TOYOTA have revealed two special edition high-performance versions of the new GR Yaris – complete with special rally car features.
The Japanese car brand say the sporty hatchbacks have had “personal input” from their iconic World Rally team, and include nods to two legendary drivers.
Toyota have released two special-edition variants of the GR Yaris
The Kalle edition comes with unique exterior and interior stylings
Released ahead of the opening round of the 2024 World Rally Championship in Monte Carlo this weekend, the one-of-a-kind motors play homage to world champions Kalle Rovanpera and Seb Ogier – with each model named after the respective drivers.
Indeed, Toyota say chairman Akio Toyoda built the models to “express his respect and gratitude to the drivers who hone and grow our cars in rallies.”
Each car boasts special modes “to reflect each driver’s personal preferences for handling and performance”, as well as distinctive exterior and interior styling.
The Ogier Edition gets a “Seb” mode which biases power to the rear wheels for drifting, plus a “Morizo” mode – named for Akio Toyoda’s alter-ego which Toyota says “restraint (direct connection) is maximally applied to the front and rear wheels during acceleration and relaxed only as necessary during braking.”
The Rovanpera Edition gets the “Donut” mode helps with drifting and donut spins by applying maximum direct connection to both the front and rear wheels.
Of course, it should be noted that drifting and ‘donuts’ are illegal to do in the UK.
A helpful reminder from Thames Valley Police states: “Performing stunts and tricks such as doughnuts and wheelies, whether on public roads or in car parks, can be dangerous to both the driver or rider and bystanders.
“It can also cause noise nuisance, especially if taking place at night in residential areas.
“For this reason, this kind of behaviour is not permitted unless as part of an organised event with prior permission from the local authority.”
Elsewhere, a Subaru rally car worth £10k has been rescued from a barn after being abandoned for many years – it even had a mouse living in the exhaust.
This also comes as a classic Audi Quattro built for the world’s most famous rally hit auction – and it’s a completely different car underneath.
Special modes can be found in each motors – switching to ‘Donut’ can improve drifting
Seb’s edition has improved performance and sleek exterior design