TOKYO: Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) has unveiled a prototype of the Morizo RR special edition of the GR Yaris at Tokyo Auto Salon 2026.
The GR Yaris Morizo RR was created with Toyota Motor Corp chairman Akio Toyoda, aka Morizo, by applying insights gained through competing as Toyota Gazoo Rookie Racing (TGRR) in the 2025 Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race.
In the Nürburgring 24 Hours, Morizo, as a team driver, took the wheel of the Gazoo Racing direct automatic transmission-equipped No. 109 GR Yaris fielded by TGRR, logging more laps than scheduled despite the course's grueling conditions.
Upon the team's successful completion of the race, Morizo was quick to convey how good he found the GR Yaris to be, and he credited its 8-speed automatic transmission with enabling him to conquer 15 laps.
The GR Yaris Morizo RR for the Japanese market is to be available in a total of 100 units from spring 2026.
The model is also to be released in certain European markets in a limited run of 100 units.
Nürburgring-honed suspension
Benefitting from the powerful downforce generated by an exclusive rear wing, the suspension setup has been optimized to achieve damping forces that allow the tyres to firmly follow even highly uneven road surfaces, like those at the Nürburgring.
The result is performance that allows for stress-free everyday driving while maintaining sporty driving performance, with control of the electric power steering (EPS) system also having been modified accordingly.
Exclusive 4WD control mode
An exclusive 4WD control mode was developed together with Morizo, in which a "Morizo" mode replaces the "Gravel" mode of the base vehicle.
The "Morizo" mode sets front/rear initial torque and driving force distribution at 50:50.
As an exclusive GR Yaris Morizo RR performance aerodynamic part, the model features a carbon-fiber rear wing developed through competing in the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Other exterior enhancements are found in the form of a front spoiler, side skirts, and a carbon-fiber hood.
The exterior colour is a GR Yaris Morizo RR-exclusive and Morizo-favoured "Gravel Khaki".
A "Piano Black" finish makes the radiator grille look sleek, sharp, and closer to the ground, while the wheels are done in "Matte Bronze".
The brake calipers and interior stitching sport Morizo's signature "Yellow".
Another exclusive feature is the suede-surfaced steering wheel, which has been given a slightly smaller-than-normal outer diameter and modified paddle shifters and steering-wheel-mounted switches for improved operability in motorsports.
The switches, in particular, are laid out independently, based on lessons learned through the use of similar switches in the GR Yaris Rally2 rally car.
The interior displays an exclusive serial-number plate with a "Morizo RR" logo.
