Toyota: Swiss like the small Yaris
STRONG START The small Yaris topped the ranking of the most popular models in Switzerland in January. With a five percent market share, the brand also achieved its best result in the first month of a year in 13 years. As a city car, the Yaris combines hybrid technology with a design that always signals readiness to start. Completing the model range of the Toyota [...]
As a city car, the Yaris combines hybrid technology with a design that always signals readiness for takeoff. The model range of the Toyota Yaris is supplemented by the sports offshoot GR.
This combines a turbocharged engine with a new type of all-wheel drive system to deliver amazing driving performance in any situation.
Torque of 360 Newton meters and 261 hp
The newly developed turbocharged three-cylinder engine produces a massive 261 hp from 1.6 liters of displacement and 360 Newton meters of torque.
Low weight was one of the most important development goals. The roof is therefore made of carbon-fiber polymer; the hood, doors and tailgate are made of aluminum. The kerb weight is thus 1280 kilograms.
This results in a power-to-weight ratio of just 4.9 kg/hp. The Yaris GR accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds. The top speed (electronically limited) is 230 km/h.
Snow Drift Academy with the Eventcenter Seelisberg
AutoSprintCH has already reported what you experience with these features. But how does the speedster perform on ice and snow?
So the invitation from Eventcenter Seelisberg to put the Japanese driver's skills to the test under difficult conditions at the Snow Drift Academy on the snowy and icy Ambri airfield came just at the right time.
The power is transmitted to the track by the GR-Four all-wheel drive system. The drive torque can theoretically be distributed in the range between 100:0 (pure front-wheel drive) and 0:100 (pure rear-wheel drive).
The driver can adjust the all-wheel drive system. In normal mode, the basic setting is 60:40 between the front and rear axles, in Sport mode the distribution changes to a more rear-focused ratio of 30:70, and in Track mode a 50:50 distribution is activated.
Torsen differentials and a tuned suspension
Our GR was upgraded with the optional Circuit Pack for 4900 francs. This includes slip-limiting Torsen differentials on the axles and a specially tuned suspension. Thus prepared, it went to the start.
Even after the first few minutes, it warmed my heart in the biber cold and dense snow drift. The enthusiasm we experienced on the first drive continued. The GR handled very well in all modes and - this was a surprise - I felt safe even when drifting at speed, and the soothing sound of the engine reinforced this feeling.
The GR keeps what is expected of it even in winter.
