2024 Toyota GR Yaris facelift revealed with more power, optional auto

The facelifted 2024 Toyota GR Yaris has debuted with confirmation that the long-rumoured eight-speed automatic will be offered. Australian-spec production will begin later this year.

Since the launch of the GR Yaris in April 2021, there's been speculation about an automatic transmission, with engineers updating Wheels about its development at the GR Corolla launch.

There was an assumption it would be an Aisin or ZF-sourced torque converter transmission adapted from existing parts, but GR doesn't do things by halves. Instead, we've been served what Toyota calls a ground-up eight-speed 'Direct Shift' torque converter automatic in the facelifted version.

Along with the new transmission option (a six-speed manual will continue to be offered) and updated visage, the GR Yaris climbs in grunt by 24 kilowatts and 30Nm, exceeding the GR Corolla's outputs at 224kW and 400Nm.

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Despite significant hikes in power, the 1.6-litre G16E-GTS turbo three-cylinder remains tractable, with peak power at 6500rpm and peak torque spread from 3250-4600rpm.

Taking advantage of the additional grunt are the eight shorter ratios in the available automatic. Toyota says the transmission has been honed in motorsport through a "breaking and fixing" philosophy.

The goal was to make downshifts as fast and smooth as possible, while also making the driving experience natural. Therefore, the 'box's electronic brain takes steering angle, brake force, and driving style into account in automatic mode.

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For the lever, GR has reversed the direction of shifting from normal Toyotas, so pushing forward shifts down a gear in line with natural g-forces.

Opting for the auto adds an extra 20kg to the GR Yaris's kerb weight, bringing it up to 1300kg.

The remainder of the GR-Four AWD system is unchanged, and it sounds like the open differentials of the regular GR Yaris will be dropped and all examples, like the existing Rallye, will pack Torsen locking differentials front and rear.

There's no official word on whether the auto will be offered in the GR Corolla, but Gazoo Racing would be silly not to broaden the rally-bred hot hatch's appeal (and give it extra firepower against the VW Golf R).

The torque converter automatic also features in an LBX concept revealed at this year's Tokyo Auto Salon.

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Following the GR Corolla's lead, the upgraded GR Yaris gets more drive modes, with Eco, Normal and Sport adjusting throttle, sound and steering characteristics – plus the GR-Four AWD mode selector.

There's also Circuit mode that uses GPS to detect when the car is on a racetrack – at least in Japan – which deactivates the 180km/h speed limiter (Japan only) and activates an anti-lag feature.

Toyota has directly addressed issues with GR Yaris ergonomics. The bucket seats are set 25mm lower and the steering wheel position has been adjusted.

A new "easier to pull" vertical handbrake will be offered for Japan's track-focused RC trim level to enable quicker operation by placing it closer to the gear shifter and steering wheel.

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A new centre stack angled 15º towards the driver opens up more space between the infotainment system and mirror to aid visibility.

To enhance stiffness, Gazoo Racing has increased the number of spot welds by 13 per cent, and structural adhesive by 24 per cent.

Visually, the updated GR Yaris is differentiated by a new lower grille with steel mesh designed to be more easily replaceable, and enlarged cooling vents on the side.

These enlarged inlets also feed fresh air to the sub-radiator and cooler for the automatic transmission. This can be enhanced by a factory cooling package option that brings intercooler water spray, among other features – though again, this may be limited to Japan.

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Local timing and pricing are yet to be revealed. Australian examples of the facelifted GR Yaris won't begin rolling off the production line until late 2024.

Expect a launch in the fourth quarter of this year, or early 2025 for the all-paw pocket rocket.