Toyota will make some improvements to the new GR Corolla, an improved and evolved model that will be announced in September 2024 and released in October 2024. This announcement marks the resumption of sales. Toyota America’s TOYOTA GAZOO Racing unveiled the evolved GR Corolla for the first time in the world on August 1, 2024 in California, USA . Here is a thorough explanation of what kind of model it will be.
About the new GR Corolla partial improvement
Toyota USA 2025 Toyota GR Corolla
This evolved and improved model is equipped with the 1.6L in-line 3-cylinder turbo engine “G16E-GTS” that is installed in the GR Yaris, and in addition to the “6MT”, the transmission will adopt the newly developed “8-speed AT (GR-DAT)”. The engine output will remain the same at 224kw (304PS), and the maximum torque will be improved from 370N･m (37.7kgf/m) to 400N･m (40.8kgf/m).
New GR Corolla partial improvement 1.6L turbo engine improved
The 1.6L inline 3-cylinder intercooler turbo engine “G16E-GTS” has a maximum output of 224kw (304PS) and a maximum torque of 400N･m (40.8kgf/m), which has been improved from 370N･m (37.7kgf/m).
New GR Corolla partially improved with newly developed 8-speed AT “GR-DAT”
Newly developed 8-speed AT “GR-DAT”
The GR-DAT was honed in motorsports and on various roads. The AT control software has been optimized for sports driving. Whereas previously the gear shift was determined by sensing vehicle behavior such as deceleration G and speed, the new system detects the braking and release methods, as well as accelerator operation, in detail, and predicts situations where gear shifting is necessary before changes in vehicle behavior occur, allowing for “gear selection that reflects the driver’s intentions.” Gear selection is now possible in the same way as a professional driver would shift gears. In addition to using a highly heat-resistant friction material for the gear-shifting clutch inside the AT, improvements to the AT control software have achieved world-class gear shifting speed. The 8-speed AT has been upgraded to a multi-stage 8-speed AT with close ratios, allowing for driving that makes the most of the power band. A Torsen® LSD is installed to improve drive force control performance through accelerator operation .
Evolution of turning performance
The new GR Corolla has built-in rebound springs in the front and rear shock absorbers, improving vehicle posture during cornering and the ground load characteristics of the inner wheels, thereby improving stability. In addition, the trailing arm mounting point of the rear axle has been raised to reduce rear sinking during acceleration. This limits changes in vehicle posture in response to accelerator operation, enabling stable cornering. In addition, the spring characteristics of the rear coil springs and stabilizers have been optimized to improve rear tire ground contact and enhance vehicle controllability.
Evolution of cooling and aerodynamic performance
Vehicles equipped with GR-DAT are equipped with a water-cooled ATF warmer and cooler or an air-cooled ATF cooler as standard, and are also equipped with a sub-radiator. This improves the cooling performance of the engine and transmission. The front bumper is designed to smooth the air flow, maximizing the cooling effect and ensuring driving stability.
An evolution in the sense of oneness with the car
High-rigidity grooved washer bolts are used for the fastening parts of the steering column and instrument panel reinforcement, realizing straight-line stability and a direct steering feeling. In addition, special high-rigidity bolts are used for the fastening bolts of the chassis parts, improving responsiveness to steering operations and the grip feeling at the rear.
These improvements make the new GR Corolla a vehicle that offers a higher level of performance and driving enjoyment.
New GR Corolla partial improvement specifications
| Specifications | New GR Corolla | New GR Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,410mm | 4,410mm |
| Overall width | 1,850mm | 1,850mm |
| Height | 1,480mm | 1,475mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,640mm | 2,640mm |
| engine | 1.6L inline 3-cylinder DOHC direct injection turbocharged |
1.6L inline 3-cylinder DOHC direct injection turbocharged |
| Maximum power | 224kW (304PS) / 6,500rpm |
224kW (304PS) / 6,500rpm |
| Maximum torque | 400Nm (40.8kgfm) / 3,250~4,600rpm |
400Nm (40.8kgfm) / 3,250~4,600rpm |
transmission |
6-speed iMT | 8-speed AT (GR-DAT) |
| Drive system | 4WD (Sports 4WD system “GR-FOUR”) |
4WD (Sports 4WD system “GR-FOUR”) |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people | 5 people |
| tire | 235/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
245/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 12.4km/L | – |
About the new Toyota GR Corolla
Compared to the Corolla Sport, the GR Corolla’s front fenders are larger by 20 mm on each side and the rear fenders are larger by 30 mm on each side, giving it a wider stance and suggesting a wilder driving experience.
The GR Corolla is equipped with an even more powerful 1.6L in-line 3-cylinder intercooler turbo engine, which is also installed in the GR Yaris, with a maximum output of 224kW (304PS). In addition, the GR-FOUR sports 4WD system, which uses a front and rear variable drive force system, has been optimized to achieve high-speed stability and high cornering performance. This allows the body of the Corolla Sport to be used as the basic structure, while the front and rear treads have been widened by 60mm and 85mm, respectively.
Furthermore, while maintaining the convenience of a five-door, five-seater vehicle, it also offers a high level of ease of use in everyday life and driving pleasure. Like the GR Yaris, it uses a roof panel made of CFRP material formed using the SMC method, which allows for a high degree of freedom in shape, not only increasing rigidity but also reducing weight. It is also equipped with opposed caliper brakes that provide stable braking force and controllability.
A short-stroke shift lever is used , and the position where the arm is naturally lowered from the steering wheel allows for quick shifting. A manual parking brake is used with a view to vehicle control at the limit, such as during drifting . A full TFT meter (12.3-inch digital instrument cluster) developed exclusively for GR vehicles is newly adopted . Using racing cars as a model and incorporating the opinions of professional drivers, visibility during sports driving has been improved. The latest preventive safety package, Toyota Safety Sense, is standard equipment.
In the 2023 partial improvement, further improvements were made by utilizing the experience gained from various motorsports such as the Super Taikyu Series. This has improved the direct feeling and stability of the driving operation, further evolving the driving experience as you wish.
To improve the direct feeling of driving operations, bolts with increased fastening rigidity are used for some of the bolts fastening the chassis parts. This improves responsiveness to steering operations and straight-line stability, further evolving the sense of unity with the car.
To improve stability, the shape of the front bumper duct has been improved and the air flow inside the wheelhouse has been optimized, resulting in improved handling stability and stable driving even at high speeds.
In addition, a limited edition color, Cyan Metallic, will be newly added and combined with the exclusive interior color Black x Blue, and only 50 units will be sold. This limited edition model is a special one that combines unique design and high performance.
A word from the editorial department
With increased power and torque and the adoption of a newly developed transmission, this evolved and improved model further refines the driving experience of the GR Corolla, evolving it to a new level and making it a car that will meet the expectations of drivers in any driving situation. We will provide updates as soon as new information becomes available.
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