Toyota has revealed a new hardcore version of its rally bred hot hatch. The GR Yaris MORIZO RR takes lessons straight from endurance racing and puts them into a limited production road car.
Akio Toyoda Brings Racing to GR Yaris
Toyota officially announced the GR Yaris MORIZO RR as a special edition developed with company chairman and master driver Akio Toyoda, also known as Morizo. The is ready for purchase as soon as spring 2026.
The project was shaped through Toyota Gazoo Rookie Racing and its entry in the 2025 Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race. Toyoda competed as a driver in the event and logged more laps than planned despite harsh conditions.
During the race, Toyoda drove a GR Yaris equipped with an eight speed automatic transmission. After the team completed the event, he praised the car’s balance, reliability, and ease of control.
He specifically credited the transmission for helping him manage long stints on the demanding circuit. Those experiences became the foundation for the MORIZO RR.
Toyota says the goal was to create a car that strengthens the connection between driver and machine. The focus was not just lap times, but confidence, durability, and enjoyment.
Track-Tested Engineering Behind the MORIZO RR
The GR Yaris MORIZO RR uses the familiar 1.6 liter turbocharged three cylinder engine producing 257 horsepower.
Toyota will build only 200 examples in total. One hundred units are allocated for Japan and another 100 for select European markets.
Japanese buyers must apply through a lottery system using the GR app. Unfortunately, this car isn’t for sale in the U.S.
Power is sent through an eight speed automatic transmission and an advanced all wheel drive system. A new MORIZO drive mode replaces the standard gravel setting and locks the torque split at 50:50 for the front and rear.
The suspension and electric power steering were retuned using data from Nürburgring testing. Toyota says the setup improves tire contact on uneven surfaces while remaining comfortable enough for daily driving.
An exclusive carbon fiber rear wing generates added downforce, allowing the chassis tuning to work more effectively.
Exterior changes include a carbon fiber hood, front spoiler, and side skirts. Every car is finished in a MORIZO RR exclusive color called Gravel Khaki.
The wheels are painted Matte Bronze and sit over yellow brake calipers. A Piano Black grille and MORIZO RR badging complete the look, while each windshield carries Morizo’s signature.
Inside, the car features exclusive seats with yellow stitching and unique embroidery. The steering wheel is wrapped in alcantara and has a smaller diameter for sharper control.
Paddle shifters and steering wheel switches were redesigned using lessons from Toyota’s rally program. A digital gauge cluster displays the MORIZO mode, and a serialized badge confirms each car’s place in the limited production run.
A Key Moment in Toyota’s Tokyo Auto Salon Momentum
The GR Yaris MORIZO RR reveal capped off a strong showing for Toyota at Tokyo Auto Salon. The brand drew major attention with multiple performance focused projects and live demonstrations.
Alongside this model, Toyota highlighted its broader Gazoo Racing vision and commitment to motorsports driven development.
With the MORIZO RR, Toyota reinforces its message of building better cars through real world competition.
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