Fancy Footwork

Both the front and rear LSDs have been upgraded with Cusco versions and the long time Japanese tuner also supplied their front and rear anti-roll bars. That first set of coilovers was once again swapped out for KW three-way Clubsports and a Hardrace rear upper arm and toe kit allow the shop to customize the suspension set up. More aggressive Advan Racing TC4 and Falken's newest RT660 were brought in to handle grip duty, and just behind those red rollers sit AP Racing's Pro 5000R calipers loaded with PFC carbon metallic pads. The drivetrain, suspension, and braking updates are all reversible and maintain the car's streetability.

No widebody conversion or massive aero enhancements at this point, as Gono's Yaris uses a GR4 lip and sideskirts, though he did opt for a Garage Vary carbon fiber rear diffuser. Pull off the track day signage and the bright red wheels are really the only clue to the average bystander that something very special just zoomed by.

Crack open either door and you're met by el Sport carbon fiber door cards that replace the originals, and all-business Bride Xero VS seats draped with Willans four-point harnesses. The carbon-backed bucket seats certainly play into the car's rally heritage and team up nicely with the extended reach of a CAE race shifter. The rest of the car's panels and carpeting remain, keeping true to Gono's vision of a streetcar that can punch upward on track days and make an impact.

True To Form

Most times, when an automaker debuts something lethal like the GR Yaris, enthusiasts envision stoplight encounters with V-8s and dashing down highways with their hazards flashing. The reality is, a car like the GR Yaris was developed and produced to give end users a vehicle that can split time between street and track duties. Gono and Autoplus intend to exploit those characteristics to the fullest, adding, "we would like to see this car get into the top 10 here without having to sacrifice its drivability as my daily driver."

2021 Toyota GR Yaris

OwnerLuis Gono

Instagram @gonoluis

EngineALEX reinforced engine mounts; Gruppe M carbon fiber ram-air intake; Autoplus custom downpipe; Lamspeed titanium exhaust; Wagner Tuning intercooler, piping; Turbosmart blow-off valve; GReddy catch can; Motec M142 PNP

DrivetrainCAE race shifter; Cusco front/rear LSD, high-volume rear differential cover; Project Mu clutch line

SuspensionKW 3-way Clubsport coilovers; Cusco front/rear anti-roll bars; ALEX reinforced rear differential bushings; Hardrace rear upper arm, toe kit

BrakingAP Racing Pro 5000R calipers, 365mm rotors; PFC carbon metallic pads; Goodridge blake lines

Wheels & TiresAdvan Racing TC4 18x9 +35; Falken Azenis RT660 255/35

ExteriorGR optional wraparound kit; Garage Vary rear diffuser

InteriorBride Xero VS seats; Willans 4-pt. harnesses; Stern Performance rear seat delete; el Sport carbon fiber door cards; Lite-ION D27 lithium battery

Thank YouTo my dad for inspiring me to continue his path with tuning cars. Thank you to my friend Aaron Guevara for being there whenever we're out testing on track. Thank you to David Feliciano for the technical knowledge. Thank you to our boys at Autoplus Sports and 602PTG, and our sponsors Falken Tire, Motul, and KW Suspensions.