Mentioning the Toyota Yaris evokes all sorts of cheap, economy-car visions. It is a sensible, thrifty and well-engineered small car but hardly exciting with its FWD and lethargic 105-hp motor, designed to be a truly forgettable commuter appliance amidst other automotive wallflowers on the road. Imagine our surprise when we got word that Toyota has launched a special Yaris GR for Japanese domestic market, one based on its WRC cousin that’s been tearing up the world’s toughest rally courses.

Rallying Cry

The Yaris GR (Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s in-house racing arm), is a turbocharged AWD beast that looks every bit as wild as it drives. The bespoilered former econobox has been truly transformed with help from rallying icon and world champion Tommi Makkinen. Based on a dedicated new platform and sporting a multi-mode 4WD system, the Yaris GR has Torsen (torque sensing) limited-slip differentials in the front and the rear and an electronically-controlled center differential.

Turbocharged Three

Through extensive use of aluminum and carbon fiber, the already-featherweight Yaris GR comes in light as a butterfly and buzzes and stings like an angry bee courtesy of its manic, 268 hp turbocharged engine. The 3-banger has the highest output of any 3-cylinder production engine in the world, according to Toyota. Supra’s little brother truly upstages its older sibling by employing a 6-speed manual transmission, 18-inch wheels and upgrades galore on the inside.

Sideways Dream

Every bit as sharp and honed as a Samurai sword, the "little Yaris that could" is a dedicated street/rally weapon that is designed to burn up streets and dirt roads like its indomitable WRC counterpart. We only wish Toyota would consider exporting this homologated hot hatch to the US. Regardless, it is still comforting to know that some discerning Japanese drivers will get to live their WRC dreams courtesy of Toyota’s little monster.

Sources: Car and Driver, Jalopnik