Toyota GR Yaris “9x” Edition: Celebrating Sébastien Ogier’s Record-Tying Championship

Toyota is releasing a limited-edition GR Yaris to honor Sébastien Ogier’s ninth World Rally Championship (WRC) title, achieved in 2025 and matching the record held by Sébastien Loeb. This super-rare model, dubbed the “9x” edition, underscores Toyota’s commitment to celebrating rally legends and delivering exclusive performance vehicles.

Exclusivity and Availability

Only 200 units of the GR Yaris “9x” will be produced: 100 for Japan and another 100 for select European markets. Prospective buyers in Japan will enter a lottery system to secure a purchase, highlighting the high demand for this collector’s item. Pricing details have not yet been released, but the cost is expected to exceed the standard GR Yaris’ £46,045 due to its limited production run.

Performance and Aerodynamic Upgrades

The “9x” edition builds upon the existing GR Yaris Aero Performance Package, introduced in 2025. This package includes an adjustable rear wing, a bonnet scoop, lip spoiler, wheel arch vents, and optimized fuel tank covers designed to smooth underfloor airflow. The car will feature a distinctive matte “Black Gravite” paint finish with blue brake calipers and a tricolor grille accent.

Under the hood, the 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine remains unchanged, producing 276bhp and 390Nm of torque. This delivers a 0-62mph time of 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 143mph. A new “SEB” driving mode, developed with Ogier himself, replaces the “Track” mode. This mode adjusts the torque distribution to 40:60 front-to-rear, enabling enhanced rear-wheel-drive control for rally-inspired handling.

Interior and Rally-Inspired Design

The interior receives subtle but purposeful updates. A smaller steering wheel, inspired by the GR Yaris Rally2 race car, provides improved ergonomics. The handbrake lever is now leather-wrapped and mounted upright for easier operation during rally-style maneuvers.

Context and Significance

This special edition is not Toyota’s first collaboration with Ogier. The GR Yaris Ogier Edition was released in 2024 to commemorate his 2020 and 2021 WRC titles. Additionally, a Rovanperä Edition has honored Kalle Rovanperä’s championship wins in 2022 and 2023.

Sébastien Ogier stands out as one of only two drivers to win championships for three different manufacturers (Toyota, Volkswagen, and M-Sport), alongside Juha Kankkunen. With 67 rally wins, Ogier ranks second all-time in WRC victories, solidifying his legacy as a motorsport icon.

The release of the “9x” edition is more than just a limited-run vehicle; it’s a tribute to Ogier’s achievements and Toyota’s continued celebration of motorsport excellence. The combination of exclusivity, performance upgrades, and rally-inspired design makes this GR Yaris a highly sought-after collectible for enthusiasts and fans of the sport.