The Toyota Corolla is set to receive the full GR treatment, using the same engine as the eagerly anticipated GR Yaris, pitching it against cars like the Golf GTI.
In the Japanese market, the 1.6 litre turbocharged three cylinder engine produces 268bhp, although is down-tuned to 257bhp for the European model. It is unknown what output Toyota intends to use for the Corolla.
The GR Yaris engine, codenamed the G16E-GTS, is the most powerful production three cylinder engine in the world, so we expect the GR Corolla to pack at least 250bhp. The engine will be mated to a six speed manual gearbox, but it's unclear whether the Corolla will adopt the same 'GR-4' all wheel drive system as it's smaller sibling.
According to Auto Express, Toyota intend to focus on all-round hot hatch performance, similar to cars like the VW Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST, rather than take on more track-happy hatches like the Honda Civic Type R.
The news comes after it was speculated the new GT86 could be renamed the GR86, in a bid to distinguish Toyota's performance arm from the rest of the brand. While other manufacturers are having to scale back their sport divisions to meet CO2 emissions targets coming into effect by 2021, Toyota can afford to grow the Gazoo Racing brand thanks to its broad range of electrified models.
Pictured: Toyota Corolla GR Sport
Keyword: Hot Toyota GR Corolla on its way to rival Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST