Toyota must have looked at Tesla’s over the air updates and thought – “that’s a neat trick”, as it rolls out its Toyota GR Yaris “Morizo Selection” with the capability of being updated with new vehicle performance software. 

Based on the range-topping GR Yaris RZ, the GR Yaris Morizo is only available in Japan via Toyota’s car subscription service, Kinto. 

On a technical level, there are no significant changes that set the GR Yaris Morizo apart from the standard RZ spec car.

Most additions to the GR Yaris Morizo comes in the form of design flourishes, such as the ROOKIE Racing branding on the seats, wheels, and door trim, as well as ROOKIE Racing colours inserted into the seat stitching and suspension components.

As you have already guessed, the USP here is the bits and bytes of code that course through the car underneath.

According to Toyota, the GR Yaris Morizo is equipped to receive 'Timely updates' that will further optimise the car’s handling, and stopping performance.

On top of that, Toyota is considering expanding the feature to include a ‘Tailored Personalisation’ component, which customises the vehicle software to suit each customer’s preferences based on data of their driving habits. 

These software updates are done in collaboration with the ROOKIE Racing privateer racing team, which Toyota President, Akio Toyoda, himself raced for under his competition persona, Morizo. 

The team has a “work consignment relationship” with Toyota and shares its vehicle data to drive the company’s vehicle development. This includes the GR Yaris, which ROOKIE Racing and Toyoda campaigned in the Japanese Super Taikyu series. 

Toyota says the data and driver feedback collected from ROOKIE Racing’s participation will go towards developing better vehicle updates and personalised software. 

Due to the nature of these planned software updates, Toyota says the best way to deliver it, is via its Kinto subscription model. A suitable feature that goes in line with Kinto’s mantra of providing “cars that evolve in tune with people”. 

For now, the ‘Tailored Personalisation’ feature is under consideration, however, Toyota says the standard software updates will be available for GR Yaris Morizo drivers from the first half of 2022.  

According to Toyota, the monthly fee for the GR Yaris Morizo on a three-year Kinto contract, ranges from 54,340 yen to 81,840 yen (RM2,050 to RM3,080), depending on the payment scheme.