Auto enthusiasts in North America lost their minds when Toyota Introducing the GR Yaris in 2020. That is The embodiment of the hot hatchback: 268-horsepower turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, lightweight hatchback body style. Sadly it wasn’t for us as it was originally a special homologation only for Europe. Luckily, a few years later Toyota helped us succeed with this model. Corolla GR. Even though the GR Yaris never came to the US, now’s your chance to actually own one if you have the budget.
Built for back roads There is currently a unique 2022 GR Yaris Circuit Edition for sale. This isn’t just any GR Yaris. This was originally one SEMA build for the 2022 program run by Evasive Motorsports. The exterior paint was composed by the famous car designer and comic book illustrator – he did a lot of work with DC And Marvel— Jon Sibal. Evasive then fitted Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires wrapped around Titan 7 TS5 wheels. Coilovers from Tein round out what Evasive describes as “simple yet powerful.” Aside from the mods and engine cover signed by Akio Toyoda himself, the Yaris remains intact.
The backstory to the GR Yaris is actually more interesting than the fact that the car was produced by SEMA. EQUAL detail on Pit +Paddock, owner Todd Lewis – who is listing Yairs on Built For Backroads – followed Toyota Mexico’s community page when he heard that 300 units would be sent home. When he heard one was available, he rallied to buy it, until he saw that it was only available to people who were residents of Mexico.
From there, he gave $5,000 to someone he only called “The Accountant” for a deposit on the Yaris. Once number 284 out of 300 was his, it was just a matter of hiring various truckers to make the dangerous journey from Mexico to the border in San Diego, which was then just a short trip to his garage. Honestly, it all sounds like some exciting heist movie and I bet it’s all worth it.
The GR Yaris is currently listed for $60,000. It’s certainly a lot, but it’s not a terrible price for something you might not get the chance to see on the continent for another few decades. Before you think you can drive it around to show it off, think again: I have been informed that it is not street legal and is being sold with a bill of sale stating it is for personal use only. intended for use on the racetrack. If you’re interested, you may want to double check your state’s laws. Some states only allow cars with a sales receipt to be used on the track only temporarily, and even then it is only for cars that have been specially equipped for racing.
