Toyota reveals limited editions of the GR Yaris for Ogier and Rovanperä with just 200 units produced

Toyota Gazoo Racing, the Japanese automaker’s high-performance division, announced the launch of two special and highly exclusive editions of the GR Yaris. The models pay homage to the multi-champions of the Campeonato Mundial, Rali (WRC), Sébastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä, reinforcing the vehicle’s strong connection with competitive motorsport. Production will be strictly limited to 100 units of each version, totaling 200 collector’s examples that celebrate the pilots’ legacy.

Developed in direct collaboration with the drivers, the special editions offer personalized traction and aerodynamic settings, reflecting each champion’s riding style. Embora these limited versions are not scheduled for official release in América of Sul, Toyota of Brasil has already confirmed the arrival of the updated standard version of GR Yaris. The arrival of the acclaimed hot hatch is scheduled for April 2026, marking the debut of one of the most anticipated sports cars of recent years in the country.

Exclusive details of the Ogier edition

The version in honor of the French pilot Sébastien Ogier stands out for its sobriety and focus on precision. The model is offered in the exclusive color Matte Stealth Gray (matte gray), complemented by subtle stickers that refer to the França flag on the sides and front grille.

The 18-inch BBS alloy wheels have a specific design, while the rear spoiler is made of carbon fiber to optimize aerodynamics at high speeds. Inside, a numbered plate on the dashboard identifies the unit, and the stitching on the seats, steering wheel and gear lever follow a blue, white and red pattern.

Version Rovanperä customizations

In contrast, the Kalle Rovanperä edition adopts a bolder look directly inspired by the Toyota Gazoo Racing competition cars. The body features a tricolor paint job with graphics in red, white and gray, replicating the layout used in the Yaris WRC.

The design seeks to capture the energy and aggressive style of the young Finnish driver, who became the youngest champion in the rally’s history. The objective is to visually convey the dynamic performance that the car offers.

Just like the Ogier version, the interior follows the sporty proposal, with stitching in shades of blue and gray, paying homage to the colors of the Finlândia flag. An exclusive identification plate is also present, reinforcing the collectible nature of the model and its direct link with the two-time world rally champion.

Unique driving modes for each champion

The big difference between the special editions is the calibration of the GR-Four all-wheel drive system. Cada model debuts exclusive driving modes, developed to mirror the preferences and techniques of the honored drivers, offering a distinct and personalized riding experience.

In edition Ogier, two new modes debut: “Morizo” and “Seb”. The first, developed with the participation of Akio Toyoda, former president of Toyota, adjusts torque distribution for more aggressive driving and focused on track performance. Já the “Seb” mode, calibrated by Ogier himself, prioritizes the rear axle, allowing more refined control of the car in curves, a striking feature of the eight-time world champion’s style.

In turn, the Rovanperä model also receives exclusive modes. The first is the “Donut” mode, specifically designed to make it easier to perform controlled drift maneuvers and turns, sending most of the torque to the rear wheels. The second, called “Kalle”, was calibrated to optimize performance on low-grip sections, such as dirt or gravel, allowing the driver to make the most of the vehicle’s agility in these conditions.

These electronic calibrations transform the vehicle’s dynamic behavior, allowing the driver to switch between settings that range from maximum efficiency on a circuit to controlled fun on slippery surfaces, reflecting the versatility required in the world of rallying.

Engine and mechanical improvements

Both special editions are based on the latest GR Yaris update, which has received significant improvements to its mechanics. The heart of the hot hatch continues to be the G16E-GTS engine, a 1.6 three-cylinder turbo, but its power has been increased to 304 hp and torque to 40.8 kgfm in Japanese specification, a considerable increase compared to the previous version. Essa power is managed by the sophisticated GR-Four permanent all-wheel drive system, which allows the driver to choose the distribution of torque between the axles.

In addition to the Normal, Gravel and Track modes, the special editions add their own unique calibrations, further expanding the versatility of the set. The transmission has also been improved, with the introduction of an eight-speed automatic transmission option, designed for quick and efficient shifts, although the traditional six-speed manual transmission remains available for purists. Essa mechanical evolution ensures that the GR Yaris maintains its position as a performance benchmark in its segment.

Structural reinforcements and riding-focused interior

An important evolution of the new generation of GR Yaris was the structural reinforcement of the chassis. The monoblock gained a 13% increase in the number of welding points and the application of 24% more structural adhesive. Essas changes have resulted in a significant gain in torsional rigidity, which translates into quicker steering responses and greater cornering stability. The suspension was also recalibrated, with firmer springs and new shock absorbers, aiming to improve dynamics both on the streets and on closed circuits. The exterior design has been refined to improve aerodynamic efficiency and cooling of mechanical components, with a redesigned front bumper with a larger opening. The cabin was designed with total focus on the driver. The driving position has been lowered by 25 millimeters, following requests from professional drivers to provide a more direct connection with the car. The instrument panel is now fully digital, with a 12.3-inch screen that offers different viewing modes, including a racing layout that highlights the rev counter and the gear engaged. Ergonomics have been improved, with the repositioning of important controls for easier access during more intense driving.

Legacy of the Toyota Gazoo Racing in the WRC

The development of GR Yaris is intrinsically linked to the success of Toyota Gazoo Racing in Campeonato Mundial of Rali. The car was originally conceived as a homologation model for competition, and the experience gained on the tracks served as the basis for improving the street version. The achievements of drivers like Sébastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä not only brought titles to the team, but also provided valuable data that was directly applied to refine the chassis, suspension and, most importantly, the all-wheel drive system, making the GR Yaris one of the most effective and fun-to-drive sports cars today.

Availability and arrival on the Brazilian market

Sales of editions Ogier and Rovanperä in Europa and Japão were an immediate success. Disponibilizados in selected markets with prices exceeding 60 thousand euros, the models sold out quickly and have already reached valued status on the collectors’ market.

For the Brasil, the official confirmation refers to the updated standard version of the GR