Latest news with #CircuitEdition
Miami Herald
08-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Is a GRMN Corolla on the Horizon? Toyota Teases a More Powerful, Track-Focused Hot Hatch
The GR Corolla has had a pretty warm reception since debuting back in 2023, but the automaker hasn't rested on its laurels. Continuous improvements for the 2024 model year include new exterior paints and lightweight wheels for the Circuit Edition, as well as the addition of a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission and increased torque for the 2025 model year. According to the car's Chief Engineer, Naoyuki Sakamoto, more power may be coming to the car soon. That is, if they can prevent the test vehicles from breaking for long enough to put the power down. In an interview with Motor1, Naoyuki Sakamoto talks about the trials and tribulations of optimizing the GR Corolla's turbocharged three-cylinder engine. "We tried to increase engine power with the TCR Corolla," he starts, referring to the race version of the GR Corolla, "then we broke [the car]." Testing the car extensively at California's Sonoma Raceway, so far, hasn't yielded results that the automaker is happy with. "Hopefully, we can come to a measure to increase power, and eventually, with that planning, it can come to the production Corolla," Sakamoto told the publication. It's an interesting policy shift for the automaker that has generally avoided adding power to even its sportiest offerings. The GR Supra saw a power bump after the first year of production, from 335 to 382 horsepower, but that was over five years ago. The GR86's engine continues to make 228 horsepower, as it has since the current generation debuted back in 2022. One potential reason for this is that the GR Corolla (and elsewhere in the world, GR Yaris) is, interestingly, the only GR offering that actually uses a Toyota-built powertrain. The former borrows an inline-six from BMW, while the latter uses a Subaru boxer. Although the 300-horsepower GR Corolla is certainly no slouch, competitors bring the heat, too. The Civic Type R, arguably the GR Corolla's closest rival, makes 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Type R's platform-mate, the Acura Integra Type S, makes 320 horsepower. The Golf R makes 328 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Notice a trend? There are also rumors of an even toastier version of the GR Corolla, the GRMN Corolla, but rumors of a similar GRMN Supra have persisted nearly as long as the car's current generation with no follow-through. That said, that car didn't use a Toyota engine. Whether Toyota is cooking up a spicy GRMN Corolla or just looking to dial things up a bit on the regular GR Corolla we know and love, it's a win for enthusiasts. Don't forget, back in February, we learned that Toyota is sticking with ICE and manuals indefinitely, which means R&D spent on the GR Corolla's three-cylinder is, potentially, a long-term investment. It's all good news here - and we can't wait to see what's next for Toyota's rowdy little hatchback. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Miami Herald
07-04-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Toyota is Developing an Even Hotter GR Corolla
Toyota is once again turning up the heat on the GR Corolla. A newly unveiled camouflaged prototype, described as a "development vehicle," has been making appearances ahead of its official debut this fall. But don't let the cloak fool you: this hatchback wears its intentions proudly, with performance upgrades that have already sparked rumors of a full-blown GRMN model. At first glance, the car's new bodywork sets it apart. A vented hood and aggressively flared front fenders provide extra cooling and visual drama, while the massive rear wing - with sharp, pointy supports - goes well beyond the Circuit Edition's modest spoiler. The visual cues echo a prototype spotted last year at the Nürburgring, a fitting location given the possible GRMN connection (GRMN stands for "Gazoo Racing, Meisters of Nürburgring"). Riding on 18-inch matte black forged BBS wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, the prototype clearly prioritizes grip. These Cup 2s replace the Pilot Sport 4s found on other trims and are also wider, measuring 245/40 ZR18 compared to the Circuit Edition's 235-width tires. That setup, plus the absence of a rear windshield wiper, suggests serious performance intent. Under the hood, Toyota says this version of the GR Corolla features "unique tuning" for its 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. While peak horsepower remains officially unchanged at 300, the company confirms it's managed to extract more torque than the current 295 pound-feet benchmark. The exact figure is still under wraps, but the tuning could mean sharper throttle response and better mid-range pull. Toyota says the development mule was "born on the track," and its upcoming appearance at the Formula Drift event in Long Beach later this month only reinforces its motorsport ties. After that, Gazoo Racing engineers will continue testing and refining the prototype, with none other than Akio Toyoda, Toyota's chairman and part-time racer, scheduled to get behind the wheel before production plans are finalized. Given Toyota's deep roots in motorsports and recent involvement in rally, endurance racing, and drift competitions, it's no surprise that the brand continues to treat the GR Corolla as a living, evolving platform. And if this car does become the first GRMN model to make it stateside, it would mark a big milestone for U.S. enthusiasts who've only seen such extreme editions sold overseas. Toyota isn't confirming anything yet, but all signs point toward this being the most focused, track-capable GR Corolla to date. The hardware is there: more torque, aero upgrades, Cup 2 tires, and what looks like a stripped-down, lightweight setup. Whether it wears a GRMN badge or not, this fall's debut is shaping up to be a big moment for the Gazoo Racing lineup. Expect pricing above the $46,275 Circuit Edition and likely in the same range - or beyond - the $51,420 Morizo. Whatever it's called, this next-gen GR Corolla looks like Toyota's answer to anyone still questioning its commitment to building enthusiast cars. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota is Developing an Even Hotter GR Corolla
Toyota is once again turning up the heat on the GR Corolla. A newly unveiled camouflaged prototype, described as a 'development vehicle,' has been making appearances ahead of its official debut this fall. But don't let the cloak fool you: this hatchback wears its intentions proudly, with performance upgrades that have already sparked rumors of a full-blown GRMN model. At first glance, the car's new bodywork sets it apart. A vented hood and aggressively flared front fenders provide extra cooling and visual drama, while the massive rear wing — with sharp, pointy supports — goes well beyond the Circuit Edition's modest spoiler. The visual cues echo a prototype spotted last year at the Nürburgring, a fitting location given the possible GRMN connection (GRMN stands for 'Gazoo Racing, Meisters of Nürburgring'). Riding on 18-inch matte black forged BBS wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, the prototype clearly prioritizes grip. These Cup 2s replace the Pilot Sport 4s found on other trims and are also wider, measuring 245/40 ZR18 compared to the Circuit Edition's 235-width tires. That setup, plus the absence of a rear windshield wiper, suggests serious performance intent. Under the hood, Toyota says this version of the GR Corolla features 'unique tuning' for its 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. While peak horsepower remains officially unchanged at 300, the company confirms it's managed to extract more torque than the current 295 pound-feet benchmark. The exact figure is still under wraps, but the tuning could mean sharper throttle response and better mid-range pull. Toyota says the development mule was 'born on the track,' and its upcoming appearance at the Formula Drift event in Long Beach later this month only reinforces its motorsport ties. After that, Gazoo Racing engineers will continue testing and refining the prototype, with none other than Akio Toyoda, Toyota's chairman and part-time racer, scheduled to get behind the wheel before production plans are finalized. Given Toyota's deep roots in motorsports and recent involvement in rally, endurance racing, and drift competitions, it's no surprise that the brand continues to treat the GR Corolla as a living, evolving platform. And if this car does become the first GRMN model to make it stateside, it would mark a big milestone for U.S. enthusiasts who've only seen such extreme editions sold overseas. Toyota isn't confirming anything yet, but all signs point toward this being the most focused, track-capable GR Corolla to date. The hardware is there: more torque, aero upgrades, Cup 2 tires, and what looks like a stripped-down, lightweight setup. Whether it wears a GRMN badge or not, this fall's debut is shaping up to be a big moment for the Gazoo Racing lineup. Expect pricing above the $46,275 Circuit Edition and likely in the same range — or beyond — the $51,420 Morizo. Whatever it's called, this next-gen GR Corolla looks like Toyota's answer to anyone still questioning its commitment to building enthusiast cars.
