According to BestCarWeb, Toyota plans to unveil a GR Yaris facelift complete with a more powerful engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
In its current form, the hot hatch utilizes a 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine rated at 272 PS (268 hp / 200 kW) in its JDM spec. According to the latest insider info, the facelift version will retain the same engine block, but will be tuned to over 300 horsepower (221 kilowatts). The torque will continue to be capped at 370 Nm (273 lb-ft), although the same car is offered in some markets with 390 Nm (288 lb-ft).
The current GR Yaris (in the gallery and video here) offers six-speed manual as the only transmission. This is expected to change in the next model year with the addition of an eight-speed auto option complete with paddle shifters for easy shifting. The company allegedly also plans to tweak the suspension and the brakes, improve overall body rigidity and slightly redesign the exterior with a new front bumper and a larger spoiler.
All in all, it sounds like the new GR Yaris may wind up with the same three-pot turbo as its larger cousin, the GR Corolla. The latter also lacks an automatic transmission, by the way, and it now looks like one might become available in the future.