El GR Toyota Yaris Morizo RR It is presented as the most extreme version of the small Japanese sports car, a limited series developed directly from the experience of Akio Toyoda, grandson of the brand's founder and current president of Toyota, in the 24 Hours of NürburgringFar from being a simple edition with logos and vinyl wraps, this variant incorporates profound changes in chassis, aerodynamics and all-wheel drive management, maintaining the practical approach of the GR Yaris for daily use but with a very clear focus on the track.
This model is the result of the joint work of Toyota Gazoo Racing and Rookie Racing and it bears the racing nickname of the company's president, "Morizo," as a nod to his personal involvement in its development. Its production will be strictly limited to 200 units worldwideProduction is split equally between Japan and Europe, making it a very difficult car to obtain and, predictably, a highly sought-after item in the short term in the European and Spanish markets.
Origin at the Nürburgring and Akio Toyoda's role
The project GR Yaris Morizo RR It starts on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife track during the 24 Hours of 2025where Toyota Gazoo Racing and Rookie Racing competed under a common structure called Toyota Gazoo Rookie Racing. There, Akio Toyoda, registered under his alias morizoHe got behind the wheel of the GR Yaris with number 109, equipped with Gazoo Racing's eight-speed automatic transmission.
Under those actual racing conditions, Morizo completed more laps than expected Thanks, in his own words, to the confidence he felt from the automatic gearbox and the car's overall balance. From that experience emerged a series of very specific proposals to improve the GR Yaris's performance on the track, both in terms of high-speed stability and steering precision and torque distribution. All of these suggestions shaped the subsequent Morizo RR.
Meanwhile, Toyota took advantage of the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 To announce the separation of Gazoo Racing as a brand with its own identity and, at the same time, to showcase this GR Yaris Morizo RR, now nearing production. Although initially presented as a prototype, the company made it clear that this is a model destined for a limited series and not merely a showroom concept.
Limited production and availability in Europe
One of the key facts about this project is its print run: only 200 cars They will be manufactured, with 100 units destined for the Japanese market and other 100 reserved for EuropeTherefore, this is not a large edition or a typical global launch, but a car conceived from the outset as a highly exclusive product.
In Japan, marketing will be done through a raffle system through the official GR appThose interested must register and wait to be selected before finalizing the purchase. The brand thus seeks, at least on paper, to prioritize genuine enthusiasts and reduce speculation, although it is expected that some of these units will eventually appreciate in value on the secondary market.
For Europe, Toyota also confirms a circulation of 100 unitswhich will be distributed among selected markets on the continent. It is practically a given that some copies will reach SpainAlthough the number will be very small, with unofficial estimates suggesting between five and ten cars for our country, the brand has not yet specified the exact allocation system in Europe. However, everything points to a highly controlled and filtered sale among customers already associated with the sports division.
The first deliveries are planned by spring 2026 both in Japan and in Europe. Although Toyota has not yet announced a final price, various sources agree that it will be significantly higher than a conventional GR Yaris, with figures approaching... 60.000 Euros In markets like Spain, compared to approximately 48.500 euros for the manual GR Yaris and more than 54.000 euros for the standard automatic.
Known mechanics, revised chassis and drivetrain
In terms of mechanics, Toyota has not confirmed any specific power variations for the Morizo RR in Europe, so everything indicates that it will maintain the already known three cylinders 1.6 turbo of the GR Yaris updatedIn the European context, this engine offers on the order of 280 hp and 390 Nm of maximum torqueWhile in Japan the same engine reaches around 300 hp, a difference mainly attributed to emissions regulations and homologation adjustments.
Where there is a clear evolution is in the transmission: the Morizo RR will exclusively use the eight-speed automatic transmission from Gazoo Racing (with Direct Automatic Transmission system), the same one Akio Toyoda used to race at the Nürburgring. This configuration is considered key to the car's philosophy, allowing for many consecutive laps at a good pace without excessively penalizing the driver and ensuring consistent lap times.
Final performance figures haven't been specifically detailed for this version, but using the current automatic GR Yaris as a reference, we can expect acceleration very close to... 0-100 km/h in around 5,2 seconds and a top speed close to 230 km/hThe key feature of the Morizo RR is not so much an increase in power as the overall improvement of its dynamic performance, designed for intensive use on demanding tracks.
Suspension, steering and Morizo mode: track focused
The most profound work of GR Yaris Morizo RR It has been carried out on the chassis. The suspension features new, specific shock absorbers.The suspension has been tuned to adapt the car to the increased downforce generated by the new body kit, especially the rear wing. According to the manufacturer, this setup allows the wheels to maintain better contact with the road surface, even on bumpy surfaces, which are common in the area. Nordschleifewithout making it an uncomfortable car to drive on a daily basis.
In parallel, the The electric power steering has been recalibrated. For this edition, the goal is to achieve a more direct response and greater precision, taking advantage of the extra grip provided by the suspension and aerodynamics. Toyota emphasizes that the driving feel is cleaner and more communicative, something especially noticeable on fast sections and during weight transfers, where the aim is to give the driver better control over the car's position.
Another key point is all-wheel drive. The conventional GR Yaris has a Gravel mode with a pair distribution that hovers around 53:47 between axles. In the Morizo RR this program disappears and is replaced by a new driving mode called "Morizo" or "Morizo RR", which sets a Initial 50:50 split between the front and rear wheels. This more neutral distribution aims to maximize stability and traction when exiting corners, making the car feel more predictable when driving at the limit.
Exclusive aerodynamics and exterior design
The appearance of the GR Yaris Morizo RR It is clearly different from any other standard GR Yaris. The most striking feature is the large carbon fiber rear wingDeveloped specifically for competition at the Nürburgring, this component generates increased downforce at high speeds. It is combined with... a unique front spoiler, specific side skirts, and a hood also made of carbon fiberso that the whole thing is considerably more aggressive.
The color palette also underscores its special character. The car is offered with a exclusive color called Gravel Khaki, personally chosen by Akio Toyoda. It's a color that aims to work well both in everyday use and in a more extreme track environment, and is enhanced with a front grille finished in Piano Black, which visually makes the front end appear closer to the ground.
Alloy wheels are also specific, with finish Matte bronzea matte bronze tone that contrasts sharply with the bodywork. Behind them, the brake calipers painted yellowMorizo's preferred color, which is repeated in various details of the model. The rear is completed with decorative elements and unique emblems, while the windshield includes the engraved signature of “Morizo”, reinforcing the personal tribute character of this version.
Cockpit geared towards sporty driving
Inside, Toyota has made a series of modifications that go beyond mere aesthetics. The steering wheel is new.with a slightly smaller diameter to facilitate quick maneuvers and suede or microfiber upholstery designed to improve grip with gloves or sweaty hands. The shift paddles have been redesigned and The switches and buttons on the steering wheel have been repositioned., taking as a reference the arrangement used in the GR Yaris Rally2 for competition so that its handling is more intuitive in demanding driving.
The upholstery features yellow stitching and detailswhich extend across the seats, steering wheel, gearshift, and handbrake. Furthermore, the The seats feature specific embroidery on the headrests and perforations with a different design than a conventional GR Yaris, seeking a more racing look and lateral support in line with the increase in dynamic performance.
The instrument panel maintains the format GR Full TFT with 12,3-inch screenbut it incorporates a custom viewing mode for the Morizo programwith information tailored to sporty driving and all-wheel drive management. As a further nod to the series' exclusivity, the dashboard features a specific plate with the "Morizo RR" logo and the serial number of each unit, reminding the driver that he is at the controls of one of the 200 cars produced.
Market positioning and context for Spain
Toyota makes it clear with the GR Yaris Morizo RR Despite its strong commitment to electrification in its mainstream range, it continues to dedicate considerable resources to combustion-engine sports cars. This model is positioned above the standard GR Yaris as Top-of-the-range model focused on exclusivity and track performance, without completely breaking with the dual use that characterizes the original model.
In Spain, where the The GR Yaris has already established itself as one of the most highly regarded sporty compact cars.The arrival of a few Morizo RR units will add an extra layer of interest for collectors and fans Highly specialized. Their combination of limited production, direct involvement of the brand president, specific chassis adjustments, and distinctive aesthetics suggests that demand will far exceed supply, both in our country and in the rest of Europe.
The Toyota GR Yaris Morizo RR appears as a finely tuned evolution of the GR Yarisfocused on maximizing track performance through specific changes to suspension, steering, all-wheel drive, and aerodynamics, but without excessively altering the basic mechanical design. The mix of Development at the Nürburgring, direct involvement of Akio Toyoda, a global run of 200 units, and a confirmed presence in Europe This positions it as one of the most unique and rare petrol sports cars we will see on the European market in the coming years.
Images | toyota
