GR Yaris: Filling the Design Gap

The following is a personal opinion filled with arbitrary judgments based on the perspective of “Rikutsu Kone Taro.” Please read with this in mind. This time, even as an owner, I can’t find the GR Yaris to be quite cool, so I want to improve it a bit.

If you were the designer in charge of the GR Yaris, you would likely think that there is no gap in the design of the GR Yaris that you carefully thought through and refined through careful consideration, which an amateur can improve.

However, because “Rikutsu Kone Taro” is an amateur, he can find gaps in the design relying solely on “his own subjectivity” and fill or connect them, ignoring the context of the design that professionals emphasize.

To be honest, “Rikutsu Kone Taro” did not find the appearance of the GR Yaris RZHP to be particularly cool. Especially, I was not satisfied with the shape and color arrangement of the rear view, focusing on the processing of the rear fender’s rear end (refer to “Worries, Diagonal Rear View”).

Since how one enjoys their hobby car is a world of self-satisfaction, it’s meaningless if you are not satisfied yourself. Therefore, some adjustments to the appearance of the GR Yaris are essential.

Whether it’s a car, a watch, or clothes, filling the gaps in the design of mass-produced products and changing them to your liking makes life more enjoyable.

Regarding changes in appearance, “Rikutsu Kone Taro” is mindful of filling the design gaps mainly through changing the color of genuine parts without adding or replacing parts.

It’s delightful to have an appearance that makes even slightly car-conscious people think, “Oh, what a nice car.”

Moreover, when replacing parts, unused parts accumulate and occupy a considerable space, so unless there is considerable charm, I don’t want to replace parts for now.

I have only replaced the original seats with BRIDE full buckets and changed the shift lever to a quick shifter.

The original seats have transformed into my work chair and are actively in use, and the shift knob doesn’t take up much space when stored, so it’s within an acceptable range.

I’d like to show you the current appearance of my GR Yaris as of June 2022 in photos 1 and 2, even though it’s not yet the final form. I hope it can be of reference to everyone.

Regarding the changes before and after painting the original wheels in the same color as the body, click “here.”

Photos 3 and 4 show the results of painting some parts of the rear in the same color as the body.

The rear spoiler, shark fin, garnish, and diffuser were painted in the same color as the body, and black air ducts were attached. Click “here” for the changes before and after.

Hmm, the appearance has become more cohesive and filled in, and I’m self-praising. But there are still gaps I want to fill.

Since I have added very few additional items, the silhouette has not changed at all. However, just with the painting of genuine parts and air ducts, the impression changes quite a bit.

The car has come close to the ideal, including the interior, but there’s still a lot I want to do. The journey is still long.

That’s all for this time.