Easy motoring with a bare Yaris

On the other hand, the Yaris demo car is based on a model with a 6-speed MT NA engine. This is what is known as a ‘bare Yaris’. Currently, the Yaris Cup, a one-make race, is held with a special vehicle with a roll bar and other equipment based on this vehicle.

Not a one-make race vehicle, TRD is now proposing a package to enjoy customization based on a bare Yaris.

The suspension is fitted with Gymkhana-spec dampers. The ride height has been lowered by 50 mm here, and it has also been tightened to a hardness.

The engine is stock, but the flywheel has been replaced with a TRD prototype lightweight. The 35% lighter flywheel delivers a pleasant response from the start, and the engine responds quickly when you step on the accelerator at take-off, giving the impression that the car is lighter all at once.

Testing the car on a mini-circuit is quite exciting. Steering at full throttle, the car dives into the corner and then brakes. Even so, the car’s weight of less than 1 tonne is just in time. The driving that starts up from there, with the LSD working and a crisp start, reminds me of the stimulating tuning cars of a long time ago.

At the same time, the rigidity and torque of the body are the very essence of a modern car. The result is a car that combines the contradictory qualities of stimulating driving and everyday driving comfort.

translated by DeepL