TOKYO: Toyota Gazoo Racing has announced the impending launch of its evolved GR Corolla in Japan, with orders now being accepted through Toyota dealerships from Feb 4.
The car's launch is set for March 3.
Drawing on insights from motorsport events such as the Super Taikyu Series, the new model is engineered to deliver enhanced high-speed cornering, improved acceleration and optimised cooling performance.
The evolved GR Corolla incorporates a newly developed 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (GR-DAT), previously featured in the evolved GR Yaris, as well as a traditional 6-speed manual option, both paired with four-wheel drive systems.
This model, first announced in the United States in August last year, has been adapted to meet Japanese market specifications.
Development was driven by feedback from professional race drivers, evaluation drivers and Toyota "Master Driver" Morizo (aka Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda), ensuring that the car retains an untamed driving energy whether pushed to its limits or used in everyday conditions.
Among its performance-enhancing features is a dedicated “Circuit Mode” that can be activated at approved circuits via a special app.
This mode includes settings such as anti-lag to reduce turbo delay, an elevated speed limiter and a shift timing indicator that helps drivers achieve optimal gear changes.
The vehicle’s sporty character is further enhanced by an optional SPORT package, which offers a premium interior with exclusive semi-bucket seats, an ultrasuede-upholstered three-spoke steering wheel and additional red detailing.
Toyota has also outlined plans to offer upgrade parts for current GR Corolla owners from summer 2025, aimed at improving straight-line stability, steering response and cornering performance.
Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices are set at 5,980,000 yen (RM175,000) for the GR-DAT variant and 5,680,000 yen (RM167,000) for the manual model.
