Toyota GR Corolla 2023: 300 horsepower and four-wheel drive!

After the GR Supra and GR 86, here is the latest model signed by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division: the 2023 GR Corolla. This new high-performance version of the Corolla hatchback will compete directly with high-level sports compacts like the Honda Civic type R and the Volkswagen Golf R.

Developed especially for the North American market but tested on several Japanese circuits including those of Fuji and Suzuka, the GR Corolla pulls out all the stops to seduce performance enthusiasts and in turn promises to bring down the image of uninspiring vehicles to drive. that sticks with Toyota in the minds of many people.

300 horsepower

Its power is even higher than expected: 300 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque from 3,000 to 5,500 rpm. And that's thanks to a small 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with just three cylinders! Remember that the subcompact GR Yaris sold elsewhere in the world uses the same engine, but limited to 268 horsepower.

The unique triple exhaust system is designed to limit backpressure, maximizing power. This is distributed to all four wheels via the GR Four all-wheel drive system, derived from rally racing and adjustable according to ratios of 60/40, 50/50 or 30/70, as well as a six-speed manual transmission. equipped with a short lever. No automatic transmission is on the menu, further proof that the GR Corolla is really for driving enthusiasts.

The body of an athlete

The chassis of the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla is reinforced, the center of gravity is slightly lowered, functional air intakes are added and aerodynamic elements complete the package. The hood and front doors are made of aluminum to reduce weight. The Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 series of driving aids (the most recent and comprehensive) also enhances safety.

Next, we should point out that Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires (235/40R18) wrap the 18-inch, 15-spoke wheels with a gloss black finish. The suspension is McPherson type at the front and multi-link at the rear. As for the brakes, they employ 355 millimeter discs and four-piston calipers up front and 297-millimeter discs and two-piston calipers at the other end.

Two Versions

Cosmetic changes to the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla go further than the massive new grille and redesigned bumpers. Two versions are announced: Core and Circuit Edition. The first will arrive later this year in white, black or supersonic red, sporting a rear spoiler, side skirts stamped with “GR Four” lettering and widened fenders. Inside, the cloth sports seats are adorned with the "GR" emblem and Toyota's new multimedia system powers the eight-inch central screen, matched by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Then, in 2023, the Circuit Edition (limited quantity and for one model year only) will come in white, supersonic red or heavy metal gray, with the same side skirts and widened fenders as the Core. It adds a carbon-fiber roof, a vented bonnet, red-painted brake calipers and a sportier rear spoiler, not to mention Torsen limited-slip differentials for better handling. Its sports seats are upholstered in synthetic leather and suede in addition to sporting red accents, while the gear knob is signed by none other than Toyota President Akio Toyoda alias Morizo.

Hand-assembled at the same factory as the GR Yaris in Motomachi, Japan, home to legends like the Toyota Supra A80 and Lexus LFA, the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla will go on sale later this year with pricing to be announced later this year. here there. For a first impression, it is very convincing!