The GR Corolla was added to the GR family in February 2023, joining the GR Supra, GR86 and GR Yaris. Developed with the high-performance GR brand’s motorsport DNA, the GR Corolla delivers on just what driving enthusiasts want – a hot hatch with high performance, agile and dynamic handling, and sporty looks with a wider body.
For 2025, in the spirit of kaizen, the GR Corolla has received improvements in various areas, with cosmetic changes made to enhance performance.
What’s new for 2025?
- Increased engine performance
- Improved engine cooling performance
- Enhanced suspension
- Revised frontal design
- Enhancements in the cockpit
PERFORMANCE
The G16E-GTS 1.6-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged engine which has proven highly potent with 300 ps of power at 6,500 rpm has gained additional 30 Nm of torque, rising from 370 Nm to 400 Nm, which strengthens re-acceleration that can be useful in competition conditions.
As always with Toyota, the engine has been “tested to breaking point” in competition to ensure durability. And to maintain this durability, especially if the car is driven very hard for long periods, cooling performance has been improved. Besides increasing fan and coupling power from 330W to 500W, a sub-radiator has also been installed on a parallel circuit with the existing radiator.
For efficient extraction of combustion gases, the triple exhaust system has a valve at high output to reduce back pressure and improve performance. This valve can be toggled ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’ via the Drive Mode. There’s also an active exhaust valve actuator to generate a strong and bold sound.
The 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) with short shifts uses a high-performance clutch with characteristics that have been tuned for controllable performance when making a rapid start and in competition driving. Power goes to all 4 wheels through the GR-FOUR electronically controlled, permanent all- wheel drive system. The distribution of torque between the front and rear axles is governed by a high-response coupling, while two Torsen limited-slip differentials manage the split between the left and right-side wheels to give natural and direct car control.
The driver can adjust 4-wheel drive performance to suit preference or the driving situation using a 4WD mode dial switch. The balance can be varied between Normal (60:40), Gravel (50:50) and Track (60:40 – 30:70 Variable) for fast, competitive driving on circuits or special stages. The all-wheel drive system’s ECU provides linear control of the drive torque distribution, in line with the driving situation, responding to vehicle information including vehicle speed, acceleration and brake pressure.
Traction and stability are kept at optimum even in the most slippery corners with TORSEN limited slip differentials at the front and rear. The quick-acting differentials help in maximising grip for strong acceleration out of corners and also while braking.
The GR Corolla’s highly rigid body sits on a purpose-designed platform with extensive weight reduction through the use of lightweight materials like aluminium body panels and forged carbon fibre roof.
The light but rigid suspension system is GR-tuned, utilising all the experience from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s participation in the World Rally Championship. The suspension consists of MacPherson struts at the front and double-wishbone multi links at the rear. For 2025, additional bolts have been added to the chassis to help increase body rigidity and enhanced handling performance.
The trailing arm mounting point, which is the rotation centre of the rear axle, has also been raised. This reduces rear squat during acceleration so the posture of the car does not change much and allows for more stable cornering.
It goes without saying that with such high performance, stopping power has to be top-notch. To ensure this, there are ventilated and slotted brake rotors, with 4-piston front fixed callipers and 2- piston rear fixed callipers.
The Functional Matrix V2 of the new GR Corolla has a redesigned bumper intercooler, brake ducts and the additional sub-radiator mentioned earlier. Not only is cooling more balanced but aerodynamic performance has also been improved as the airflow travels more smoothly around the new bumper corners. Turbulence around the tyres is suppressed so that the air flows smoothly rearward, contributing to enhanced handling stability
SAFETY FEATURES
The GR Corolla comes with the advanced Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) which includes a Pre-Collision System (PCS); Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC); Lane Departure Alert (LDA); Lane Tracing Assist (LTA); and Road Sign Assist (limited to speed recognition only). The headlights have Automatic High Beam control which detects the headlights of oncoming vehicles and taillights of preceding vehicles, then automatically switches between high and low beams. This frees the driver of manually switching so he can focus on driving.
A camera at the rear of the car covers the area directly behind so the driver has a good view while reversing. The image appears on the centre display whenever the shift lever is moved into R. Being able to see behind the car also helps with safety.
Seven SRS airbags are installed at the front and sides of the cabin, deploying upon external impacts to provide cushioning and help reduce injuries to the occupants. The curtain airbags over the window openings can also help prevent ejection of occupants during violent accidents.
While ABS, Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) are common active safety systems in Toyota models today, the GR Corolla’s VSC is programmed to allow the driver to safely reach the limits of tyre grip and should he want more control, there is a Full-Off mode which prevents the VSC from activating. However, use of this mode is only recommended for drivers who have the relevant skills.
INTERIOR
The functionality of the interior reflects the high-performance character of the GR Corolla, with little that is superfluous and a layout that is very much driver-focussed. Ahead of the GR steering wheel is a Head-Up Display (HUD) on the windscreen which show the road speed, engine speed and active TSS information. It allows the driver to know the most important information when driving without having to shift his eyes downwards to see the instrument panel.
The 12.3-inch instrument panel features a Multi-Information Display (MID) with a GR-branded start-up animation. It keeps the driver fully informed of the car’s various systems and also running information. When Sport Mode is selected, the tachometer display shows engine speed and gear position more prominently.
The GR steering wheel, on a tilt-adjustable and telescopic steering column, has centre spokes with the GR logo in the middle. Switches on either side allow for managing the instrument panel display, audio operation and driver assist functions.
Dual zone automatic climate control is standard, allowing the driver and front passenger to separately set their preferred temperatures. The settings can be easily determined by referring to the individual LCD toggle displays.
Manually adjusted front seats similar to those in the GR Yaris are provided, and they have leather upholstery with a perforated suede-like material and red accents. The interior ornamentation has been changed from the previous chrome-plated finish to a less reflective low-lustre finish for a sporty image. Soft-feel paint creates a fine surface texture, giving a more secure tactile feel. Switch operation has also been enhanced.
EXTERIOR
The hot hatch stands out with its gloss-black Functional Matrix V2 front grille with GR badge, functional air ducts and. To emphasise its power, the bonnet has a bulge with black air vents that also have the function of venting heat from the engine bay. Intakes at the bumper corners also help to smoothen the airflow, contributing to better aerodynamics.
The rear end has a gloss black diffuser with functional air vents over the triple exhaust outlets. Air outlets incorporated in the rear lower diffuser to enhance handling stability, contributing to a lower coefficient of drag. There’s also a rear diffuser for enhancement of aerodynamics.
The black roof is made of lightweight forged (instead of woven) carbon fibre, with a matte-black roof- mounted shark-fin antenna.
SECURITY
The GR Corolla comes with Digital Video Recorders (third generation design) at the front and rear. While these can record every journey or laps around the track, the recordings can also be useful evidence in the event of a dispute after an accident.
An optional Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) is integrated with the car’s and keeps track of the car’s location at all times. This can be viewed on the Toyota App which also provides information on certain operations. Should the car be stolen, a 24/7 Command Centre can identify its location and provide information to police to recover it. If there should be a vehicle impact detected by sensors, the Command Centre will also be alerted and send emergency services.
