2023 Toyota GR Corolla: 300 Horsepower, AWD, 6-Speed Manual

Published on March 31, 2022 in New Models by Guillaume Rivard

The GR Supra and GR 86 will soon be joined by another model developed by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division. The new 2023 GR Corolla is a high-performance variant of the Corolla Hatchback that will go head-to-head with top-level compact sports cars like the Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf R.

Specifically developed for the North American market but tested on many of Japan’s most renowned race tracks including Fuji and Suzuka, the GR Corolla is going to great lengths in order to please performance enthusiasts and once again shut up people who still believe that Toyota can’t make exciting, fun-to-drive cars.

300 Horsepower

The GR Corolla is even more explosive than we anticipated with 300 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 273 pound-feet of torque from 3,000-5,500 rpm. And all of that comes from a small turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with just three cylinders. It’s the same mill found in the hot little GR Yaris that’s sold in other markets but limited to 268 horsepower.

The unique triple exhaust system is designed to reduce back-pressure for maximum power delivery. The GR Corolla gets a GR Four all-wheel drive system derived from rally racing that automatically distributes torque from 50/50 up to 30/70 front and rear. Normal, Sport and Track modes are available. The transmission is a six-speed manual with no autobox of any kind as an option, another proof that this hot hatch is aimed at driving enthusiasts.

Flexing its Muscles

The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla benefits from key chassis reinforcements, a slightly lower centre of gravity, functional intakes and several aerodynamic add-ons. The hood and front doors are made of aluminum to save weight, while significantly flared fenders and redesigned bumpers add muscle to the car.

Next, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (235/40R18) tires wrap a set of 18-inch alloy wheels in a gloss black finish. The suspension combines McPherson struts up front with a multi-link setup in the rear. As for the brakes, they feature 355mm front discs with four-piston callipers and 297mm rear discs with dual-piston callipers. Oh, by the way, the latest suite of advanced safety and driver assistance systems (Toyota Safety Sense 3.0) is included.

Two Models

But wait, we’re not finished yet. The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla will come to Canada in two distinct models: Core and Circuit Edition. The former goes on sale this fall in white, black or Supersonic Red featuring a rear lip spoiler and “GR Four” stamped side rockers. Inside, the fabric sport seats wear a “GR” logo and Toyota’s new multimedia system powers the eight-inch touchscreen. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with performance meters is standard.

The Circuit Edition will be a limited-run model available in 2023. Standard colours are white, Supersonic Red and Heavy Metal with the same “GR Four” stamped side rockers and wide fenders as the Core. This model adds a forged carbon fibre roof, hood vents, red-painted brake callipers, a sportier rear spoiler and limited-slip Torsen differentials for improved handling. Ultrasuede and synthetic leather-trimmed sport seats with red accents are found inside along with a launch-year-exclusive shift knob signed by none other than Toyota president Akio Toyota a.k.a. Morizo.

Hand-built at the same factory as the GR Yaris in Motomachi, Japan, which happens to be the birthplace of legends such as the Toyota Supra A80 and Lexus LFA, the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla makes a great first impression, that’s for sure. Pricing will be announced closer to launch this fall.