Toyota's new GR Yaris WRC car looks insane

After winning the 2021 World Rally Championship (WRC) driver, co-driver, and constructors champ titles, it seems Toyota already has plans to defend it in the 2022 season. In a press conference in Japan, the automaker revealed their new challenger for the 2022 WRC season. It won't be the Yaris that we've come to know for the past few years. Instead, the new vehicle is based on the GR Yaris.

Toyota officially calls it the GR Yaris Rally1 WRC. If you thought the road-going homologation GR Yaris was wild, this one is just insane with all the added aero. It's a lot wider and features massive vents on the sides, just behind the doors. There's also a large rear wing with a unique stacked configuration for added downforce.

Unfortunately, the new WRC car is still covered in camouflage, meaning Toyota isn't ready to reveal it in full just yet. However, we should expect the GR Yaris Rally1 to make its full debut before the 2022 WRC season begins.

There are no details about the powertrain yet, but WRC did announce all cars competing in the 2022 season will have to use a hybrid system. With that, Toyota may adopt a hybrid system to work with the existing 1.6-liter three-cylinder mill from the road-going GR Yaris or use a different engine altogether. Power output will likely be limited per usual regulations.

Hopefully, Toyota will be able to retain defend their 2021 title with the new GR Yaris Rally1 car and win the three titles for the second year in a row. Aside from a new vehicle, the automaker will run a revamped driver lineup for the next season as well. However, Jari-Matti Latvala will continue to act as the Team Principal.