Hot on the heels of the newly upgraded GR Yaris, Toyota has also launched two new special editions of the car exclusively for limited markets. The all-new GR Yaris RZ High Performance Sébastian Ogier and the Kalle Rovanperä edition will be limited to just 100 units each. 

For anyone who does not follow rallying, the names of these special editions must be puzzling. However, there is a method to the naming madness, these special editions are inspired by famous World Rally Championship drivers for Gazoo Racing, Sébastian Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä. 

Revealed as concepts at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon, they have now been fully unveiled as production models at the opening of Rallye Monte-Carlo, the first event in Toyota’s defence of its World Rally Championship titles. 

Hotter GR Yaris - The Ogier Edition 

Both these highly bespoke editions are far more than just new paint schemes and custom decals. The Ogier Edition gets two new drive modes alongside the rudimentary ‘Normal’ mode. Morizo mode, is named after the Toyota Corporation Chairman, Akio Toyoda (aka ‘Morizo’) who is also a rally aficionado. This mode is calibrated to apply maximum strain on the front and rear tyres, leading to improved grip and cornering abilities. 

The Seb mode, as the name suggests, has been personally developed by Sébastian and it makes the car rear biassed in terms of torque and power through its limited slip differential. This makes the rear of the car easier to be swung out and provide a truly enjoyable rally-like experience, with the aim of increasing the driver’s control and connection with the car. 

Along with these important mechanical changes, the car also has a bespoke Matte Stealth Grey paint adorned with the French flag in the grille, to commemorate Ogier’s home country. The Ogier Edition also has a newly designed carbon fibre rear spoiler. The car also comes with an Ogier edition logo at the back and unique blue brake callipers.