TOYOTA GAZOO Racing unveiled the evolved GR Corolla, which makes use of its motorsports experience, for the first time in the world on August 1, 2024, in California, USA. It is scheduled to arrive at Toyota dealerships this winter, and details and pricing were announced on September 24, 2024, starting at $388,600 (approximately 5.58 million yen). There has been no official announcement as to whether it will be released in Japan, but it is likely that it will be released in Japan as an improved model in 2024 .
Toyota USA’s evolved “GR Corolla”
2025 Toyota GR Corolla
This model is equipped with a newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission, “GR-DAT,” which improves engine power and torque. Maximum torque is now 400Nm, and engine torque at mid-range has also increased by 30Nm. In addition, improvements to the suspension have significantly improved vehicle stability and handling.
The new GR Corolla is a vehicle that embodies GAZOO Racing’s technology and passion, and has achieved high performance as a result of repeated circuit testing. In particular, the newly developed GR-DAT optimizes shift points to respond immediately to driver input, enabling shifting operations similar to those of a professional driver. In addition, four drive modes are available: Sport, Normal, Eco, and Custom, with Sport drive mode offering exciting performance.
On the exterior, the front bumper has been redesigned to improve both cooling performance and aerodynamics, and an optional sub-radiator and automatic transmission fluid cooler can now be installed. Inside, new trim finishes and switch placement create a sporty and sophisticated atmosphere.
The 2025 GR Corolla will be offered in three variants: Core, Premium, and Premium Plus, each with different equipment. For example, the Premium Plus grade comes with a carbon fiber roof and matte black wheels for a more aggressive look.
All GR Corolla models are powered by a high-output turbocharged G16E-GTS 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine delivering 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and feature the GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system, which optimizes drive to each wheel for superior traction and control.
The new GR Corolla is the ideal choice for sports driving enthusiasts, redefining the driving experience with its high performance and innovative technology.
Main improvements
The evolved GR Corolla features numerous improvements to significantly enhance driving performance and the driving experience, including improvements to cornering, acceleration, cooling, aerodynamics, and deceleration.
Evolution of cornering performance
The new GR Corolla incorporates rebound springs in the front and rear shock absorbers, improving vehicle posture during cornering and the ground load characteristics of the inner wheels, thereby enhancing stability. Furthermore, the trailing arm mounting point on the rear axle has been raised to reduce rear sag during acceleration. This minimizes changes in vehicle posture in response to accelerator operation, enabling stable cornering. Additionally, the spring characteristics of the rear coil spring and stabilizer have been optimized to improve rear tire contact with the road, enhancing vehicle controllability.
Evolution of acceleration performance
8AT GR-DAT
Engine torque has been increased by 30 Nm in the mid-range, reaching a maximum torque of 400 Nm. This results in more powerful acceleration out of corners. The newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission, “GR-DAT,” realizes shift operation that reflects the driver’s intentions, enabling gear selection comparable to that of a professional driver. This allows the driver to concentrate on steering, acceleration, and braking, enhancing the enjoyment of sports driving.
Evolution of cooling and aerodynamic performance
Vehicles equipped with the GR-DAT come standard with a water-cooled ATF warmer and cooler or an air-cooled ATF cooler, and are also equipped with a sub-radiator. This enhances engine and transmission cooling performance. The front bumper is designed to smooth airflow, maximizing cooling effectiveness and ensuring driving stability.
An evolution in the sense of oneness with the car
High-rigidity grooved washer bolts are used to fasten the steering column and instrument panel reinforcement, achieving straight-line stability and a direct steering feel.In addition, special high-rigidity bolts are used for the fastening bolts of chassis parts, improving steering response and rear grip.
These improvements make the new GR Corolla a vehicle that offers a higher level of performance and driving enjoyment.
Toyota USA’s evolved “GR Corolla” specifications
| Specifications | Evolved GR Corolla Premium Plus US spec |
|---|---|
| full length | 4,410mm |
| Overall width | 1,850mm |
| Overall height | 1,480mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,640mm |
| Tread (front and rear) | 1,590mm/1,620mm |
| Passenger capacity | 5 |
| Vehicle weight | 1,500 kg (1,520 kg for models with GR-DAT) |
| engine | Inline 3-cylinder intercooler turbo |
| Model | G16E-GTS |
| Inner diameter x stroke mm | 87.5 x 89.7 |
| Total displacement L | 1.618 |
| Maximum output kW(PS)/rpm | 224kW (304PS) / 6,500rpm |
| Maximum torque Nm (kgf-m)/rpm | 400Nm (40.8kgfm) / 3,250~4,600rpm |
| transmission | iMT (6-speed manual transmission) or GR-DAT (8-speed automatic transmission) |
| Drive system | Sports 4WD system “GR-FOUR” electronically controlled multi-plate clutch 4WD (3-mode selectable) |
| Front differential | TORSEN® LSD |
| Rear differential | TORSEN® LSD |
| Suspension Front | MacPherson strut type |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone type |
| Brake front | Ventilated disc (18-inch aluminum opposed 4-pot caliper) |
| Rear brake | Ventilated disc (16-inch aluminum opposed 2-pot caliper) |
| wheel | 18-inch matte black 15-spoke cast aluminum wheels |
| Tires (front and rear) | 235/40R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50L |
Toyota USA’s evolved “GR Corolla” grade
The 2025 GR Corolla is offered in three trim levels: Standard equipment across all trim levels includes Toyota Audio Multimedia with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with a customizable layout, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.
The main features of the core grade are:
- Fabric sports seats with GR logo
- Functional fender and rear fascia aero vents
- 18-inch 15-spoke cast aluminum wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Aggressive front and rear bumper styling
- Brake cooling duct
- GR-FOUR engraved side rockers and wide fender flares
- Available colors are Ice Cap, Black, and Supersonic Red.
- Front and rear limited-slip Torsen differentials with red “GR” calipers.
The GR Corolla Premium grade includes all the features of the core grade, plus the following:
- Brin Naub® suede-trimmed seats with GR logo and grey stitching
- JBL® Premium Audio (8 speakers) and Qi Wireless Charging
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Heated steering wheel and heated front seats
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Gloss black front grille and rear bumper lower cover with functional air vents
- Available colors are Ice Cap, Heavy Metal, Black, and Supersonic Red.
The new Premium Plus grade for the 2025 model year includes all the features of the Premium grade, plus:
- Forged carbon fiber roof
- Inflated hood with functional gloss black vents
- Sub-radiator
- Matte black wheels
- Head-up display
- Brin Naub suede-trimmed seats with GR logo and red stitching
Toyota’s evolved “GR Corolla” grade pricing in the US
| grade | transmission | US Price | JPY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | GR-DAT | $40,860 | Approximately 5.87 million yen |
| Core | iMT | $38,860 | Approximately 5.58 million yen |
| Premium | GR-DAT | $43,440 | Approximately 6.24 million yen |
| Premium | iMT | $41,440 | Approximately 5.95 million yen |
| Premium Plus | GR-DAT | $47,515 | Approximately 6.83 million yen |
| Premium Plus | iMT | $45,515 | Approximately 6.54 million yen |
A word from the editorial department
The new GR Corolla, with its outstanding driving performance and sophisticated design, is truly an evolutionary sports car. Thorough improvements have been made to cornering, acceleration, cooling, aerodynamics, and deceleration performance, resulting in a significantly improved driving experience. Packed with numerous technologies for enjoying sporty driving, this model will give you the joy and excitement of driving. We look forward to its introduction in Japan. The previous 2023 model sold out quickly (550 units), so we will contact you as soon as we know when the Japanese model will be released.
GR Corolla related articles
Toyota News Release
GR Corolla
