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Hop Onboard for One More Lap at the Ring in the Toyota GR Yaris Before Christmas

Toyota GR Yaris 10 photos
Photo: Apex Nurburg
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It's not long until 2020 becomes 2021, and with temperatures dropping fast around Europe, motorsport-related events are being put on hold until spring. But that doesn't mean Nürburgring aficionados won't try to squeeze in a few more laps, albeit at a slightly slower pace than usual.
It was just a month ago that we witnessed Captain Gaskrank doing a sub-8-minute Bridge to Gantry run on the Nordschleife, and we think that record is going to stand on its feet at least for the next few months. Still, the purpose of the video right here was not to break any records, but actually get more feedback on Toyota's newest sportscar.

Misha Charoudin has been putting in laps at the 'Ring for several years now, and he was definitely hyped up for the drive - and who wouldn't be? The Internet has been going on and on about this car for months now, and it will be pretty difficult for any other manufacturer to steal the spotlight anytime soon.

As opposed to what Chris Harris and Mr. JWW have said so far, it seems that Misha feels that the pedal positioning is just fine, and he chooses to switch off the automatic rev-matching, opting for the manual heel-and-toe technique. Although we've heard some people complain about the engine noise, it doesn't sound all that bad from the inside of the car - if that's the actual engine sound we're hearing and not something being replicated through the speakers.

With this being a modern-day car, Misha emphasizes how confidence-inspiring the GR Yaris is. "It gives you so much confidence, it's ridiculous... the brakes are exceptionally good". The car does look like an excellent entry-level choice for anyone looking to feed their motorsports enthusiasm while not being quite ready to spend six figures on something with even more cutting edge technology in it.

As this car is going to be used for Nürburgring duty throughout the next year, some upgrades will be coming up next, including brakes, wheels, suspension, new seats with harnesses, and of course, a roll-cage. It would be cool to see what Robert Kubica could do with the little Japanese built hot-hatch after those upgrades, but we'll most likely have to wait a few more months until anything like that will happen.

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About the author: Dragos Chitulescu
Dragos Chitulescu profile photo

The things Dragos enjoys the most in life are, in no particular order: cars, motorcycles, diecast cars, and drifting. He's seen (and driven) many vehicles since he started his writing career back in 2009, but his garage currently houses a 1991 Mazda RX-7 FC3S Turbo II and a 1999 Suzuki SV650-S.
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