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Hatchbacks have quickly become a scarcity, with performance versions even more rare. Despite an SUV-heavy lineup, Toyota still cares about its sedans and hatchbacks, and has decided to take its only remaining hatch, the Corolla, and turn it into a member of the GR performance family. The Toyota GR Corolla is ready to blow competitors from Volkswagen and Honda out of the water, with major modifications compared to the standard Corolla hatchback.
Based on Toyota's GA-C platform, the GR Corolla features slightly revised framework, bulkier fenders, and a lower center of gravity. Multiple air intakes have been added to increase downforce rather than drag, and to further stabilize the car's steering. The tweaked frame now has more weld points, which greatly improves overall rigidity to keep the vehicle composed. Other design enhancements include a larger mesh grille, new rear spoiler, a wide rear diffuser and exhaust outlet, and performance-suited tires and brakes. A MacPherson strut-style front suspension consists or shock absorbers, coil springs, and stabilizer bars, while a double-wishbone multilink rear suspension channels the GR Corolla's AWD performance.
That AWD performance comes from Toyota's GR-FOUR drivetrain, which was developed by Gazoo Racing's rally team. It is said to offer increased traction, as well as a lightweight design. The driver can select different all-wheel drive modes to alter the car's performance for different road conditions. Four-wheel-drive modes are also included, optimizing torque distribution for various styles of driving.
Under the hood, the GR Yaris's turbocharged three-cylinder engine delivers powerful performance in a small, light package. Toyota took this already potent powertrain and pushed its output even further, thanks to a more efficient exhaust system and a redesigned muffler. Larger exhaust valves and multi-oil jet piston cooling also contribute to the GR Corolla's impressive power output, which reaches up to 300 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The GR Corolla's three-cylinder is accompanied by a 6-speed stick shift with improved rev matching, which leads to higher levels of torque and even more fun. Who doesn't like rowing their own gears?
The Toyota GR Corolla also receives a heavily tweaked cabin to create a more performance-focused experience for the driver. Behind the steering wheel, a GR TFT 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster features a tachometer, along with 4WD mode, gear position, and turbo pressure indicators. Occupants can also enjoy a GR-exclusive startup animation at ignition. On the revamped center console, the manual shift lever has a shorter stroke for faster shifting performance, and is now positioned where the driver's arm naturally lands after steering. This allows for a more natural and efficient experience when shifting through gears, especially when the driver needs to focus on dynamic driving conditions.
Cloth sport seats with grey stitching and GR headrest badges are standard on the GR Corolla Core, with a 6-way adjustable driver's seat and a 4-way adjustable front passenger seat. Despite being a performance car, you can bring four friends along for the ride with seating for five, and the GR Corolla retains a four-door setup. The Core grade also has aluminum sport pedals, push-button start, a 12V power outlet, two USB chargers, and illuminated foot wells. Opting for the Cold Weather Package adds heated front seats and a heated steering wheel on the Core trim, while the Technology Package adds wireless smartphone charging with Qi compatibility, and a JBL premium sound system with dynamic navigation. The Performance Package includes front and rear Torsen limited slip differentials. The GR Corolla will also have the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of active safety features, and a free year of the Toyota Safety Connect subscription service.
The Toyota GR Corolla will be available in Core and Circuit Edition trims when it arrives later in the year. The Circuit Edition will be a limited-production vehicle, exclusive to the 2023 model year. It will include the Cold Weather, Technology, and Performance packages as standard, as well as automatic climate control, one-touch power windows, a leather-trimmed GR steering wheel with voice commands and audio controls, and a sister knob signed by Toyota CEO and performance driver Akio Toyoda. It will be signed "Morizo," which is his performance driver nickname. Sports seats made of Brin Naube suede and faux leather materials, red stitching and mesh inserts, and a black and red interior color theme.
The GR Corolla will be built with meticulous detail at the Gazoo Racing production facility in Motomachi, Japan. This plant is also the home of the classic A80 Toyota Supra and V10-powered Lexus LFA. Pricing for the latest member of the Toyota GR family will be announced soon.
Do you think the GR Corolla makes up for the absence of the GR Yaris in the US?
Images: Toyota
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