2023 Toyota GR Corolla Debuts Looking Rally-Ready With 300 HP And AWD

The Circuit Edition arrives later with a forged carbon-fiber roof.

The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla is finally arrived after a lengthy wait and a lot of teasing. For the first time in a long time, the brand has a hot hatch to offer in the United States.

The G16E-GTS 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine under the hood produces 300 horsepower (224 kilowatts) at 6,500 rpm and 273 pound-feet (370 Newton-meters) between 3,000 and 5,500 rpm. A six-speed manual gearbox with rev-matching capability transmits the power. Depending on the driver’s option, the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system includes front-rear torque distribution settings of 60-40, 50-50, and 30-70.

We don’t know how fast the GR Corolla gets to 60 mph (96 km/h) or what its top speed is because Toyota’s statement doesn’t provide any performance estimations.

The European-market Toyota GR Yaris, for example, accelerates to 62 mph (100 km/h) in less than 5.5 seconds and has an electronically regulated top speed of 143 mph (230 km/h). While the 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine is shared with the Corolla, it produces 257 horsepower (192 kW) and 266 lb-ft of torque (360 Nm). In addition, the GR Yaris weighs 2,822 pounds (1,280 kilogrammes), and the new GR Corolla weighs 3,249 pounds (1,474 kilogrammes).

What Makes It Special?

The GA-C platform of the GR Corolla has been updated to include additional weld locations for the frame to strengthen connections, as well as substantial structural adhesive use. To conserve weight, the hood and front door panels are made of aluminium. Canards on the corners channel air down the flanks, and the fenders are expanded. To reduce drag, the underfloor is flat.

The suspension on the hot hatch is made up of MacPherson-type struts in the front and a double-wishbone design in the back. The meaner Corolla rides on 18-inch gloss-black 15-spoke wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres in size 235/40R18.

For braking, the hot hatch has 14 x 1.1-inch ventilated and slotted rotors with four-piston calipers in front. At the back, there are 11.7 x 0.7-inch ventilated discs with two-piston calipers.

The GR Corolla’s interior features a 12.3-inch digital infotainment display. The screen includes views of the selected all-wheel-drive mode, turbo pressure, gear position indicator, and tachometer. The driver operates a short-throw shifter that Toyota says has a position “where the driver’s arm is naturally lowered from steering.” There’s also an 8.0-inch infotainment screen on the center of the dashboard.

Read More: Toyota’s Top 10 Cars in 2022

Core Or Circuit Edition?

The GR Corolla will launch in the US with two trim levels: the base Core model that arrives later in 2022 or the first-model-year exclusive Circuit Edition that’s coming in 2023.

The GR Corolla Core is available in white, black, and Supersonic Red. Inside, there are fabric-covered sport seats and a black and silver color scheme. As an option, there’s a Cold Weather package that adds heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Technology package includes navigation, an upgraded stereo, and wireless smartphone charging.

The Circuit Edition offers a performance upgrade, including having a forged carbon-fiber roof. This trim is available in white, Supersonic Red, and Heavy Metal. The brake calipers are red and have the GR logo.

The Circuit comes with Torsen limited-slip differentials for the front and rear axle. These parts are an optional upgrade as part of the Core model’s Performance Package.

For an aesthetic upgrade, the Circuit has a hood bulge with functional vents. The nose wears a gloss black grille. It also has a matte-black rear spoiler, rather than a gloss finish for the Core model.

Inside, it has a Brin Naub faux suede and synthetic leather upholstery throughout the cabin in a black and red color scheme. Navigation and an eight-speaker stereo are part of the package. The Circuit also has automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

Pricing isn’t yet available for either grade of the GR Corolla. Buyers get a complimentary one-year membership in the National Auto Sport Association.