Background car news Interview

Toyota GR Yaris acts as test formula

Okay, but then why did Toyota present the GR Yaris M Concept? It has purely to do with the new powertrain. Inside the GR Yaris M Concept lies a new two-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. In this sense, the GR Yaris acts only as a test formula to house the new engine. “There are no plans to market a mid-engined GR Yaris. Of course, we will come out with a new engine,” said Toyota.

2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine

In terms of performance and efficiency, this new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is promising. Due to its compact size, it contributes to a low center of gravity. With the engine positioned in the center of the car, the GR Yaris M Concept experiences major advantages in terms of weight distribution and center of gravity, and steering characteristics are even sharper.

In Japan’s Super Taikyu racing series, TGRR is embarking on an intensive testing program in which the cars are repeatedly driven to the breaking point according to the “driver first” philosophy, fixing defects under the extreme racing conditions.

G20e

The new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is codenamed G20e. There is already talk in the corridors of power outputs of up to 600 hp. Reliably so, in fact. More interestingly, the new engine offers lower emissions and less fuel consumption. The new engine is suitable for hybrid technology (HEV and PHEV) and even “runs” on natural gas or hydrogen. Eelen says, “carbon-neutral fuel engines have a lot of potential. We are also seriously looking at hydrogen combustion. In this way, engines as we know them today will continue to exist. This technology is convincing us more and more. We are going to Le Mans for the ultimate durability test of this technology.

Also a new 1.5-liter gasoline engine

By the way, Toyota is also working on a new generation 1.5-liter gasoline engine. This powertrain is also compatible with all forms of fuel, diesel excepted. The new 2.0-liter turbo engine will find its way into a new generation MR2 and Celica, as well as many other Toyota products. If everyone sends a letter to Toyota to do build a limited edition GR Yaris with mid-engine, there may yet be an extra rugged GR Yaris. But at the moment, no such model is planned. Still, Toyota can always come up with something unexpected.