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Car market ·
Toyota GR Yaris 2026 introduces a new steering wheel developed with the drivers, Bridgestone Potenza Race tyres.
Ultimogiro Newsroom · 16 March 2026 · 3 min read
The Toyota GR Yaris 2026 continues its evolution in the world of high-performance hot hatches. The sporty compact developed by Gazoo Racing introduces a series of technical updates designed to further improve the driving experience, both on the road and on track.
Among the most significant new features is the new steering wheel designed with the direct input of the drivers, together with changes to the steering, suspension and high-performance tyres.
One of the most interesting updates to the Toyota GR Yaris MY2026 concerns the steering wheel, which has been completely redesigned to offer even more precise driving.
Toyota engineers worked with professional drivers and testers involved in competition to develop a solution that would improve the feel of the car. The result is a steering wheel with the diameter reduced to around 360 mm, allowing quicker and more direct movements during sporty driving.
The shape of the grip has been modified to increase grip stability in the most demanding situations, such as:
corners taken at high speed
track driving
rally use
Some thumb supports have also been removed and the buttons on the steering wheel have been repositioned. This choice reduces the risk of accidental activations during very wide steering manoeuvres.
A symbolic detail concerns the design: the GR logo (Gazoo Racing) now appears on the steering wheel instead of the traditional Toyota badge.
The GR Yaris 2026 also introduces new Bridgestone Potenza Race tyres, designed to offer greater grip in the most extreme driving conditions.
These tyres have been developed to improve:
cornering grip
high-speed stability
the car's precision on track
The higher-performance compound and reinforced structure allow the GR Yaris to make the most of its sporty setup.
To accompany the new high-performance tyres, Toyota has also updated the suspension settings.
The front and rear dampers have been revised to achieve:
greater stability in fast corners
better roll control
more precise response when changing direction
These changes help make the Toyota GR Yaris 2026 even more effective in sporty driving, while still maintaining good comfort for everyday use.
Another step forward concerns the electric power steering (EPS) system, which receives a software and hardware update.
The aim is to improve:
steering precision
response under heavy braking
stability in corners with strong lateral load
Thanks to these changes, the GR Yaris offers more direct feedback and a greater sense of control behind the wheel.
Since its debut, the Toyota GR Yaris was designed as a true rally car adapted for the road. The model was born from the Toyota team’s experience in the World Rally Championship (WRC).
The updates to the 2026 version confirm this philosophy: every technical evolution comes from track testing and competition.
This approach allows Toyota to constantly improve the car, keeping the GR Yaris among the hot hatches most appreciated by sporty driving enthusiasts.
For the model year 2026, the Toyota GR Yaris receives a series of targeted updates that improve control and driver engagement.
The main new features include:
new steering wheel developed with the drivers
Bridgestone Potenza Race tyres
revised suspension
updates to the electric power steering
These changes show how Toyota continues to refine its sporty compact car, maintaining a strong link with the world of competition.
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