Before the start of the Long Beach Grand Prix, Toyota has unveiled three new track-focused models including the standout Gazoo Racing (GR) Corolla Development Car.
The unassuming Toyota Corolla, typically recognized as the most dependable daily driver, is set for a significant transformation with the introduction of the enhanced GR Corolla. Despite being concealed under camouflaged wraps during testing, several appealing attributes were noticeable, making the GR Corolla an excellent addition to Toyota’s Gazoo Racing lineup.
Why the GR Corolla Development Car Stands Out
The initial manufacturing year for the GR Corolla was 2022, introducing a more rally-focused enhancement to the familiar Corolla model. Equipped with a G16E-GTS turbocharged, three-cylinder engine delivering 300 horsepower, along with all-wheel drive and a triple exhaust system, the GR Corolla made its mark featuring exclusively a manual gearbox. Together with the launch of the GR Corolla, Toyota announced a specialized GR Factory located in Motomachi, Japan.
The GR Corolla has already established itself as a credible performance vehicle, yet it appears that Toyota aims to push its limits even further. During its initial unveiling with camouflage colors of red, white, black, and blue, Chief Engineer Naoyuki Sakamoto mentioned that this new version completed a lap at Fuji Speedway one second quicker compared to the GR Corolla Morizo Edition. This improvement can be attributed to enhancements in both aerodynamic design and suspension systems, resulting in crisper handling. Although detailed specifications were not extensively disclosed, keen observers among automotive aficionados have noticed several intriguing features on the showcased prototype.
The GR Corolla retains the distinctive rounded design, though with a noticeably sportier attitude. The car boasts an oversized rear spoiler along with ventilation ducts close to the wheel arches, which lend it a stronger and more racetrack-oriented aesthetic. Additionally, it comes equipped with 18-inch wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, enhancing its voracious visual appeal. While details regarding the powerplant remain undisclosed, Toyota has suggested potential bespoke adjustments for increased torque output.
GRMN Corolla Speculations Begin Circulating
These enhancements have rendered the GR Corolla even more appealing compared to earlier models. The improvements are significant enough that Car and Driver has also reported this information. It might potentially be a GRMN (Gazoo Racing Master of Nürburgring) model. The Truth About Cars Has already named it the GRMN Corolla, showing clear enthusiasm for the car's enhancements, wheels, and possible performance capabilities.
Toyota’s Gazoo Racing performance unit features several models that are notably more oriented towards racing. These cars form part of the MN sub-brand, signifying Masters of Nürburgring. Previous GRMN editions have essentially been enhanced iterations of earlier GR series vehicles, such as the Yaris GRMN.
Although this seems thrilling, it's important to mention that GRMN models haven't been accessible in the United States previously. So far, these special editions have only been produced for Europe and Japan.
Currently, the Gazoo Racing Team reports that they are refining the GR Corolla to ready it for a concluding test run with Akio "Morizo" Toyoda behind the wheel. The automaker intends to showcase this vehicle at the upcoming Long Beach Formula Drift competition starting on April 12th. However, whether further details about the model will be disclosed then remains uncertain. Toyota certainly isn’t new to such events. creating exciting vehicles , however, this forthcoming GR Corolla might just become one of its most exhilarating models to date.