Toyota lifts lid on near "impossible" mission to upgrade its WRC car

Toyota has just revealed the incredible story behind its mission to upgrade its World Rally Championship (WRC) car, the GR Yaris. The Japanese automaker faced a daunting task when regulations changed late last year, forcing them to rethink their development plan for the 2025 season.

With only six to eight weeks to complete the upgrades, Toyota's technical director, Tom Fowler, described the challenge as "almost impossible." The team had to pull off a "big collaboration" between departments and suppliers to meet the tight deadline. This involved upgrading the engine, camshafts, exhaust manifold, and producing new gear ratios.

The changes were necessary due to the regulation shift away from hybrid power and the reduction of the air restrictor to 35mm for the 2025 season. Toyota successfully debuted the updated GR Yaris at the Monte Carlo season-opener, with Sébastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans securing a one-two finish.

The team's remarkable achievement is a testament to their engineers' and designers' expertise and dedication. As Fowler noted, "If you write down the time it takes to make those gears, make those manifold parts and to grind camshafts, if you use all the standard delivery times it is impossible".