SHABAZ PASHA
And it’s not even the most powerful GR Yaris in the world.
With the GR Yaris, Toyota has showcased the potential of compact power. The turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 268 horsepower, proves that excellence can indeed be found in smaller packages. This engine’s robustness extends to the GR Corolla, where a modified version of the 1.6-liter powerhouse generates an impressive 300 hp. For enthusiasts craving even more power, aftermarket tuners are readily available.
Under the hood of this supermini lies a highly tweaked iteration of the “G16E-GTS” engine, boasting a remarkable 530 hp when fueled with regular gas. The engine is adaptable to ethanol, although its current output on E85 is a still impressive 457 hp at the wheels. Tuners encountered challenges maximizing power with E85 due to the limitations of the small wastegate—a crucial valve regulating exhaust gas flow to the turbocharger turbine. The owner envisions reaching around 660 hp with additional modifications.
The fully forged engine has undergone multiple removals and installations, all in the owner’s relentless pursuit of extracting more power from the compact three-cylinder unit. SRD Tuning handled the construction of the GR Yaris, incorporating a Plusar turbocharger into the setup. However, like many ongoing project cars, the modifications are an ever-evolving process. The owner envisions the addition of a sequential gearbox, a customized suspension, and adjustments to the wheel positioning to complement the widebody. Astonishingly, the owner has already invested a staggering £130,000 in elevating the hot hatch to its current state, equivalent to around $164,000 in current exchange rates.
It’s worth noting that this GR Yaris isn’t even the most potent one globally. Last year, Powertune Australia pushed the boundaries, tuning the three-cylinder engine to an astounding 741 hp. The factory-installed all-wheel drive system in this rally-inspired vehicle undoubtedly contributes to handling such immense power. There are whispers suggesting that Toyota might provide the GR Yaris with a stock 300 hp in an upcoming update, possibly in the 2024 model year, accompanied by a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission.
Speaking of powerful three-cylinder engines, Koenigsegg’s twin-turbo “Tiny Friendly Giant” achieves an impressive 600 hp in the Gemera, securing its position as a standout in the realm of high-performance three-cylinder powerplants.
Users Today : 5
Users Yesterday : 8