18 December 2024/Published byEmma Bass/Toyota News

Toyota GR lineup revamped for 2025: what you need to know

Those partial to high-performance power have good reason to be excited – two of Toyota New Zealand’s Gazoo Racing (GR) lineup are being revamped for 2025, and a brand new special edition model is on the way! You won’t have to wait long either, as they’ll be launching to the public and strong GR fanbase in January 2025. Keep reading to learn more about the models receiving some big updates and what you can expect.

Key details on the GR updates for 2025:

Launching in January 2025
The updated GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and the new GR86 Hakone Edition are on their way.
Available for test drives in early 2025 at Miles Toyota, ILAM Toyota, or Pacific Toyota.
Please note that previous models or overseas specifications are pictured, we’ll share unveiled 2025 New Zealand models in due course

“TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has given us a brand platform to appeal to New Zealand performance car enthusiasts. The GR programme started in motorsport and has shifted into our road-going products with the GR Yaris, undoubtedly the best hot hatch on sale today, and then continued with the revived GR Corolla, and more recently the revamped GR86.

It’s amazing that the ongoing development of our GR models continues, and this really appeals to customers who want to see ongoing improvements and tuning enhancements that make these cars even more fun to drive. For 2025, all three models have been improved with advancements ranging from an increase in power from their highly efficient engines, advancement in drivetrains, engineering, and design that will continue to put a broad grin on the face of every driver who gets behind the steering wheel.”

Andrew DavisToyota New Zealand Vice President

What’s new in the 2025 Toyota GR Yaris

An iconic hot hatch cherished by Kiwis and motoring enthusiasts worldwide, the 2025 GR Yaris takes on-road performance to the next level with exciting new improvements. In addition to the 6-speed manual transmission, a new 8-speed direct shift automatic transmission has been added to the line-up.

Increased power: an updated three-cylinder engine outputs an additional 21 kW and 30 Nm
The new eight-speed automatic transmission now includes launch control for rapid starts and an advanced water and air-cooled Automatic Transmission Fluid cooler for optimal performance
Stiffened front end to improve stability without compromising on the Yaris’ famous agility and cornering ability
A new three-piece front bumper with larger cooling apertures has been added along with a new engine sub-radiator, cold air intake, and intercooler spray to enhance cooling
A newly designed instrument panel and audio display that is angled towards the driver improves visibility, while the driving position has been lowered by 25 mm and a 12.3-inch full-colour meter has been added

What’s new in the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla

The GR Corolla, which uses the same powertrain as the GR Yaris, also receives an upgraded eight-speed direct-shift automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the three-cylinder engine retains the same power but outputs an extra 30 Nm of torque.

Eagled-eyed enthusiasts will also note a number of design changes – including a new front bumper and grille design focused on enhanced cooling and aerodynamic performance.

The Toyota GR86 Hakone Edition is NZ-bound

Taking its name from the legendary Japanese winding forest road, the GR86 Hakone Edition is a rare symbiosis of iconic heritage and race-ready prowess, ready to inject a modern edge to the twists and turns of your daily drives. With anticipation already high for this exceptional vehicle, here’s what we know so far:

Features the same 2.4L petrol-powered real-wheel drive powertrain as the GR86 GT variant
Wrapped in a rich Ridge Green colour that is reminiscent of British Racing Greens and similar shades used over the years for a variety of racing marques
Complementing the Ridge Green exterior is a set of lustrous Bronze painted alloy wheels
Inside, the front seats are treated with Ultrasuede and Leather accents and have tan accents, tan contrast stitching, and black perforations
The tan contrast stitching is also carried through to the steering wheel, shift lever boot, door armrests, and parking brake lever
A unique gear shift knob features a bronze accent and Hakone Edition etching

The GR86 Hakone Edition will be available to New Zealand motorsport enthusiasts in exceptionally limited numbers, only a few of which will be equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Previous Next

1 2 3

Experience Toyota GR performance in the flesh

The revitalised GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and new GR86 Hakone Edition will be released to the public in January. We expect demand to be high and encourage you to reach out to Miles Toyota, ILAM Toyota, or Pacific Toyota to secure your drive.

Please note

Please note that while care is taken to ensure all details displayed here are correct, specifications, pricing, imagery, and offers often change and information here may no longer be accurate. Images may also include overseas specification and/or optional accessories not included in the price or available in New Zealand. Content can also, of course, be subject to the occasional human error. For all current and correct details, please speak to our friendly and informative Sales Specialists. If you notice information that may be inaccurate, please don’t hesitate to let us know as soon as possible. Thank you for your support and understanding.