Toyota have finally released the long awaited for, Toyota GR Corolla. Revealed as the bigger brother of the GR Yaris, the GR Corolla looks to replicate or even beat the success of its younger brother.
The Toyota GR Corolla is named the younger brother of the GR Yaris, as it has the same exact engine but with its output boosted. This engine being the same 1.6-litre G16E-GTS three-cylinder engine with 12 valves and a single-scroll ball-bearing turbo paired with a 6-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT). With this, it comfortably delivers 304PS at 6,500 rpm and 370Nm of torque between 3,000 and 5,500 rpm.
Compared to the engine of the GR Yaris, the new hot hatch has an improved engine exhaust efficiency thanks to its 3-piece muffler with valve capped off with brushed stainless-steel tips.
The Toyota GR Yaris was built on Toyota Gazoo Racing’s rally experience, with the Toyota Gazoo Racing team being involved in its development throughout. The GR Corolla shares a similar story. Akio Toyoda, who drives under the alias of Morizo, has repeated tested the GR Corolla at some of Japan’s leading circuits, including Fuji Speedway, Suzuka and Tsukuba Circuit. Meanwhile, the GR team carried out their own heavy-duty dirt and snow driving with a Japanese Rally Championship driver.
Having that motorsports background during its development, the GR Corolla has been fitted with the GR-Four-All-Wheel-Drive system. This is a first in a Toyota vehicle. Developed with the Toyota Gazoo Racing Team, the four-wheel drive system can be adjusted using a dial, with options of 60:40, 30:70 and 50:50 for front rear distribution.
For even more optimised driving, the GR Corolla has a body based on the GA-C platform that has enhanced rigidity from significantly more weld points its frame. Further gains are made through extensive use of structural adhesive, increasing the joint rigidity between component parts, enabling great control over the vehicle.
Inside, the interior features a 12.3-inch Multi Information Display (MID) that has a GR meter with 4WD mode, turbo pressure, gear position indicator and tachometer. Additional features include a push button GR engine start/stop button, aluminum sport pedals, two USB charging ports, one 12V auxiliary power outlet, lighted foot wells, front console tray and rear console box to name a few.
Two variants of the GR-Corolla are available, Core Edition and the launch-year exclusive Circuit Edition. The Circuit Edition will come with significant upgrades and added features. As for the interior, the Circuit Edition will get:
- Brin Naub® suede and synthetic leather-trimmed sport seats with red stitching
- red mesh inserts
- GR badged headrests
- 6-way adjustable driver’s seat with seatback pocket
- 4-way adjustable front passenger seat with seatback pocket automatic climate control
- power windows with one-touch auto up/down
- heated front seats and steering wheel
- a ‘Morizo’ signed shift knob
- A GR leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic sport steering wheel with audio
- Multi-Information Display
- Bluetooth® hands-free phone
- voice-command controls
- Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging with full charge indicator light
The Toyota GR Corolla’s pricing will be revealed later this year. Colour options for the hot hatch depend on variant. The Core Grade will be available later this year in white, black and Supersonic Red, while the Circuit Edition is available in white, Supersonic Red and Heavy Metal.
The vehicle is fully developed from the Toyota Motomachi plant in Japan.
Upon purchase, customers are given Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty, 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation, ToyotaCare and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.
