Toyota is developing an eight-speed automatic transmission that will make its way into the GR Yaris hot hatch – and the forthcoming GR Corolla five-door – in 2024, according to reports in the Japanese motoring press.
The transmission, which has been confirmed by Car Watch to be an eight-speed torque converter unit, has already been tested in a Gazoo Rally Challenge to assess the limits of the transmission.
Rather than developing a dual-clutch transmission which frequently appears in plenty of performance cars, Toyota has gone against the current with a torque converter automatic transmission.
The GR Yaris is likely to get an eight-speed automatic transmission
Toyota is likely following in the footsteps of companies such as BMW who have developed torque converter units that are just as fast as a dual clutch but less clunky and shift smoothly.
The automatic transmission would sit above the six-speed manual option in the GR Yaris range that starts from $49,500 plus on-road costs in Australia, while a Rallye trim with locking front and rear differentials, circuit-tuned suspension and upgraded wheels and tyres costs $54,500.
The GR Yaris’ drivetrain is unlikely to change for this transmission update, which currently sits at 200kW of power and 370Nm of torque.
Both manual and automatic versions are set to feature in the update
More power could be in store for the GR Corolla model, however, which could make up to 230kW of power to bring the fight to the Volkswagen Golf R. The new model will also utilise the same all-wheel drive system as found in the Yaris that is able to shift torque front to rear for different driving situations.
Toyota Yaris 2022: prices in Australia
All prices listed are before on-road costs.
- Yaris Accent Sport: $23,740
- Yaris SX: $27,130
- Yaris ZR: $30,200
- Yaris ZR two-tone: $30,975
- Yaris SX Hybrid: $29,130
- Yaris ZR Hybrid: $32,200
- Yaris ZR Hybrid two-tone: $32,975
- GR Yaris: $49,500
- GR Yaris Rallye: $54,500