TOYOTA CITY, Japan — Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) unveiled the GR Yaris MORIZO RR prototype at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 on Friday, announcing a highly exclusive production run of just 100 units for the Japanese market.
The special-edition model was developed in direct collaboration with Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda—known by his racing persona “Morizo”—using technical data and driver feedback gathered during the 2025 Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race.
“In the Nürburgring 24 Hours, Morizo took the wheel of the GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission-equipped No. 109 GR Yaris,” the company stated in a release. “Upon the team’s successful completion of the race, Morizo was quick to convey how good he found the GR Yaris to be, crediting its 8-speed automatic transmission with enabling him to conquer 15 laps.”
The MORIZO RR is defined by its race-bred performance enhancements, most notably a suspension system specifically tuned to handle the high-downforce loads of the car’s new carbon-fiber rear wing. Engineers focused on damping forces that allow tires to maintain contact with uneven surfaces, a direct lesson from the grueling “Green Hell” circuit in Germany.
Key Technical Specifications
| Feature | MORIZO RR Specification |
| Transmission | GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic (8-speed) |
| Drive System | Exclusive 4WD with “MORIZO” Mode (50:50 torque split) |
| Exterior Color | Exclusive “Gravel Khaki” |
| Aerodynamics | Carbon-fiber hood and rear wing; front spoiler |
| Production | 100 units (Japan); 100 units (Europe) |
Driver-Centric Design
Beyond mechanical upgrades, the vehicle features aesthetic and ergonomic changes requested by Toyoda. The exterior is finished in an exclusive “Gravel Khaki,” contrasted by matte bronze wheels and yellow brake calipers.
Inside, the cabin features a suede-wrapped steering wheel with a smaller diameter for better maneuverability. The paddle shifters and switches were redesigned based on the GR Yaris Rally2 car to improve operability during high-intensity driving.
“The GR Yaris MORIZO RR is exceptional for its Nürburgring-cultivated delivery of car-driver unity,” the company said. “It is a high-performance model that generates an overflow of spontaneous smiles.”
Availability and Lottery
Due to the extremely limited production, Toyota will utilize a lottery system to select buyers in Japan. Applications are currently being accepted through the “GR app” smartphone application. While the primary focus remains on the Japanese domestic market, Toyota confirmed that a separate run of 100 units will be released in select European markets starting in spring 2026.
Each vehicle will include a serialized interior plate and a front windshield featuring Morizo’s personal autograph, marking its status as a collector’s item.
