Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division has created another firecracker of a hot hatch in the shape of the GRMN Corolla, marking the return of the Masters of Nürburgring moniker some four years after the GRMN Yaris. The car offers no more power than the “standard” GR Corolla, but sports an aggressive aero package and revamped suspension for even greater high-speed controllability on the fearsome Green Hell. Offered exclusively with a good old-fashioned six-speed manual gearbox, the GRMN Corolla gets a mildly-fettled version of the G16E-GTS 1.6 litre turbo three-cylinder engine, although power remains capped at 305 PS. However, peak torque has risen slightly by 15 Nm to 415 Nm, thanks to lessons learnt from running a liquid hydrogen-powered version in Japan’s Super Taikyu race series, GR said. A particular focus was placed on increasing midrange torque, specifically between 3,600 and 4,800 rpm, improving corner-exit acceleration. The GRMN also gains a intercooler water-injection system for sustained full-throttle performance, joining a cool-air intake added to the regular GR Corolla late last year – the latter came about as a result of this car’s extensive Nürburgring development, as did the increase in structural adhesive from 13.9 meters to 32.7 meters. While the powertrain has barely been breathed on, most of the effort was instead spent on optimising the aero package, mostly hewn from carbon fibre. Previewed on a then-unnamed prototype last April, it consists of a horizontal duct on the carbon bonnet and gaping vents on the tops of the (also-carbon) front fenders and behind the front wheels, as well as additional spoilers on either side of the front bumper. All these are dwarfed, however, by the towering Batmobile-style rear wing, which is adjustable in one-degree increments. The 18-inch multi-spoke BBS forged alloy wheels are now finished in bronze and are shod in stickier Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, ten millimetres wider than the stock size. The chassis has also been redeveloped to withstand lap after lap of abuse. There are new monotube dampers with internal rebound springs to improve inner-tyre traction and high-speed cornering, along with optimised bump stop characteristics. The electric power steering has also been retuned to provide consistent weighting under high g-forces, while the GR-Four all-wheel drive system has been tweaked for enhanced rear torque distribution in a straight line and greater cornering stability at extremely high speeds. Step inside and you’ll find a black hole and a strut brace in place of the rear seats, similar to the old Morizo Edition. This means the GRMN is a strict two-seater, contributing hugely to a 30 kg overall weight saving. The regular front pews have also been ditched in favour of bespoke (and heavily-bolstered) bucket seats; these are made from fibreglass, incorporate feedback from Super Taikyu drivers and are designed to provide adequate room with a helmet on. The rest of the cabin features Alumite Red accents on the doors and gearknob, forged carbon trim, a flocked dashboard and A-pillars, and the Morizo (the racing pseudonym of Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda) signature embroidered on the dash. There’s also an exclusive numbered plaque on the centre console. No new GR-specific steering wheel here, despite it being offered on GR Yaris starting this year. The GRMN Corolla will be offered in limited numbers, with Japan, North America and Australia being given priority. In Japan, order requests can be placed through the GR app starting in the third quarter of this year, with sales kicking off next year. If the thought of a manual-only two-seater hatch is too hardcore for your liking, GR is also at work developing a GR Corolla Morizo RR, a relative of the GR Yaris Morizo RR introduced this year. Painted in the same flat grey with yellow accents on the concept, it will be offered in five-seater form with the eight-speed Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT). Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro. Use the promo code 'PAULTAN' when you checkout for 10% discount!