![Automatic Toyota GR Yaris proves its still got it; clinches podium finish in Super Taikyu endurance race 01]()
The world is one step closer to getting an automatic Toyota GR Yaris, as one prototype fielded by Rookie Racing clinched second place in a Super Taikyu race that took place last weekend.
The endurance race โ 5 hours around Motegi circuit, Japan โ saw the GR Yaris that's trialling a new automatic gearbox (dubbed the Direct Automatic Transmission) come home ahead of the carbon-neutral fuelled Toyota GR86, but finishing behind the Nissan Z Concept in the ST-Q (experimental) class.
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Piloted by Toyota Motor Corporation's chairman, Akio Toyoda (as Morizo), Yasuhiro Ogura (of Ogura clutch fame) and professional racer Masahiro Sasaki, the car finished 130 laps in 5 hours 2 minutes and 40 seconds; not too far off the winning Z's 138 laps and 5 hours 2 minutes and 16 seconds elapsed.
Also read: Exclusive: Toyota's new President, Koji Sato speaks to us on the future of racing, carbon neutrality, and more
![Automatic Toyota GR Yaris proves its still got it; clinches podium finish in Super Taikyu endurance race 01]()
According to prior reports, the all-new 8-speed automatic is a regular torque converter gearbox, and earlier development prototypes show a set of paddle shifters as well. Alongside this on-track test, the automatic GR Yaris is also busy off-road, participating in rallies worldwide.
Note too that the distinction here is that this auto GR Yaris runs off the G16E-GTS 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder; output isn't disclosed just yet but in its stock, 262 PS / 380 Nm form it's already quite the powerhouse.
![Automatic Toyota GR Yaris proves its still got it; clinches podium finish in Super Taikyu endurance race 02]()
This full-fat GR Yaris might still be a while away from production, but for those who don't mind just having the looks (albeit with a more docile, 1.5-litre NA engine) can always opt for the GR Yaris RS โ this one has a CVT.
Also read: This is the cheaper Toyota GR Yaris that recond dealers will import to Malaysia next year
With humble beginnings collecting diecast models and spending hours virtually tuning dream cars on the computer, his love of cars has delightfully transformed into a career. Sanjay enjoys how the same passion for cars transcends boundaries and brings people together.
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