TOKYO: Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) will start selling the GR Corolla in Japan in early 2023. But customers can’t just walk into showrooms to buy them.
They have to buy lotteries to stand a chance to acquire the cars. The lotteries began selling last Friday and would be offered until Dec 19 for the GR Corolla RZ and Dec 18 for GR Corolla Morizo Edition.
When the GR Corolla RZ was unveiled on June 1, TGR announced that the model would go on sale through Toyota vehicle dealers throughout Japan.
However, continuing Covid-19 infections and the semiconductor shortage prompted a switch to an online purchasing lottery for an initial 500 units, with additional sales to be considered while monitoring the production situation.
For the GR Corolla Morizo Edition, which is a two-seater model with enhanced driving performance, purchasing lottery applications for 70 units can be made at GR Garage locations across Japan.
The GR Corolla was developed by putting into practice the concept of making ever-better motorsports-bred cars, emphasising honing cars to win races and making them commercially available.
TGR said it would continue to evolve the GR Corolla by reflecting the knowledge that it gains in its continued participation in motorsports.
Both versions share a strengthened version of the 1.6-litre in-line three-cylinder intercooler turbo engine found in the GR Yaris, with more-robust pistons for handling high levels of torque and output coupled with a centrally located muffler for improved exhaust efficiency.
Both cars can achieve a maximum output of 300hp.
The GR-FOUR 4WD system, which is also featured on the GR Yaris, has been optimized through the development of a hydrogen-engine Corolla to match the specifications of the GR Corolla.
The high-speed stability of a long wheelbase has been inherited by adopting the basic body framework of the Toyota Corolla Sport, and a wider track commands a high level of cornering performance.
The GR Corolla RZ has a five-door, five-passenger layout to achieve a balance between daily usability and driving pleasure.
The GR Corolla Morizo Edition is sportier. This is attained thorough various measures such as weight reduction by making the car a two-seater. It also gains more torque and optimized transmission gear ratios, combined with improved cornering execution through the use of monotube shock absorbers and fitment of high-performance tyres.
TGR is selling the GR Corolla RZ at 5,250,000 yen (RM172,000) and the GR Corolla Morizo Edition at 7,150,000 yen (RM234,000).
(set subtitles/CC to English for automatic translation)
Keyword: Toyota GR Corolla sales in Japan starts with lottery sales