and operability. The driving position has been lowered by 25mm and a 12.3 inch full colour meter has been added.
The GR Corolla, which utilises the same powertrain as the GR Yaris, has also been upgraded with the addition of the 8-speed direct shift automatic transmission. The impressive three-cylinder engine retains the same power but has an extra 30Nm of torque.
Deriving its name from a legendary Japanese winding forest road with multiple switchbacks, the GR86 Hakone Edition blends iconic heritage with race-ready prowess while injecting a modern edge to the twists and turns of your daily drives.
The GR86 Hakone Edition has the same 2.4L petrol powered real wheel drive powertrain as the GR86 GT variant but is wrapped in a rich Ridge Green colour that is reminiscent of British Racing Greens and similar shades used over the years for a variety of racing marques. Complementing the Ridge Green exterior will be a set of lustrous Bronze painted alloy wheels.
Inside, the front seats are treated with Ultrasuede and Leather accents and have tan accents, tan contrast stitching and black perforations. The tan contrast stitching is also carried through to the steering wheel, shift lever boot, door arm rests and parking brake lever. A unique gear shift knob features a bronze accent and Hakone Edition etching.
The GR86 Hakone Edition will be available in New Zealand in exceptionally limited numbers, only a few of which will feature a 6-speed manual gearbox.
While all three GR models being released to the public in January are petrol only, Andrew Davis says the focus for Toyota NZ remains on decarbonising its portfolio.
“More than half of our new vehicles sold today have a hybrid or electrified powertrain. Our multi-powertrain approach and focus on hybrids means we can both satisfy customer needs for high performance or off-road functionality while still meeting our commitments under the Clean Car Importer Standard and to our voluntary carbon reduction targets.”
The new GR models will be available for test drives by GR enthusiasts in early 2025.