Toyota has constantly been pushing the limits of performance over at Gazoo Racing. Not only did it produce two of the most sought-after hot hatches of the century, but it also built a brand-new supercar for the Japanese automotive giant.
Now, it’s back with another new model, but this time it’s a refined version of a familiar nameplate: the GRMN Corolla. But this is no mere update, mind you—Toyota has given the hot hatch several purposeful tweaks to turn it into “the ultimate GR Corolla.”
The GRMN Corolla’s aerodynamic performance was tested at the Super Taikyu Series and honed at the Nürburgring, where cars are constantly driven at high speeds and require maximum performance. Through these tests and races, Toyota was able to develope aero performance parts for the GRMN Corolla to improve road-holding, which includes the hood and fender ducts, frontside spoilers, and rear wing.
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Toyota also fine-tuned the GRMN Corolla’s suspension at The Green Hell, where road surfaces induce suspension behavior at high-speed driving that can’t be experienced at any other circuit. The hot hatch is fitted with front and rear monotube shock absorbers that improved inner-wheel traction during cornering. The suspension tuning also improves high-speed cornering performance.
To add to these, Toyota also modified the electric power steering of the base GR Corolla to give the GRMN version ample assistance torque during high-speed cornering. It also gets an exclusively tuned 4WD control system that optimizes rear torque distribution when driving on a straight line and enhances stability when applying steering inputs at high speeds.
Through testing of the hydrogen engine-powered GR Corolla, Toyota was also able to apply insights and increase the power of the GRMN Corolla’s G16E-GTS 1.6-liter in-line-three turbopetrol to 415Nm with increased torque between 3,600 to 4,800rpm. This results in better power when cornering. Horsepower is still at a healthy 300hp, and it still comes with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Power-to-weight ratio has been improved through a 30kg cut. It features carbon-fiber exterior elements and GRMN full bucket seats on the inside. It also had its rear seats removed for further weight reduction. Grip is improved further with the addition of 245/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tires underneath, much wider than the OE tires of the GR Corolla. Inside, it
Along with this reveal, Toyota has also unveiled a GR Corolla Morizo RR concept at the Fuji Motorsports Forest Welcome Center. The carmaker also confirmed that the final production car is in the works, and it’ll be launched as the ‘ultimate five-seater model’ of the GR Corolla.
Going back to the GRMN Corolla, Toyota says this will be available only in limited quantities, but it has yet to specify a number. It will be sold in Japan, North America, and Australia, with sales in Japan scheduled to begin next year. Now, while we won’t be getting this hot hatch in our market, it’s still a sight for sore eyes to see Toyota churning out these exciting new performance models, and one after the other at that. Best believe we’re keeping an eye out for what the brand has in store for us next.
More photos of the new Toyota GRMN Corolla:
