The new GRMN Corolla packs 300hp and should cost in the vicinity of the mid-$50,000s.Photo courtesy of ToyotaToyota has finally pulled the wraps off what is being billed as the wildest Corolla ever built—the new 2026 GRMN Corolla. Developed by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division and honed on Germany's Nürburgring Nordschleife, the GRMN (Gazoo Racing, tuned by the Meister of Nürburgring) represents the ultimate evolution of the already impressive GR Corolla hot hatch. More importantly, it marks the first time a GRMN-badged Corolla will be sold in North America, giving American enthusiasts access to Toyota's most hardcore Corolla to date. But if you want one, you'd better get in early because numbers are limited.The GRMN version was developed at the Nurburgring.Photo courtesy of ToyotaA left-hand drive version will be offered in the USPhoto courtesy of ToyotaThe GRMN model gets 300hp but torque has been tweakedToyota describes the GRMN Corolla as the "ultimate GR Corolla," created under the direction of Toyota Chairman and master driver Akio Toyoda, better known by his racing nickname "Morizo." The goal was simple: create a Corolla capable of delivering genuine race-car levels of driver engagement while remaining road legal. According to Toyota, the project was driven by Morizo's desire to "bring back a Corolla that captivates customers."Imagine a Corolla that can knock horns with the likes of Honda's mighty Civic Type R or Subaru's WRX. That's what Toyota has built here.AdvertisementAdvertisementAt the heart of the GRMN Corolla remains Toyota's turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine which has been inherited from the GR Corolla, but tuned for beefier performance. The Corolla still pumps out 300 horsepower but engineers have increased torque to 302 lb-ft and sharpened the drivetrain to provide even more aggressive acceleration and improved response, making the GRMN version the most potent ever. Oh, and as you'd expect of such a car, engineers have opted for a 6-speed manual.If you want one, get in early as they're limitedPhoto courtesy of ToyotaRadical weight reduction sees rear seats deletedThe upgrades extend far beyond the engine. Toyota has fitted the GRMN with a carbon-fiber hood, revised aerodynamics, a larger adjustable rear wing, track-focused suspension, optimized all-wheel-drive calibration, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. The suspension and AWD system were developed through Toyota's participation in Japan's Super Taikyu endurance racing series and extensive Nürburgring testing. The result is a car designed to deliver greater confidence, sharper turn-in, and higher limits on both road and track.Weight reduction was also a major focus. To execute its ruthless 66-pound weight loss program, the rear seats have been completely deleted, replaced by a massive structural strut brace that significantly stiffens the chassis. The company says these measures improve handling precision and strengthen the connection between driver and machine.A prototype laps the NurburgringPhoto courtesy of ToyotaToyota applies its race DNA in dollopsBut why build such an extreme Corolla? The answer lies in Toyota's increasingly successful motorsports-led product strategy. Over the past decade, Gazoo Racing has transformed Toyota's performance image through vehicles such as the Toyota GR Yaris, Toyota GR Corolla and Toyota GR Supra. And Gazoo Racing has made its mark by winning Le Mans five time, the World Rally Championships six times since 2018 and Gazoo is now the title sponsor of the Haas F1 team.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe GRMN Corolla serves as the halo model for the lineup, demonstrating how lessons learned from racing can directly influence road cars. Akio Toyoda said of the car that "If it bears the GRMN name, it must be able to duly handle the Nürburgring."The new GRMN Corolla will be produced at Toyota's historic Motomachi plant in Japan and sold in limited quantities. Toyota has confirmed that the primary markets will be Japan, North America—including the United States—and Australia. That makes this the first GRMN Corolla officially destined for U.S. showrooms, a move likely to delight American enthusiasts who have traditionally missed out on many of Toyota's most exclusive performance models.As for pricing, Toyota has not yet announced official figures. The company says detailed specifications and manufacturer pricing will be revealed closer to launch. However, according to industry experts the starting price in the U.S. should hover around $60,000 which is a lot higher than the GR Corolla's $41,000 sticker price. Meanwhile, in Japan, Toyota plans to begin accepting sales negotiations through its GR smartphone app in autumn 2026, with customer deliveries scheduled for 2027. And although Toyota has not released production numbers yet, expect a low production run.Whether viewed as a Nürburgring-honed track weapon or a showcase for Toyota's growing performance ambitions, the GRMN Corolla pushes the humble Corolla nameplate to a whole new level. And for the first time, American buyers will have the chance to experience Toyota's most aggressive, most focused, and most potent Corolla ever built.This article was originally published on Forbes.com
