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Toyota GR Yaris Type 26 Launches in Japan With Motorsport-Tuned Steering and Chassis Tweaks

Orders open now ahead of April 6 sales with control upgrades prioritized over power increases.

Overview

  • A new steering wheel shaped by pro-driver feedback adopts a smaller diameter, reshaped grips and illuminated, centrally clustered switches to cut accidental inputs.
  • Electric power steering is recalibrated with updated software and optimized torsion-bar rigidity in the torque sensor to maintain consistent assist under extreme loads.
  • RZ High Performance grades in Japan switch to Bridgestone Potenza Race tyres, with damper tuning to match, while retaining 18-inch forged BBS wheels.
  • Option-package conflicts are resolved so heated seats and a heated steering wheel can be ordered with the vertical handbrake in Navigation or Comfort packages.
  • The 1.6-litre turbo triple and drivetrain carry over unchanged, and Toyota has not confirmed availability of these updates for export markets such as Australia or the Philippines.