Toyota GR Corolla

 

  Featured here in this post is not your average Toyota Corolla, but rather a top-of-the-line performance hot hatchback version of the regular everyday Toyota compact car. It was introduced and added to the current Corolla portfolio for 2023 and is powered by the 1-liter turbocharged three-cylinder from the GR Yaris, a smaller hot hatchback sold in global markets outside the U.S. This engine produces 300 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque in the GR Corolla, launching the vehicle from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and onto a 143 mph top speed. A multi-mode GR-Four all-wheel drive system, sport-tuned suspension, and 6-speed manual gearbox are also standard on the performance-focused GR Corolla. The only aspects of the GR Corolla shared with its basic commuter car versions are its base structure and some interior parts.

Three trim levels are available on the GR Corolla: Core, Premium, and Circuit. The Circuit Edition GR Corolla offers standard front and rear limited-slip differentials, while these particular features are optional on the Core trim. Toyota also offered a limited-production Morizo Edition to the GR Corolla portfolio, which adds lighter-weight wheels, racing slicks, and a re-tuned suspension, increases torque figures to 295 pound-feet compared to the other trim levels, and removes the rear seats, rear window wiper, and rear speakers to save as much weight as possible. Much of the GR Corolla's interior features are shared with those of the regular Corolla hatchback, except the GR Corolla includes sport seats and available suede and faux-leather trim.

Pricing for the Toyota GR Corolla starts at $37,595 for the Core and up to $46,235 for the Circuit Edition. I have seen a handful of GR Corollas out and about thus far, and they are certainly much less common than regular, run-of-the-mill Toyota Corollas that can be found anywhere and everywhere. I have taken photos of the four examples showcased in this post, two of which were displayed at car shows and the other two were seen in pure spotting scenarios. More specifically, the first example in white was on display at a car show I attended in early November, I spotted the second white example in February and the black example in early December, and the red example was on display at the most recent car show I attended on Saturday morning. In all, the GR Corolla is the coolest and most appealing Toyota Corolla by far. Although nearly all other versions of the Corolla are rather boring and uninspiring, the GR Corolla's added spice, serious performance capability, and limited production numbers make it a significantly more interesting proposition.

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