- Toyota has revealed the hottest of its hot hatches so far; the GRMN Corolla.
- The GRMN Corolla was developed from Toyota's participation in the Japanese Super Taikyu Series.
- It was also extensively tested at the legendary Nürburgring.
Toyota's performance arm, Gazoo Racing, has debuted the GRMN Corolla, a limited-production variant of the GR Corolla engineered through extensive testing at the Nürburgring and participation in the Japanese Super Taikyu Series. The vehicle is scheduled for a limited release, with sales expected to begin in 2027 in markets including Japan and Australia.
The GRMN Corolla packs a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine that has been retuned for increased torque output. In Japanese specifications, the engine produces 415Nm of torque, an increase of 15Nm over the standard 2026 model, while Australian specifications list the torque at 408Nm. This tuning specifically targets the 3600 to 4800rpm mid-speed range to improve acceleration during cornering.
Peak power remains at 224kW in Japan and 221kW in Australia, delivered through a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.
Toyota says significant weight reduction was achieved by removing the rear seats - making the GRMN Corolla a two-seater - and the prototype weighs 1450 kg, representing a 30kg reduction from the base manual model.
Structural integrity is improved by the application of 32.7 metres of structural adhesive, an increase from the 18.8 metres used in the base model. Exterior modifications for weight and performance include a carbon-fibre bonnet, carbon-fibre front guards, and a carbon-fibre rear wing.
The Corolla's suspension system has been revised for the GRMN with exclusive monotube shock absorbers - inverted at the front and upright at the rear - featuring internal rebound springs, while it is also equipped with 245/40Z R18 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, which are 10mm wider than those on the base model.
The electric power steering and the 4WD control system have been retuned to provide improved feedback and torque distribution during high-g cornering.
Aerodynamic updates, tested during the development of the hydrogen-powered GR Corolla race car, include bonnet and guard ducts, front side spoilers, and a rear wing with a five-step manual angle adjustment mechanism. Cooling systems have been expanded to include an intercooler spray, a sub-radiator, and a dedicated cool-air duct to maintain performance under continuous high-load conditions.
The interior features custom-designed full bucket seats, using glass fibre-reinforced polymer to reduce weight while increasing lateral support. The cabin includes a flocked instrument panel and front pillars to reduce glare, carbon-fibre ornamentation on the passenger side, and a specialised strut brace in the rear where the seats were formerly located.
Toyota says availability and specific equipment levels will vary by market, while Toyota New Zealand has already confirmed it will be bring two exhibition examples here, but not whether it will offer the model for sale.
