All eyes had been on Toyota originally of the yr when it unveiled a mid-engine GR Yaris on the Tokyo Auto Salon. As if that wasn’t intriguing sufficient, the recent hatch ditched the acquainted 1.6-liter three-cylinder it shares with the GR Corolla in favor of a bigger four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine. The plan was to check the pocket rocket in endurance racing a number of months in the past, however its observe debut was postponed after encountering “difficulties” throughout growth.
Quick-forward to October: the “G20E” remains to be a piece in progress, however Toyota has now efficiently examined the brand new engine in competitors. None aside from firm chairman Akio Toyoda completed third total, piloting the mid-engine GR Yaris in the course of the sixth spherical of the Tremendous Taikyu Collection at Okayama Circuit.
Following earlier stories from Japan, Toyota now confirms it’s focusing on greater than 400 horsepower. The engine ran solely on gasoline in the course of the race, but it surely’s being developed to assist a 20-percent ethanol mix (E20). In keeping with Japan’s Automotive Watch journal, the G20E is derived from the “G16E” used within the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and Lexus LBX Morizo RR crossover.
After the race, Akio Toyoda wouldn’t decide to a launch date however mentioned Toyota has “positively taken a step ahead.” The event group echoed his optimism, noting they encountered no main points in the course of the three-hour race. As soon as prepared, the G20E might energy a variety of automobiles, as it may be mounted longitudinally or transversely in front- and mid-engine layouts.
Photograph by: Toyota
The two.0-liter turbo engine was first introduced in Could 2024 as a part of a brand new household of smaller, extra environment friendly powertrains. A report from The Monetary Occasions claims Toyota plans to launch the primary automobiles with these engines in late 2026. Past the G20E, there will likely be 1.5-liter naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants, all lowered in quantity, peak, and weight.
Toyota says the brand new engines will “revolutionize car packaging” and enhance aerodynamics. Future fashions will characteristic decrease hoods for higher airflow and effectivity, made potential by lowering engine peak. The two.0-liter turbo was even examined in a Lexus IS prototype, the place it was mounted additional again to decrease the sedan’s middle of gravity.
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Supply: Toyota
Past engines, the GR Yaris M additionally debuted a brand new four-wheel-drive system with adjustable energy splits: 40:60 or 50:50 entrance/rear. For comparability, the prevailing setup can ship as much as 60 p.c of torque to the entrance wheels or 70 p.c to the rear.
Toyota continues to drop hints about committing to enjoyable automobiles. Moreover suggesting the Celica will return, the corporate has pledged to revive the Supra shortly after the present BMW Z4-based mannequin ends manufacturing in March 2026. Above all of them will sit a road-going GT3-derived supercar, scheduled to debut in early December.
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