Since December 7, Toyota Malaysia’s social media pages have featured posts that carried the words “it can wait,” along with a reminder to tune in on December 17 at 7.30pm. These posts don’t really provide much in the way of details, and UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) isn’t giving anything away, as in an earlier release, it merely stated that several key announcements will be made on the day.
However, the company’s latest post does suggest something sporty is on the way, seeing how a racing helmet is prominently shown. This isn’t the first time a helmet is featured, as another post on December 14 also featured one alongside a baby and the words “meet our newborn.”
Putting these vague clues together, could the newborn that UMWT is suggesting be the GR Yaris? The idea of the GR Yaris being launched here has been mooted ever since the company posted a photo of the performance hot hatch way back in July, although it’s been mostly speculation since then.
The GR Yaris has already made its debut in Thailand, where it is priced at 2.69 million baht (around RM363k), joining the GR Supra in the local performance line-up that goes for 5.199 million baht (around RM702k).
Of course, we’ll have to wait to see what UMWT has in store for us, but having the GR Yaris to complement the GR Supra that is already on sale here should provide a further boost to the Gazoo Racing brand in Malaysia, with other initiatives being the Vios Challenge one-make race series, Young Talent Development Programme and GR Garage.
If it’s ever made available here, the GR Yaris would certainly be a tempting option for hot hatch fans. The base for Toyota’s next WRC rally car is powered by a G16E-GTS 1.6 litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, it serves up 272 PS and 370 Nm of torque, with power sent through a six-speed manual gearbox to an all-wheel-drive system with front and rear Torsen locking differentials.
Keep in mind that UMWT said that “several key announcements” will be made on the day, so we could be looking at more than one reveal on December 17. The caption in its latest post also reads “you’ll remember their names,” which further reinforces the notion. Once again, only the company has all the details and we’ll only find out more tomorrow.
In the aforementioned release, Ravindran Kurusamy, president of UMWT, said, “whatever you’re doing on December 17, 2020 – it can wait! We have surprise to share, and let’s just say that there’s a bit of something for everyone to appreciate especially after what has been an incredibly challenging year for Malaysians on all fronts.”
“In many ways, what will be announced during the online event on December 17, 2020 will be an industry first for Toyota, and will be the foundation to ushering in an exciting 2021,” he continued. Even UMW Toyota Motor deputy chairman Akio Takeyama chimed in, saying that the “brand seeks to ramp up its involvement, activities and programmes in an even bigger and meaningful way in 2021.”
GALLERY: Toyota GR Yaris (Europe markets)
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Mitsu Evo, GR Yaris
Now Fight!!!
(Like) Civic Type-R 300K
(Dislike) T Yaris GR 360K
Yaris anytime. Roadtax rm120 only,
For me I don’t mind the roadtax really. The acceleration of both maybe about the same. But the Civic Type-R is faster on speed.
Not to mention Yaris GR has a very small cabin and did not insulate properly. Approaching 400K price is better to get an AMG
you have a point?
RM350k Yaris GR
RM450k Benz AMG A45S
RM550k Toyota A90 Supra GR
Top up a bit?
different car has different fun here.
Better buy all 3 for collection, experience. You can judge when you own them, which is more professionally packed for the Sepang Track.
Yaris GR-AWD, bespoke race car for track, off road, is comprehensive and fun. The Nürburgring record has been impressive despite it was a wet run, with a moderate congested traffic situation.
AMG A35 OTR approaching 400K
https://paultan.org/2020/09/22/first-drive-mercedes-amg-a35-edition-1-rm367k/
It’s gonna be cheaper though considering Thai prices are always higher than ours.
GR Myvi turbocharged, incoming!
Corolla cross when masyuk?
Better buy Mazda CX30…
Both Corolla Cross and Mazda CX30 looks good.
X50 got the award winning Volvo turbo enjin.
(Like) 4-pots 2.0T AMG A35 400K
(Dislike) 3-pots 1.6T YARIS 360K
A35 is not that good handling compared to TNGA-GR, and AMG A45S
Amg A35 is for average drivers
Awesome
Looking forward soon
(Like) 4-pots 2.0T C-seg 300K
(Dislike) 3-pots 1.6T B-seg 360K
Copy and Paste II: “ Yaris anytime. Roadtax rm120 only”
4wd. Rally bred homologation special versus ah beng bling bling. GR Yaris
The much awaited, Toyota Yaris 1.5 GR Sportivo.
Sportive in toyota world means streetwear or just bodykit. Nothing fancy there.
Bring it on
And then some. Vios GR and also CHR GR. Would be awesome.
Wow, so sporty
Waiting for either Yaris GR or Fortuner or Vios GR Sport.
This is absolutely going to be fun when driving
My guess is facelift Toyota Vios and Yaris in GR Sport.
even though i’ve been watching a lot of video introducing this car, i know how good it is,
but 360k for a toyota yaris.. hmm…
definitely for enthusiasm…
race car is only for enthusiast, whether they are poor, rich or ultra rich.
it’s serve as a safe, high speed car, at the same time good collectible cars. It’s not produced in excessive quantity, due to time consuming, more handcraft workmanship effort is required for the drivetrain, chasis is required than norm.
or a Vios with some add on side skirting and some stickers ^^
3 turbo cylinder with 272PS for this fastest car. Great!
Deader than a door knob.
hey gov, ban these “racing” cars on public road pls
Is this racing cars? GR Yaris Coupe is sport car, similar goes to M3 and C43 are also sport car but not racing car.
Perfect cars
honestly…360k..i think have other better choices..
OK all come together then. GR Yaris, Vios, Yaris & CHR GR Sport, new Corolla Cross. Now that is “a bit of something for everyone to appreciate”.
impossible.
manufacturer wont bring in manual transmission car into malaysia