By Otsile Kadiege

A few weeks ago, Toyota unveiled the facelifted GR Yaris which received a bunch of cosmetic and mechanical updates. The automaker’s Gazoo Racing division partnered with Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team (TGR-WRT) members Sébastien Ogier, who has won the WRC drivers’ title a total of eight times, and Kalle Rovanperä, who consecutively won the WRC drivers’ title in 2022 and 2023 to develop two new very limited special-edition models – the GR Yaris RZ “High performance Sébastien Ogier Edition” (Ogier Edition) and the GR Yaris RZ “High performance Kalle Rovanperä Edition” (Rovanperä Edition).

Both limited-edition models sport unique functional exterior and interior styling as we as new drive modes.

Ogier Edition exterior and interior

The GR Yaris RZ “High performance Sébastien Ogier Edition comes with a Matte Stealth Gray body paint, WRC victory commemorative decals (left and right front fenders), front radiator grille decoration (French national flag), BBS aluminum wheels (18 x 8J) + French national flag + TOYOTA GAZOO Racing logo, blue calipers, Toyota Gazoo Racing decals (left and right doors), Ogier Edition logo (back door) and a lightweight rally spoiler made of CFRP.

Inside, the Sébastien Ogier Edition features WRC victory commemorative badge (passenger seat), exclusive GR Full TFT gauge display (Morizo Mode and SEB. Mode), steering wheel stitching (in blue, gray, and red) and gray stitching for the shift boot, parking brake cover, and seats.

Rovanperä Edition exterior and interior

Outside, the GR Yaris RZ “High performance Kalle Rovanperä Edition” sets itself apart with,exclusive Rovanperä Edition color (three-tone paint), WRC victory commemorative decals (left and right front fenders), constant-velocity rear differential gears, BBS aluminum wheels (18 x 8J) with Toyota Gazoo Racing logo, Toyota Gazoo Racing decals (left and right doors, rear bumper), Rovanperä Edition logo on the back door and a rear spoiler including a variable wing made of CFRP.

Inside, the Rovanperä Edition features a WRC victory commemorative badge on the passenger seat, an exclusive GR Full TFT gauge display (Kalle Mode and Donut Mode), steering wheel stitching (in blue and gray) as well as blue and gray stitching for the shift boot, parking brake cover, and seats.

Performance

At the heart of the special-edition models is a three-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol engine with developing 224kW and 400Nm. The limited-edition models are solely paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and feature unique 4WD drive modes –  Normal Mode, Morizo Mode, and Seb. Mode for the Ogier Edition and Normal Mode, Kalle Mode, and Donut Mode for the Rovanperä Edition.

Availability

The duo made their world premiere at the Rallye Monte Carlo, which is the first round of the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). Purchasing lotteries for sales of both models in Japan are to start this spring through GR Garage locations nationwide, with sales planned to be limited to 100 units each.