On September 18, 2025, Toyota Motor Corporation officially announced and began accepting orders for a partially improved version of its high-performance hot hatch, the GR Corolla. The planned release date is November 3, 2025, with prices starting at 5.68 million yen for the 6-speed manual transmission and 5.98 million yen for the 8-speed automatic transmission.
“Circuit-trained” evolution forged at the Nürburgring
Significantly improved body rigidity for a more integrated feel
The most notable feature of this improvement is the extension of the applied length of structural adhesive to 32.7m (an increase of 13.9m from the previous model). By strengthening the rigidity of the front body, floor, and rear wheelhouse areas, the unity of the body has been dramatically improved while minimizing the increase in mass.
These improvements reflect the results of tests conducted on demanding overseas circuits such as the Nürburgring, where intense vertical and lateral G forces occur that cannot be experienced on domestic circuits, and are intended to enhance the sense of unity between driver and car in all situations, from city driving to circuit use.
Adding a cool air duct stabilizes engine performance
A newly developed cool air duct has been added to the engine’s secondary intake. This duct draws in outside air directly from the front grille, significantly reducing the intake air temperature even when the engine compartment temperature rises during extended full-throttle driving.
This allows the car to maintain stable output even in high-temperature environments such as during continuous high-load driving, and fully utilizes the inherent potential of the G16E-GTS 1.6L inline 3-cylinder turbo engine, which produces 304ps/400Nm.
Significantly improved everyday use! Major update to JBL sound system
Adding a subwoofer improves sound quality
The optional JBL premium sound system now includes a subwoofer, evolving from the previous eight speakers to a nine-speaker configuration. The subwoofer, located in the luggage space, delivers clearer, more powerful bass reproduction.
Active Sound Control (ASC) for a racing experience
Vehicles equipped with JBL systems now feature the revolutionary Active Sound Control (ASC) feature, which:
- Sports sounds are played from the speakers in response to accelerator and shift operations
- When the accelerator is released, a bubbling sound unique to racing cars is generated.
- Three sound settings to suit the driving mode
- Three volume levels and OFF setting available (factory default setting is OFF)
This means that you can now safely experience the feeling of being on the circuit even during everyday driving.
An upgrade program for 2023 model owners was also announced.
Good news for existing GR Corolla owners: Toyota has announced that it will offer a software upgrade program for the 2023 model, targeted for spring 2026 .
In this program:
- Maximum engine torque increased by 30Nm (370Nm → 400Nm)
- GR-FOUR control changes
- REAR mode: Front 30: Rear 70 → Front 50: Rear 50 (GRAVEL)
- TRACK mode: Front 50: Rear 50 → Front 60-30: Rear 40-70 variable control
Detailed specifications and pricing
Engine and drivetrain
- Engine : G16E-GTS 1.6L inline 3-cylinder turbo
- Maximum output : 304ps
- Maximum torque : 400Nm
- Drive system : GR-FOUR (4WD)
- Transmission : 6-speed MT “iMT” / 8-speed AT “GR-DAT”
Body size
- Total length x width x height : 4,410 x 1,850 x 1,480mm
- Wheelbase : 2,640mm
- Vehicle weight : MT car 1,480kg / AT car 1,500kg
- Passenger capacity : 5 people
Price (including consumption tax)
- RZ 6-speed MT : 5,680,000 yen
- RZ 8-speed AT : 5,980,000 yen
The arrival of the most powerful model, the GRMN Corolla, is also announced.
It has also been revealed that development is underway for the GRMN Corolla, an even higher-performance version of the GR Corolla. This limited-edition model will feature special aerodynamic parts such as air ducts in the engine hood, air outlets in the front fenders, and a large rear wing, further improving aerodynamic performance.
Summary: The ultimate hot hatch for everyday use and the circuit
The new GR Corolla incorporates technologies cultivated through motorsports, achieving evolution in every aspect, from improved body rigidity and cooling performance to a sound production that appeals to all five senses.
With a starting price of 5.68 million yen, it is by no means cheap, but it is a model that truly embodies the concept of a “better car,” combining authentic driving performance directly from the circuit with a high level of comfort for everyday use .
The good news is that a revised supply system has allowed us to move away from the previous lottery sales system and make the car available to more customers. The new GR Corolla will undoubtedly be one of the best choices for drivers who want to bring the excitement of motorsports into their daily lives.
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