Toyota is turning up the heat on its GAZOO Racing (GR) lineup, delivering exciting upgrades to three high-performance sports cars for 2025. The GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and the limited-edition GR86 Hakone are set to debut in New Zealand in January, bringing fresh enhancements to thrill drivers who crave a connection with the road.
Toyota New Zealand Vice President Andrew Davis highlighted the significance of these updates, emphasizing the brand’s ongoing commitment to excellence through its TOYOTA GAZOO Racing platform.
“TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has allowed us to connect with performance car enthusiasts in New Zealand,” Davis said. “For 2025, these upgrades showcase our dedication to continuous improvement, delivering modern advancements in power, design, and engineering that enhance the driving experience for our customers.”
Already a favorite among hot hatch enthusiasts and automotive reviewers worldwide, the GR Yaris gets a power boost for 2025. Its three-cylinder turbocharged engine gains 21kW of power and 30Nm of torque, making it even more dynamic on the road.
Toyota is catering to a broader audience by introducing a new 8-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission alongside the classic 6-speed manual. The automatic variant features launch control for rapid acceleration from a standstill and is equipped with a water-cooled and air-cooled transmission fluid cooler.
Cooling performance has been prioritized for both variants, with a three-piece front bumper featuring larger cooling apertures, alongside a new engine sub-radiator, cold air intake, and intercooler spray. Structural refinements, including a stiffened front end, enhance cornering stability without compromising the vehicle’s nimble handling.
Inside, the GR Yaris updates its tech with a newly designed instrument panel and a 12.3-inch full-color driver display. Toyota has also improved ergonomics by lowering the driving position by 25mm, making for an even sportier feel.
The GR Corolla, which shares its powertrain with the GR Yaris, retains its impressive three-cylinder engine but gains an additional 30Nm of torque. Like the GR Yaris, the GR Corolla lineup now includes the new 8-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission, complementing its existing 6-speed manual variant.
The upgrades ensure that Toyota’s hot hatch aficionados continue to experience raw power with improved drive options, positioning the GR Corolla as a balanced performer for New Zealand’s roads and tracks.
The GR86 Hakone Edition pays homage to the iconic Hakone Turnpike in Japan, a famed winding road that captures the essence of spirited driving. This limited-edition GR86 features Ridge Green exterior paint reminiscent of British Racing Green, paired with eye-catching bronze alloy wheels.
The interior is equally striking, with Ultrasuede and leather accents on the front seats, tan contrast stitching, and bronze highlights on the steering wheel, gear shifter, and other touch points. The Hakone Edition will be offered in highly limited numbers in New Zealand, with only a few models featuring a 6-speed manual gearbox.
The GR86 Hakone Edition retains its 2.4L rear-wheel-drive powertrain but offers a visual and tactile experience inspired by racing heritage and craftsmanship.
While these 2025 GR models remain petrol-powered, Toyota New Zealand’s commitment to sustainability remains steadfast.
“More than half of our new vehicles sold today have a hybrid or electrified powertrain,” Davis stated. “Our multi-powertrain approach lets us meet customer demand for high performance while staying aligned with our commitments to decarbonization under the Clean Car Importer Standard and our voluntary carbon reduction targets.”
Toyota GR enthusiasts in New Zealand will have the chance to test drive these new performance machines starting in early 2025. With the upgrades delivering more power, sophistication, and style, the revitalized GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and GR86 Hakone Edition promise to keep drivers smiling through every twist and turn of the road.
For fans of Toyota’s motorsport-derived performance, the road ahead just got even more thrilling.
