Toyota GR Yaris Limited Editions Fetch Record Prices at Czech Auction: Highlights and Controversies

The Toyota GR Yaris is a popular hothatch in the Czech Republic. When a Czech producer got the opportunity to get four pieces from the limited edition of Ogier and Rovanperä, they decided to take a bold step, which will be fair at the same time. The cars were offered at public auction.

It happened on Wednesday at the Hilton Hotel. A total of ten bidders participated in the auction, which finally bid on the Ogier edition for the target amounts of 2,200,000 kroner and 2,470,000 kroner and the Rovanperä limited edition for the amounts of 2.41 million and 2.42 million. In total, four sporty Yaris were sold for 9.5 million kroner. Meanwhile, the auction always started at 1.8 million. After deducting the starting prices, there were only 2.3 million crowns “left”.

“Based on the interest we had in these particular pieces, we had very high expectations, but in the end the reality exceeded them. It was an exciting battle until the last minute and the target numbers are very high. for their interest.

He said that after covering all the costs of the event, they plan to distribute the proceeds from the auction to charity. Among other things, they want to support the Police and Firefighters Foundation. It is not yet clear how much of the 2.3 million will be left for charity after expenses are deducted.

However, what was surprising at the auction was who bid on the cars. One of the winners is Toyota and Lexus Auto Eder in Karlovy Vary. So the car could be displayed directly at the dealer and used for marketing purposes. The other was a married couple of limited edition car collectors.

Two cars left from each limited series according to Hospodářské noviny taken by Antonín Charouz. In the past, a car race and also a businessman was a bit controversial. Its debts in the amount of 5.4 billion crowns had to be bought by the state-owned Czech Consolidation Group, which sold them in 2003 for only 570 million crowns. In 2017 a chain of Charouz Motors car dealerships also ended in bankruptcy.

According to the commercial record, he is now Antonín Charouz member of the board of directors with Charouz Holding and Charouz Racing System, CEO of Charouz Group and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Auto Enge.

The GR Yaris in limited editions is undoubtedly an interesting car. The Ogier Edition offers two new AWD drive modes called “Morizo” and “Seb”. The Morizo ​​method was prepared by Akio Toyoda himself based on his own experience in rally sports. The Seb mode designed by Sebastien Ogier, through Torsen limited-slip differentials on both axles and all-wheel drive, transfers torque to the rear wheels so the car can be driven ​​​​​​​on both sides.

The car is painted in a special matte gray shade and decorated with a French flag on the radiator grill. The blue color of the brake calipers along with the BBS wheels is also attractive. Inside, on the dashboard, there is a plaque celebrating the WRC victory. Digital instruments have been changed for both versions.

Toyota has equipped the Rovanperä Edition with a special Donut driving mode, created especially for the youngest WRC champion who loves to move. The second special Kalle mode then allows the rear of the car to turn corners with ease.

A special tri-color paint job is used on the body, the car has an adjustable rear spoiler. The quilting of the panels and the upholstery in the cabin match the national colors of the Finnish driver, ie blue and grey. There is a special menu on the dashboard.

One car from each edition auctioned by Toyota was displayed directly on the Hilton property. The other two cars will be manufactured and delivered by the end of this year.

Only 200 of each edition were made worldwide, with 100 of each version reaching Europe.