New Toyota GAZOO Racing GR Yaris M Concept, TG-RR – 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon

By Steve Laser

Since its debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon in 2020 (below), the Toyota GR Yaris has become a superstar on the racing circuit and in the hearts and minds of driving enthusiasts. Last year, Toyota GAZOO Racing introduced a refreshed GR Yaris at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

Equipped with a 1.6-liter 3-cylinder turbo engine and GR-FOUR 4WD, street versions of the GR Yaris in Japan can be fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission, or new GAZOO Racing 8-speed Direct Automatic.

2025 Tokyo Auto Salon

Toyota GAZOO Racing introduced new and surprising variants of the GR Yaris at the Tokyo Auto Salon, along with expanded motorsports activities.

GR Yaris TG-RR (NÜR 24h)

For the first time in six years, Toyota GAZOO Racing plans to return to the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race in Germany. Teaming up with ROOKIE Racing, a specially outfitted model displayed at the Tokyo Auto Salon is dubbed GR Yaris TG-RR (NÜR 24h).

Based on the refreshed GR Yaris, the racing machine is fitted with the new GR Direct Automatic Transmission. Master Driver Morizo (Chairman Akio Toyoda), along with other pro drivers, have been testing the Yaris TG-RR ahead of its racing debut.

“Going forward, TGR and ROOKIE Racing will work together under the banner of ‘TOYOTA GAZOO ROOKIE Racing’ as development partners who engage with cars and people on the front line, using driving data from races and other extreme conditions as a common language…” TGR said in a prepared release.

GR Yaris M Concept

While the racing heritage of GR Yaris has been fine-tuned over the years, TGR is planning to take it another step forward with the new GR Yaris M Concept. Planned to debut at the Super Taikyu Series in Japan, the “M” stands for midship-mounted engine.

The TGR display at Tokyo Auto Salon featured the new GR Yaris M Concept wrapped with camouflage. While this project is still under development, at first glance, it appears to have similar exterior design cues as the current GR Yaris.

Yet open the tailgate and there’s a big surprise! TGR has installed a new G20E 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged gas engine in the former rear seat and cargo area. (Perhaps the G20E could make an appearance in another sporty Toyota model in the future?)

Under the hood is … a lot of empty space. Should the GR Yaris M Concept reach limited production as a street-going variant, one would expect a modest trunk of sorts, to compensate for the lack of storage space inside the cabin.

GR Yaris Aero Package

A version of the current GR Yaris on display at the Toyota GAZOO Racing exhibit featured a new Aero Package under development for retail models sold in Japan.

While TGR already offers a variety of accessories for the GR Yaris, the Aero Package is said to include six parts that have been developed with pro drivers during racing and circuit evaluations.

In addition to enhancing the good looks of the GR Yaris, a variable rear wing is said to include a situation-responsive adjustable angle that reportedly enhances aero performance as well as handling and stability.

News sources and photos courtesy of Toyota GAZOO Racing Co., and Toyota Motor Corp.

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