Al-Futtaim Toyota has expanded its Gazoo Racing portfolio in the UAE with the official launch of the Toyota GR Yaris and the Toyota GR Corolla. The reveal took place at the iconic Dubai Autodrome, where leading automotive media were invited not only to witness the unveiling, but to drive both cars on track.

The introduction reflects a growing shift in the UAE’s automotive scene. Enthusiasts are increasingly looking for cars that combine daily usability with genuine motorsport engineering. According to the brand, Toyota sees rising interest in track-focused driving and enthusiast culture across the country.

Jacques Brent, Managing Director, Toyota and Lexus UAE at Al-Futtaim, said the new models offer “a genuine performance experience developed directly from motorsport” while retaining Toyota’s practicality and reliability.

GR Corolla

The GR Corolla is positioned as the more versatile of the two. It blends track performance with five-door practicality, making it suitable for daily driving as well as weekend track days.

Pricing (VAT Included)

• GR Corolla M/T: AED 182,900
• GR Corolla A/T: AED 184,900

Engine & Performance

Under the bonnet is a 1.6-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged G16E-GTS engine, producing:

• 296hp
• 400Nm

Transmission options include:

• 6-speed manual
• 8-speed GR Direct Automatic (GR-DAT)

Power is delivered through the GR-FOUR all-wheel drive system with Torsen limited-slip differential.

Additional performance highlights:

• Top speed: 230 km/h
• 18-inch forged alloy wheels
• 235/40R18 tyres
• GR-tuned suspension

From an engineering perspective, there are improvements such as aerodynamic refinements in the bumper design and shock absorbers with rebound springs for better cornering stability.

Exterior & Interior

The GR Corolla features:

• Carbon fibre roof (C-SMC)
• Aluminium hood and doors
• Triple exhaust system
• Red GR brake calipers
• Rear spoiler

Inside, the cabin is built around the driver:

• 12.3-inch full-colour TFT display
• 8-inch infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• 6 speakers
• Alcantara GR sport seats with red stitching
• Dual automatic climate control

It retains full five-seat practicality, with dimensions of 4,408 mm in length and a 2,640 mm wheelbase.

Safety

Safety systems include:

• Pre-Collision System (PCS)
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
• Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
• Lane Departure Alert (LDA)
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)
• Adaptive cruise control
• Six airbags
• Rear camera and parking support brake

GR Yaris

While the GR Corolla balances performance and practicality, the GR Yaris is the more focused machine. Inspired by Toyota’s World Rally Championship success, it carries a compact, aggressive stance and motorsport intent.

Pricing (VAT Included)

• GR Yaris M/T: AED 167,900
• GR Yaris A/T: AED 169,900

Engine & Performance

Like the Corolla, it uses the 1.6-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder G16E-GTS, producing:

• 296hp
• 400Nm 

Transmission options:

• 6-speed intelligent manual (iMT)
• 8-speed GR-DAT automatic

Other technical highlights:

• GR-FOUR AWD system
• Torsen LSD
• GR High Aero suspension
• 18-inch forged alloys
• 225/40R18 Yokohama tyres
• Top speed: 230km/h

Drive Mode Select and Circuit Mode enhance performance on track, including anti-lag control and adjusted speed limiter settings.

Design & Cabin

With a shorter wheelbase of 2,560 mm and overall length of 3,995 mm, the GR Yaris is compact and purposeful. Exterior features include:

• Carbon fibre roof
• Aluminium hood and doors
• Dual exhaust
• GR Aero kit
• Red GR brake calipers

Inside, it offers:

• Alcantara leather sport seats
• 12.3-inch TFT display developed with feedback from professional drivers
• 8-inch infotainment with navigation
• 8 JBL speakers
• Wireless charging
• Head-up display

Safety

The GR Yaris mirrors the Corolla in safety, featuring:

• PCS
• DRCC
• LTA
• LDA
• Automatic High Beam
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Six airbags
• Vehicle Stability Control

Driving Impressions – Dubai Autodrome

GR Yaris

Through Turn 1 at Dubai Autodrome, the GR Yaris feels sharp and responsive under heavy braking. In the flowing Turn 2 and 3 section, it changes direction quickly, feeling light and agile. In the tighter infield corners after the back straight, its rally-inspired character stands out. The GR-FOUR AWD system delivers strong traction when exiting slow bends, especially in Track mode. It feels compact, playful and highly engaging.

GR Corolla

The GR Corolla feels more aggressive down the main straight, building speed with a strong mid-range punch before braking hard into Turn 1. Through long sweepers and quick left-right transitions, it stays flat and confident. The wider stance and longer wheelbase give it strong front-end grip, while the AWD system allows earlier throttle application when exiting corners. It feels planted, powerful and serious at speed.

GR Yaris & GR Corolla In The UAE

With the launch of the GR Corolla and GR Yaris, Al-Futtaim Toyota has strengthened its Gazoo Racing presence in the UAE. These are not cosmetic upgrades. They are genuine performance machines engineered with motorsport DNA and adapted for everyday road use. 

The GR Yaris will appeal to purists seeking a compact, rally-inspired hot hatch. The GR Corolla adds space and practicality without sacrificing performance. Together, they signal a clear direction: performance driving in the UAE is evolving, and Toyota intends to be at the centre of it.

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