GR Yaris stock v modified
Discussion
I'm considering picking up a GR Yaris for the winter. I'm curious as to whether the aftermarket suspension options like the Litchfield Nitron or Ohlins widen the breadth of use or just narrow it i.e does it give a more compliant ride while allowing to adjust for trackdays etc
I'm mindful that even something like coilovers may increase the wear and tear of some other parts of the car and they also have a much shorter service life. However I know it's much better for the wallet to buy an already modified car if the suspension upgrade is really worthwhile. I'm pretty cynical however as surely Toyota had a top team developing this car and the dampers would be something they put their expertise to.
I'm an ex GTR user who went from zero to hundred on the modification bandwagon, Litchfield has a great marketing department and I ended up with a less reliable car that had more bugs that generally showed the inherent weakness of the car. On paper it had a million horsepower and the full roster of Litchfield modifications but in the real world the sum of the parts was not worth it.
I'm mindful that even something like coilovers may increase the wear and tear of some other parts of the car and they also have a much shorter service life. However I know it's much better for the wallet to buy an already modified car if the suspension upgrade is really worthwhile. I'm pretty cynical however as surely Toyota had a top team developing this car and the dampers would be something they put their expertise to.
I'm an ex GTR user who went from zero to hundred on the modification bandwagon, Litchfield has a great marketing department and I ended up with a less reliable car that had more bugs that generally showed the inherent weakness of the car. On paper it had a million horsepower and the full roster of Litchfield modifications but in the real world the sum of the parts was not worth it.
Speaking as someone who has modified virtually every car I've owned, I've made the decision to keep mine bog standard as I like it just as it is. I was so impressed when I first bought the car after an hour or two on my favourite B roads that I thought Toyota had just about got it right for my driving needs.
But I guess it's a case of each to their own.
But I guess it's a case of each to their own.
I’m also in the same situation as you and thinking of one for my daily.
Took one for a spin Saturday. What a hoot grip was astonishing in very cold damp conditions.
It did have one minor modification; a lowered driver’s seat. Which I think improved the car as any higher wouldn’t have been great. Apart from that I’d have no inclination to modify anything else.
Took one for a spin Saturday. What a hoot grip was astonishing in very cold damp conditions.
It did have one minor modification; a lowered driver’s seat. Which I think improved the car as any higher wouldn’t have been great. Apart from that I’d have no inclination to modify anything else.
Has anyone purchase the Convenience model and fitted the LSD's?
Sounds a bit barmy but I really value the heads up display, the better sound as well as the parking sensors etc all things I have in my other daily and will use more often than the LSD. However I was at Oulton park on Friday, saw a couple of GR's flying around and I will definitely take it on track.
Sounds a bit barmy but I really value the heads up display, the better sound as well as the parking sensors etc all things I have in my other daily and will use more often than the LSD. However I was at Oulton park on Friday, saw a couple of GR's flying around and I will definitely take it on track.
Babw said:
Has anyone purchase the Convenience model and fitted the LSD's?
Sounds a bit barmy but I really value the heads up display, the better sound as well as the parking sensors etc all things I have in my other daily and will use more often than the LSD. However I was at Oulton park on Friday, saw a couple of GR's flying around and I will definitely take it on track.
I imagine it would be far far cheaper to but at circuit pack car and add in a decent stereo (I have heard the JBL one isnt that much better) and a HUD?Sounds a bit barmy but I really value the heads up display, the better sound as well as the parking sensors etc all things I have in my other daily and will use more often than the LSD. However I was at Oulton park on Friday, saw a couple of GR's flying around and I will definitely take it on track.
Babw said:
Has anyone purchase the Convenience model and fitted the LSD's?
Sounds a bit barmy but I really value the heads up display, the better sound as well as the parking sensors etc all things I have in my other daily and will use more often than the LSD. However I was at Oulton park on Friday, saw a couple of GR's flying around and I will definitely take it on track.
A few people in Australia have put LSD's of various brands/types into the rear differential as we only had what you call the Convenience Pack for a year or so.Sounds a bit barmy but I really value the heads up display, the better sound as well as the parking sensors etc all things I have in my other daily and will use more often than the LSD. However I was at Oulton park on Friday, saw a couple of GR's flying around and I will definitely take it on track.
If you are happy with the "convenience" equipment in the Convenience Pack and would prefer different diff(s), wheels, dampers to what's in the Circuit Pack then you'd be better to get the convenience pack. If you're happy with Torsen diffs, BBS wheels and their tune of dampers/springs but you are picky with your ICE then the circuit pack and sticking in your own ICE (such as that Alpine system I linked a few posts up) would be a better pick.
On Friday I had a chance to drive a convenience pack and circuit pack car, a Sytner dealer near Manchester has both for sale.
Unfortunately I was bitterly disappointed by both, the controls were incredibly numb, the visibility and driving position poor, the drivetrain sound was odd and the interior materials incredibly cheap.
It did get off the line well and the chassis seemed stiff/solid.
I’m an ex GTR owner and I’ve heard it labelled a mini GTR but I couldn’t disagree more, the GTR has real drivetrain interaction and steering feel. This just seemed like a boosted city car.
I will likely borrow one to take it over some bumpy roads if the opportunity arises but the involvement was really lacking.
Unfortunately I was bitterly disappointed by both, the controls were incredibly numb, the visibility and driving position poor, the drivetrain sound was odd and the interior materials incredibly cheap.
It did get off the line well and the chassis seemed stiff/solid.
I’m an ex GTR owner and I’ve heard it labelled a mini GTR but I couldn’t disagree more, the GTR has real drivetrain interaction and steering feel. This just seemed like a boosted city car.
I will likely borrow one to take it over some bumpy roads if the opportunity arises but the involvement was really lacking.
Babw said:
On Friday I had a chance to drive a convenience pack and circuit pack car, a Sytner dealer near Manchester has both for sale.
Unfortunately I was bitterly disappointed by both, the controls were incredibly numb, the visibility and driving position poor, the drivetrain sound was odd and the interior materials incredibly cheap.
It did get off the line well and the chassis seemed stiff/solid.
I’m an ex GTR owner and I’ve heard it labelled a mini GTR but I couldn’t disagree more, the GTR has real drivetrain interaction and steering feel. This just seemed like a boosted city car.
I will likely borrow one to take it over some bumpy roads if the opportunity arises but the involvement was really lacking.
I felt pretty similar on my first test drive, it was a single corner when I pushed on and started to feel the four wheel drive really working with a turbo spoiled up that convinced me to keep my order. Unfortunately I was bitterly disappointed by both, the controls were incredibly numb, the visibility and driving position poor, the drivetrain sound was odd and the interior materials incredibly cheap.
It did get off the line well and the chassis seemed stiff/solid.
I’m an ex GTR owner and I’ve heard it labelled a mini GTR but I couldn’t disagree more, the GTR has real drivetrain interaction and steering feel. This just seemed like a boosted city car.
I will likely borrow one to take it over some bumpy roads if the opportunity arises but the involvement was really lacking.
If all I was doing was commuting on busy roads I wouldn't keep it. When your pushing the car it really is something very different to anything at its price point. However, it's not for everyone and if you've already owned much quicker cars I can see why you might be disappointed.
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