Racetrack-ready Toyota GR Corolla Morizo Edition locked in for Australian launch next year
Toyota has wasted no time upgrading its Volkswagen Golf R-slaying 2022 Toyota GR Corolla, revealing a new track-ready version of the highly-anticipated hot hatch that’s lighter, gruntier and grippier than the regular GR Corolla.
And it’s confirmed for launch in Australia early next year, not long after the standard Toyota GR Corolla that lands late in 2022.
The Toyota GR Corolla ‘two-seater’ – or Morizo Edition as it’s called in Japan, named after company president Akio Toyota’s racing alias – features revised suspension, upgraded tyres, more engine torque and body reinforcements to improve its dynamic performance.
Indeed, nothing says “we’re really serious about performance cars” than by ripping out the rear seats of a hot hatch to make room for spare tyres and twin body braces.
Who needs to bring friends and family along for the ride when you’re chasing apexes and targeting faster lap times?
When the regular 2022 Toyota GR Corolla lands on Aussie soil it’s destined to be a sell-out success, and the same is expected of the GR Corolla two-seater.
With only around 500 units of the regular GR Corolla set for the first year’s allocation in Australia, it’s likely the GR Corolla two-seater will be an even rarer beast.
Inside sources suggest the Toyota GR Corolla two-seater will be limited to less than 100 units and possibly as few as 50 in Australia.
However, the term ‘limited edition’ is not being used internally just yet, as it’s understood further allocations of the two-seat scorcher may eventuate for the local market.
Pricing for both models is not yet known but given the five-seat Toyota GR Corolla, with its 220kW/370Nm 1.6-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder engine and AWD set-up, is expected to open the ledger from around $60,000, the track-day special-edition may not leave much change from $70,000 once on-road costs are added.
The extra expenditure on the Toyota GR Corolla two-seater buys you a lighter vehicle overall, shaving around 30kg off the regular 1470kg five-seat model via the removal of the rear seats, seat belts, speakers and even the rear windscreen wiper.
The engine retune sees torque increase from 370Nm to 400Nm, although it’s spread across a narrower band – 3250-4600rpm, down from 3000-5550rpm.
Japanese versions also get 224kW, slightly up on Aussie-spec 220kW GR Corolla models. It’s not yet clear if the two-seater hotties will get a power bump in Australia.
The six-speed manual transmission features closer ratios across first, second and third gear, which will improve acceleration and drive out of corners, while “lower-geared differential gears” should also put extra spring in the enhanced GR Corolla’s step.
Toyota Australia has confirmed a unique paint colour will be offered, Metallic Matte Grey, along with new semi-bucket seats that will “hold the body firmly for accurate driving even when the driver is subjected to considerable g-forces due to improved driving performance”.
Ultrasuede finishes for the steering wheel and centre console are part of the package, while exterior upgrades are, well, downgrades actually. The only visible change appears to be the fitment of a smaller rear roof spoiler.
Although it’s not the three-door GR Corolla scorcher many fans were hoping for, this track-ready special-edition shows that Toyota and Gazoo Racing (GR) are serious about building their reputation as a genuine high-performance brand.
“With its increased torque and lighter weight, the new two-seater GR Corolla will enhance the GR brand even further by offering performance enthusiasts an even more focused version of our new hot hatch,” said Toyota Australia’s sales and marketing chief, Sean Hanley.
Toyota’s Aussie operation says it will confirm further details and pricing for the GR Corolla two-seater “closer to the model’s Australian launch in 2023”.
However, it’s understood the company is still grappling with how to open the order book for the GR Corolla, given demand will surely outstrip supply.
The safe money is on a traditional dealer-based sales method, but an online ordering system hasn’t been ruled out.
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Keyword: Two-seater Toyota GR Corolla track weapon revealed