| Toyota GR Corolla | |
|---|---|
 2024 GR Corolla Circuit Edition (Canada) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Model code | GZEA14 |
| Production | 2022–present |
| Model years | 2023–present |
| Assembly |
|
| Designer | Sungwon Lee and Masayuki Sugiura[2] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Hot hatch /sport compact (C) |
| Body style | 5-doorhatchback |
| Layout | Front-engine, four-wheel-drive |
| Platform | TNGA:GA-C |
| Related | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Power output | 221–224 kW (296–300 hp; 300–304 PS) |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,640 mm (103.9 in) |
| Length | 4,410 mm (173.6 in) |
| Width | 1,850 mm (72.8 in) |
| Height | 1,450–1,455 mm (57.1–57.3 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,440–1,493 kg (3,175–3,292 lb) |
TheToyota GR Corolla (Japanese:トヨタ・GRカローラ,Hepburn:Toyota Jīāru Karōra) is acompact car manufactured by Japanese marque Toyota since 2022 with assistance from the company'sGazoo Racing (GR) division. It is ahot hatch variant of theE210 series Corolla.
The GR Corolla was introduced on March 31, 2022. The GR Corolla is built mainly for the North American market as Europe received theGR Yaris (which is not sold in Canada and the United States). Both vehicles are assembled at the "GR Factory" inside theMotomachi plant, a production line dedicated to GR-branded vehicles. Aside from North America, the GR Corolla is also sold in Japan, Thailand,[3] Malaysia,[4] Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, South Africa, and Indonesia.[5]
Beginning in 2026, the GR Corolla for the North American market will be produced in Burnaston, England.[6]
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In 2020, Toyota unveiled the GR Yaris, a hatchback developed by the company'sGazoo Racing (GR) division for itsWorld Rally Championship (WRC) team.[7] It is not sold in the United States and Canada because the regularYaris, upon which it is nominally based, isn't sold in those markets.[citation needed]
The decision led to years of speculation that Toyota would eventually bring a hot hatch to the United States and Canada. The introduction of the vehicle was delayed by a year, becauseAkio Toyoda, then CEO of Toyota, also a racing driver, was not satisfied with the tuning of a prototype, and asked the GR team to make changes.[8] Development of the vehicle was led by chief engineer Naoyuki Sakamoto.[9]
On March 31, 2022, the GR Corolla was introduced, which while based on the larger E210 series Corolla compact hatchback, includes several features originally developed for the GR Yaris. The vehicle is powered by the 1.6-literG16E-GTSturbochargedstraight-three engine that powers the GR Yaris. The version of the engine found in the GR Yaris makes up to 200 kW (268 hp; 272 PS), but the version for the GR Corolla generates 221–224 kW (296–300 hp; 300–304 PS) and 370–400 N⋅m (273–295 lbf⋅ft) of torque. Among other strategies to achieve this increased power output, the GR Corolla has three tailpipes for reduced backpressure.[10][11] A six-speed manual transmission is standard in the GR Corolla.[12]
The GR Corolla also uses the GR-Fourall-wheel drive system first developed for the GR Yaris. The standard setting is a 60:40 front to rear torque distribution, but it can go as rear-wheel biased as 30:70.[10]
The vehicle is equipped withToyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite ofadvanced driver-assistance systems and Toyota's updated audio multimedia system that debuted on theXK70 series Tundra.[10]
The GR Corolla is produced alongside the GR Yaris at the "GR Factory" inside Toyota's Motomachi plant. Unlike most automobile plants, the "GR Factory" does not use a conveyor belt assembly line. Instead, vehicles are built at stations with more manual assembly processes. The "GR Factory" employs experienced technicians recruited from throughout the company.[13]
Depending on the countries, the GR Corolla is offered in at least one of three different model grades. The Core is the base model, the upgrade model is marketed as RZ in Japan, or Circuit Edition in North America, and the light weight ready-to-race model is the Morizo Edition.
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The Core is the most affordable GR Corolla as it doesn't feature carbon fiber roof, hood bulge with vents, and other features. The Core model is offered in North America, Brazil, and South Africa.
A better equipped model based on the Core is marketed in the United States and Canada for 2024 model year as the Premium model. It comes standard with front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials, front and rear parking sensors, and red brake calipers. The interior was also upgraded with suede-trimmed interior, heated seats and steering wheel, as well as JBL Premium sound system.[14]
The Circuit Edition is a higher grade of the GR Corolla which offers performance upgrades such as Torsen limited-slip differentials for the front and rear axles (optional for the Core trim level). It also offers a forged carbon fiber roof, hood bulge with functional vents, a larger rear spoiler, and other upgrades.[15][16]
For the Japanese market, beside the Morizo Edition, the regular GR Corolla is only available as the fully-equipped RZ trim level. Rear fog lamps, heated side mirrors, Head-Up Display (HUD), heated steering wheel, and heated seats are optional.[17]
In New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, the only model offered is the one similar to the Circuit Edition.The Australian GR Corolla GTS is the equivalent of Japanese RZ or North American Circuit Edition.[18]
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The Morizo Edition (stylized "MORIZO") is a limited-production "track-ready" variant of the GR Corolla with reduced weight, increased performance figures, and enhanced handling, which is both available in Japan and North America.
The curb weight was reduced by approximately 45 kg (100 lb) from the Circuit Edition model to 1,445 kg (3,186 lb) by removing the rear seats, adding forged carbon fiber roof (also available on the Circuit Edition), removing the speakers and window regulators from the rear doors, and removing the rear wiper blade and motor. The engine torque output was increased by 30 N⋅m (22 lb⋅ft) to 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft), while the horsepower figure remain unchanged. To improve handling, the suspension was re-tuned with monotube shock absorbers, 10 mm (0.4 in) wider tires on lighter rims were used, and body rigidity was increased with 349 additional spot welds, over an additional 6 m (19.7 ft) of structural adhesive, and body reinforcement braces. Engineers adjusted the transmission gear ratios, differential gear ratio and engine tuning to support sustained acceleration at peak torque on the Morizo Edition.[19][20][21]
The special edition was named after "Morizo", the pseudonym used byAkio Toyoda when participating in races.
The facelifted GR Corolla was revealed on August 1, 2024, for the 2025 model year in North America. The GR 8-speed DirectAutomatic Transmission (DAT) option became available includingFormula One-style paddle-shifters for semi-automatic mode. All trims now produce 400 N⋅m (295 ft⋅lb) of torque and come with front and rear torsen limited slip differentials standard.[22]
US market model grades are the Core, Premium, and Premium Plus. The restyled front bumper was designed for better cooling and aerodynamics. Behind the right-hand side of the bumper, a sub-radiator is standard on the Premium Plus, or optional on the Premium. While the left-hand side of the bumper houses the transmission fluid cooler for the 8-speed DAT. With hood bulge and vents, forged carbon roof, the US market Premium Plus is the successor of the Circuit Edition.[23]
For the Canadian market, model grades are Core, Premium MT, and Premium AT. Both Premium trims include features that are on the US market Premium Plus such as the forged carbon roof, heads up display, bulged hood with vents, and sub-radiator. Furthermore, the Canadian Core model will only be available as a 6-speed manual.[24]
The GR Corolla TCrace car made its debut at the opening round of the2025 TC America Series atSonoma Raceway. The car retains the 1.6 L3-cylinderturbo engine, 8-speed DirectAutomatic Transmission (DAT) and GR-Fourall-wheel drive system that is used in the road going version.[25] Upgrades made were Alcon 6-piston front and 2-piston rear brakes, custom MacPherson struts, JRi dual-adjustable shocks, and various aerodynamic improvements.[26][27] Multiple safety improvements were also made with the car now equipped with an FIA-approved roll cage, an OMP fiberglass seat with a six-point harness, and an OMP electronically activated fire extinguishing system.[28]
