fbpx
Cars > Steed

The first Toyota GR Yaris in PH has landed

Owned by AutoPlus Sportzentrium owner Carlos Gono

Luis Gono will have a blast driving this pocket rocket. PHOTO FROM CARLOS GONO

In media, we like to say “hot off the press” when referring to newly printed or published content. It’s a phrase that appropriately describes this fresh story about what apparently is the first Toyota GR Yaris unit in the Philippines—as in the car physically reached its owner “just an hour ago.”

That owner is none other than AutoPlus Sportzentrium proprietor and Motul distributor Carlos Gono. Seen in the above photo is his son Luis, who, of course, was the 2014 Vios Cup champion.

According to the older Gono, this specific unit was sourced from Germany. “They’re the first country to receive the left-hand-drive version,” he tells us.

Will he modify the car? “We have to, but a lot of parts are still under development abroad,” Gono says. “Parang disoriented ang tuning industry due to the pandemic. Very slow. I’ll start doing our own in-house exhaust.”

If you see this car on the road, snap a pic and send it to us. PHOTO FROM CARLOS GONO

Asked about the pricing, Gono shares that it is “almost the same as the Honda Civic Type R.”

So, who will primarily drive the car? The father or the son?

“Actually, it’s for our tuning car development program, and then track car na rin ni Luis,” the dad reveals.

Want this car? You’re in luck. Toyota Motor Philippines will officially launch it in the second quarter of the year. Reserve yours now.



Vernon B. Sarne

Vernon is the founder and editor-in-chief of VISOR. He has been an automotive journalist for 26 years. He became one by serendipity, walking into the office of a small publishing company and applying for a position he had no idea was for a local car magazine. God has watched over him throughout his humble journey. He writes the ‘Spoiler’ column.



Comments