A day after an
inadvertent leak from Toyota USA’s own website
spoiled the reveal of the Toyota GR Corolla, the world’s biggest carmaker has now unleashed more information about its latest hot hatch.
In what’s a strange twist of fate, Toyota is now finding itself filling the void left by
Subaru’s decision to axe the WRX STI
. With that, expect a Corolla, of all models, to fill up the wish list of Gran Turismo players and tuner fans everywhere.
In a bid to shed its boring-as-missionary image, the GR Corolla packs a wallop courtesy of a turbocharged 1.6-liter 3-cylinder engine (G16E-GTS). While that doesn’t sound as manly as the WRX STI’s 2.5-liter boxer, it does make 304 horsepower and 370 Nm of torque. As expected, the unconventional exhaust layout has something to do with the power increase (reduced back pressure and all that).
Oh, and because it’s an enthusiast’s car, those who want to play around with the GR Corolla would need to know the tried-and-tested stick shift. Quashing reports of a possible dual clutch or torque converter automatic, the GR Corolla is only available with a 6-speed manual.
Typical of a hot hatch, the GR Corolla gets a striking fattening of the fenders (20 mm at the front, 30 mm at the rear) to accommodate the 235/40R18 tires. It also hides a wider track—up 60 mm at the front and 85 mm at the back for shoehorn the GR-Four all-wheel drive system. This lightweight all-wheel drive system uses a multi-plate clutch to shuffle power between the front and rear wheels switch between 60/40, 50/50, or 30/70 power distribution. Torsion Limited Slip Differential for the front and rear is optional.
In terms of styling, it gets what you’d expect: a power bulge on the hood, front fender vents at the sides, and an extensive use of aluminum. The limited-edition Circuit Edition also adds hood vents, an exposed forged (rather than woven) carbon fiber roof, and a Morizo (Akio Toyoda’s racing alter ego) signed shift knob.
Inside, the GR Corolla gains a full TFT meter measuring 12.3 inches, a short-throw shift lever, and a pull-type mechanical handbrake. Suede and synthetic leather trimmed sport seats.
The best news, and one that could spell the possibility of seeing it outside North America is the fact that it will be assembled in Japan at the GR Factory in Motomachi, Japan.
Keyword: The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla Is The World's New-Age WRX STI