As usual, I, Rikutsu-Kone-Taro, introduce the arbitrary and prejudice-filled opinions of “Rikutsu Konetaro.” If you choose to implement the content described below, please do so at your own risk.
Now, the GR Yaris RZHP with 4WD, turbo, and 6MT is an exhilarating car, especially in adverse conditions such as rough weather. It’s not just fun; it’s a whole different level of excitement compared to the 2WD automatic. (For details within this site, click “here” or “here“)
Of course, it’s thrilling on sunny highways too, but I think you can experience a similar thrill with other well-made 2-pedal 2WD cars.
In rough weather, there are various and uneven coefficients of friction (μ) scattered randomly on the road, such as puddles, falling objects, road-wide decreases in μ, manholes, and road seams.
In 2WD, only up to two wheels can apply traction, but with 4WD, you have twice the probability of applying traction. (For details, click “here“)
In addition, the GR Yaris features a robust body, responsive suspension, full bucket seats, and the flexibility of the 6MT allowing the driver to choose any gear.
The moderately high-quality interior of the GR Yaris RZHP, combined with the uneven μ on the road during stormy weather, places a high-powered turbo engine on an intelligent 4WD system, and controls a 6MT with three pedals—it’s truly a dreamlike experience.
It’s enchanting.
I used to hope that the GR Yaris would be released with 2 pedals and paddle shifters… before the official announcement. However, now I think having three pedals was the right choice.
While using two pedals might be faster for severe time competition, I’ve reconfirmed that if you enjoy the act of driving in a straightforward manner, three pedals are probably more enjoyable.
Yes, I had forgotten for a while, but “Rikutsu Konetaro” is not a competitor; he is simply a driving enthusiast who enjoys the act of driving and the car’s response.
Apart from the three pedals, there were various question marks in “Rikutsu Konetaro’s” mind about the commercially available features of the GR Yaris.
For example, the stock seats and driving position. Why are those stock seats positioned so differently from the steering wheel?
Now, looking back, “Rikutsu Konetaro” can probably understand it. That offset relationship between the stock seats and the steering wheel might have been a compromise solution within the given constraints of packaging for a regular road-going vehicle.
The fact that the door mirrors obstructed the view the least was also due to the stock seats, according to “Rikutsu Konetaro’s” experience. By replacing the stock seats with bucket seats, he traded off many things.
For instance, visibility.
For instance, safety provided by seat airbags.
For instance, ease of access to the rear seats.
But “Rikutsu Konetaro” still went ahead with the replacement. Similar enthusiasts would probably do the same. That’s why (probably) Toyota was satisfied with those stock seats.
When switching to full bucket seats, adjust the center of the seat and steering wheel on the user’s side… that was also requested.
Regarding the redundant stroke of the clutch pedal, “Rikutsu Konetaro” thinks it might be a compromise solution for commercialization. In reality, many owners dislike the excessive stroke and install a clutch stopper.
Race cars or machines just before time attacks are in the most sophisticated state within the allowed time for their specific purpose. However, production cars are subjected to the constraint of “running on public roads.”
Moreover, it could be a commercially available car driven by someone with “unthinkable, highly biased thinking and driving skills.”
Therefore, “Rikutsu Konetaro” is grateful to Toyota for making the GR Yaris available in its current form.
I’ve mentioned this before, but I think enthusiasts of Impreza and Evolution felt the same way.
Thank you, Subaru! Thank you, Mitsubishi!
If we go further back, enthusiasts of Lancia, Mini, and Alpine probably felt the same.
When and where you are born is luck. What kind of car you become a fan of is luck.
“Rikutsu Konetaro” is truly glad to have been born in today’s capitalist, free, and polytheistic Japan. There’s a gap where you can enjoy your luck.
In a society where the once endangered species—gasoline car with 4WD, turbo, and 6MT—is now born, and there is still a gap to savor it.
It’s something to be cherished.
So, “Rikutsu Konetaro” aims to quietly enjoy the pleasure of the GR Yaris.
If you cause trouble or frowns on others, the legal gap to enjoy this freedom might be filled.
That’s all for this time.
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