Photo: Toyota
A pair of Toyota cars aimed at completely different customers are making headlines right about now. For one, the news are good. For the other, not so much.
Let’s start with the GR Corolla, the 300-horsepower hot hatch with AWD taking on the likes of the Volkswagen Golf R and Honda Civic Type R. Toyota has decided to build more units in an effort to meet strong demand. More specifically, the Circuit Edition will not be limited to the 2023 model year after all.
“We are seeing a ton of enthusiasm and excitement for the GR Corolla, especially the Circuit Edition,” said Michael Tripp, VP of Marketing and Communications at Toyota North America. “When Toyota GR fans speak, we listen and our plans are to increase GR Corolla volume and continue offering the Circuit Edition as part of the GR Corolla lineup in 2024.”
Photo: Toyota
Available from spring, this model stands out from the base GR Corolla by adding a carbon fibre roof, GR-branded red brake calipers, a vented hood bulge, a rear spoiler, GR suede seats, a heated steering wheel, a signature shift knob and an eight-speaker JBL premium sound system. It carries an MSRP of $53,990 in Canada.
Some of these features will be retained for 2024, but there might be a few changes, Toyota warned. Likewise, the price could be adjusted. The company is leaving the door open for the Circuit Edition to continue in 2025 and beyond.
Photo: Toyota
Next Camry to Arrive Later
When it comes to the Camry, the wait for the next generation is longer than expected. While its arch nemesis, the Honda Accord, got a complete redesign for 2023, Toyota is taking its time.
According to various reports including one by Drive, the new Camry will launch next year, likely as a 2025 model. This means the current generation will extend to seven years.
Photo: Toyota
Toyota’s midsize sedan typically has five- or six-year cycles, so what’s the deal? The decreasing popularity of traditional passenger cars could certainly be a reason for the delay, and you have to remember that the Camry is still the best-selling model in its class. Also, the introduction of the all-new Crown has changed the game a bit.
We expect the next-gen Camry to follow the lead of the Highlander crossover by replacing the 3.5-litre V6 with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine. The naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine should logically be back along with the Camry Hybrid, both of which could gain more power and efficiency.
The exterior design is likely to borrow some cues from the aforementioned Crown as well as the new Prius, while the cabin will finally incorporate Toyota’s new multimedia system, joining a growing list of models that have already done so.
Watch: 2023 Toyota GR Corolla is a Mean Hot Hatch
Keyword: Toyota Has Good News About GR Corolla, Camry Fans Will Have to Wait