Too much powertrain losses due to the new auto gearbox.

Manual GR2 is faster on track vs GR2 auto, which should not be the case, really.

 

Good morning to you,

the two separate videos:

on March 23 2021, Christian Gebhardt, SportAuto Test Driver,
with the GR MK1 MT gets Nordschleife Nürburgring Hot Lap in 8'.14".93'''

and on October 22 2024, always Christian Gebhardt,with the GR MK2 DAT
gets Nordschleife Nürburgring Hot Lap in 8'.14".38'''

The difference in times is really small, that's why Toyota has introduced the upgrade on GR MK2 DAT 2025:

https://www.gr-yaris.co.uk/threads/gr-2025.13012/?post_id=197853#post-197853

And I think the GR MK2 MT can also have its say on the Hot Lap!

Ciao

 

Watch from 1hr mark. 👍

 

I had a Mk1, I have a Mk2 auto ... the Mk2 auto is faster, both in terms of outright acceleration due to less gear change momentum loss, as well as - on a track or twisty road - by having one less task to focus on.

Is the difference huge? Absolutely not, but it's clearly noticeable and measurable.

Is the difference marginal if you use very mechanically unsympathetic manual changes? Likely so, but in a manual I prefer to make relatively "safe" changes to avoid misshifts and general drivetrain "abuse" issues.

Is manual more involving and engaging? Obviously, but for me the convenience and speed advantages of the auto are worth it. Personal taste.

My Mk2 does consistently 4.8-4.9s 0-100km/h sprints driving away from freeway toll booths, my Mk1 never did better than 5.4s (with fairly fast but safe gear changes).

 

Dani Cuadrado says otherwise.
2024 Auto GRY

2020 GRY manual

 

I have both cars, I don't care about some Dani Cuarado (?) 😄 I care about my experience and driving.

He's probably way better / more aggressive / less mechanically sympathetic than me at changing gears manually ... good for him. I shared my real life experience, not some magazine write up.

Also please note that track times done in different days, let alone years, have hardly any meaning: a few degrees of temperature can affect lap time considerably, let alone a surface years apart, weather, tires wear, etc.

I find my comparison far more "scientific": same driver, both cars owned from new, kept in identical condition and driven on the same roads long-term for thousands of kilometers (the Mk2 1500 so far, the Mk1 15000).

 

Today I test drove the new GRY Gen 2 and walked away disappointed.

This new one has 226kW and 400Nm of torque but didn't feel like it.

What was most shocking was no HUD and frankly in a day of safety importance in new cars, the lack of its presence made me think what's going on Toyota. (it is now more $$$ yet you get less tech)

Drive - engine for one did not feel like extra kW and Nm. Compared to my old GRY, there was no boost or rush up top. (again there is this manic magic in GRY Gen1 and the new one seemed more linear but not crazy up top - tamed/different turbo?) It felt like the fun has gone from this new model compared to old. I recall test driving the gen 1 and it was egging you to press the accelerator in second and third gear and go for it and feel the turbo, this I did not feel with the new gen2.

Steering - The steering is better that I immediately felt as it has now two adjustments in front of gear stick. One flip for normal sports eco(I chose sports) and the customary dial adjuster for the awd mode (selected normal then track) To me this was the biggest improvement as it was lighter in feel.

Exhaust - I looked at rear exhaust and thought initially it looks bigger then turned it on (cold boot) and was expecting louder sound but instead was met with low rumble. Actually it sounded quieter than my car. (still confused about it and was hoping for improvement)

Digital screen - not a fan. Start button is way too high and front digital display (too much happening and difficult to find tachometer) dealer had no idea where it was found deep in the menu. Temperature gauge is too small (bottom corner) and it was difficult to see if engine was up to temp.
OK there's a new now more modern entertainment display (above manual shift) but honestly never looked at as now my eyes were focused on the speed on the digital display as there is no more HUD (did I mention this before?)

Interior - seats are lower I think and there is now more visibility in front windscreen but was never bothered tbh with older model. Rear seats and boot still the same at older generation. Side mirrors are different maybe more convex or flat not sure.

Conclusion - There are now red seat belts rofl 🤣 and I feel the engine is not the same as before. This was my biggest gripe with the test drive. I was in fourth gear and coasting at 30mph hit the floor pedal and no response whatsoever (very bizarre) so not sure if lag or something else. I know in my generation one there is some response but here in generation 2 no bupkas. Continuing with the engine there is a more linear progression to acceleration but the fun boost(at end /higher rpm) is gone in the new model.

So those thinking of jumping ship into the new generation think again. I was looking for more punch (+26kW;+20Nm) and more madness but this new model was the opposite. More tamed less manic and more mainstream. IMHO, I feel this new model was made for the auto driver not the manual and will leave it at that.


Happy and safe driving. 🚘