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The GR Corolla uses a modified version of the GA-C platform that has additional weld points for the frame to strengthen joints and extensive use of structural adhesive. The hood and front door panels are aluminum to save weight. The body gains canards on the corners to channel air down the flanks and widened fenders. The underfloor is flat to reduce drag.

The hot hatch's suspension consists of MacPherson-type struts for the front and a double-wishbone design at the back. The meaner Corolla rides on 18-inch, 15-spoke wheels with a gloss-black finish that have Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires in size 235/40R18.

The GR Corolla will launch with two trim levels: the base Core model that arrives later in 2022 or the first-model-year exclusive Circuit Edition that's coming in 2023.

The GR Corolla Core is available in white, black, and Supersonic Red. Inside, there are fabric-covered sport seats and a black and silver color scheme. As an option, there's a Cold Weather package that adds heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Technology package includes navigation, an upgraded stereo, and wireless smartphone charging.

The Circuit Edition offers a performance upgrade, including having a forged carbon-fiber roof. This trim is available in white, Supersonic Red, and Heavy Metal. The brake calipers are red and have the GR logo.

Main features of the GR Corolla

Exterior

While the basic body framework of the Corolla Sport has been adopted, 20 mm wider front fenders and 30 mm wider rear fenders produce a broader stance that foreshadows a spirited driving experience.

The triple exhausts of a muffler created to further increase the output of the 1.6-liter in-line three-cylinder intercooler turbo engine emphasize the unique, powerful, and sporty rear.

Honing the vehicle's cooling and aerodynamic performance on all kinds of roads, including racing circuits, dirt roads, and snow-covered roads, resulted in the inclusion of a front-bumper air intake and front-fender and hood-bulge air outlets.

Interior

A short-stroke shift lever positioned for natural operation by simply lowering the arm from the steering wheel enables quick gear changes.

A hand-operated parking brake has been used to allow better vehicle control even when pushing the car to its limits, such as when drifting.

The Full TFT Meter, which was developed exclusively for GR models, has been newly adopted. Inspired by race cars and reflecting insight from professional drivers, the new display improves visibility during sporty driving.

An evolved version of the GR Yaris 1.6-liter in-line three-cylinder intercooler turbo engine

Engine exhaust efficiency was improved to achieve even higher output from the same compact, lightweight, high-power unit that propels the GR Yaris. A valve-equipped triple-exhaust muffler reduces both exhaust pressure and noise. In sum, the engine provides overwhelming acceleration and a more-pleasant extension of RPMs.

A wide track and long wheelbase for excellent driving stability and control

The basic body framework of the Toyota Corolla Sport has been adopted, and, while retaining the excellent driving stability provided by a long wheelbase, high-speed cornering performance has been improved by widening the track by 60 mm up front and by 85 mm in the rear. Stability and control during sporty driving have been greatly enhanced, allowing confidence and enjoyment while driving as one pleases, even when pushing the car to its limits.

A selectable-mode GR-FOUR 4WD system and a high-rigidity body

The featured GR-FOUR 4WD system uses an electronic multi-plate clutch to provide variable front and rear driving force, like in the GR Yaris. This time, however, the system's "4WD" mode, which controls driving force distribution, and its "Drive" mode, which controls accelerator response, steering, and others, have been separated to enable selection according to driver preference and the driving environment. Furthermore, the use of pillow-ball bushings and the optimization of the springs, shock absorbers, and wheel alignment combine to fully transmit the GR-FOUR's optimal distribution of driving force to the road surface. This has resulted in overwhelming cornering performance.

Body rigidity has been strengthened to achieve driving performance that agilely responds to driver operation. In addition to the high-rigidity basic framework made possible through production at the GR Factory at Toyota's Motomachi Plant, braces have been added between the rear wheel wells, to the under-floor tunnel, and under the floor in front of the fuel tank to improve handling stability. Also, like in the case of the GR Yaris, the roof panel is made of CFRP*5 molded by the SMC*6 process, which offers a high degree of freedom of shape and contributes not only to increased rigidity but also to weight reduction.

Opposed caliper disk brakes provide stable braking force and controllability, enabling confident and enjoyable driving, even on racing circuits.

Advanced safety and security even for a sports car

The latest active safety package, Toyota Safety Sense, comes standard, allowing the combination of safety and security in daily driving and the driving pleasure of a sports car.

Pricing isn't yet available for either grade of the GR Corolla. Buyers get a complimentary one-year membership in the National Auto Sport Association. 

✅ Source: Toyota