Toyota enlists the WRC soul Yaris for the Paris Motor Show

[Juppitèr]

Just a few days after the start of the Paris Motor Show, brands are preparing to unveil their new models. For Toyota it will be a special show, because 20 years ago in that same event he uncovered the first Yaris, today one of his workhorses in markets such as Chile. And as the Japanese constructor wants to talk, he prepares not one but two special editions of his compact.

GR Sport, with the air of competition

The first to jump to the fore will be the Toyota Yaris GR Sport, a model that brings dynamism to the range and will be available from this year on the European market. The brand has said that the GR Sport is "inspired by the Yaris WRC" which competes in the rally world championship with the colors of Microsoft and the Toyota Gazoo Racing team.

It has 17-inch dark alloy wheels, fitted with Bridgestone Potenza RE50 205/45 R17 tires, as well as Sachs Performance shock absorbers and solid stabilizer bars to give it greater rigidity and a more sporty response when required.

Under the hood, yes, the GR Sport does not boast much, since it assembles a hybrid block that combines the strength of a combustion engine of 1.5 liters and that of an electric engine for a total of 100 Hp. According to the firm of Aichi, these improvements add up to nothing more than five kilos of weight compared to the conventional hybrid Yaris.

 

At the aesthetic level, there is a two-tone body with a black roof, a shark-fin antenna, a honeycomb grille also in dark color, stained glass, 'GR' badges and an Alcantara-type tapestry. Only 400 units will be produced.

Yaris Y20, special for the two decades

The other guest at the party of 20 is another member who even carries the motif inserted in his name. It is the Yaris Y20 that even in its production matches the tributes: is that 1998 copies will be assembled, coinciding with the debut year of the first generation.

It will be exhibited in a golden tone body, just like the precursor. It will shine with 16-inch gray wheels and 10 spokes, emblems 'Y20' on the door. On the inside, meanwhile, it also incorporates dark gray details and distinctive features of its denomination.