Golf R rival has 300bhp and AWD
The latest entry to the hot hatch ranks has arrived and it’s from Toyota’s Gazoo Racing Performance Division, The new GR Corolla, and its hot on the heels with cars of the likes of the Volkswagen Golf R and Honda Civic Type R.
The Hot Corolla joins an increasing growing roster of hot GR Toyota’s, together with the Toyota GR Yaris, Toyota GR Supra and Toyota GR 86, but unlike those cars, this one isn't intended for sale in Europe, hopefully demand will change their mind considering the success of the hot GR Yaris Hatch.
The GR Corolla boasts a toughened version of the 1.6-liter in-line three-cylinder intercooler turbo engine found in the GR Yaris, resulting in a maximum output of 304bhp and torque boosted slightly to 273lb ft. The triple exhausts of a muffler helped further the increase output of the 1.6-liter in-line three-cylinder intercooler turbo engine, as well as a new "multi-oil jet piston" cooling system, larger exhaust valves and a part-machined intake port.
The power of the GR Corolla is sent through a six-speed manual gearbox via the featured GR-FOUR 4WD system uses an electronic multi-plate clutch to provide variable front and rear driving force, like in the GR Yaris. This time, however, the system’s “4WD” mode, which controls driving force distribution, and its “Drive” mode, which controls accelerator response, steering, and others, have been separated to enable selection according to driver preference and the driving environment. Additionally, the use of pillow-ball bushings and the optimization of the springs, shock absorbers, and wheel alignment combine to fully transmit the GR-FOUR’s optimum delivery of driving force to the road surface. This has resulted in tremendous cornering performance.
Toyota has yet to release performance figures but expect a 0-60 of around 5 seconds and a 155mph top speed.
Unlike the GR Yaris the corolla adopts the basic body framework of the standard Toyota Corolla Sport, retaining a five-door, five-passenger layout for both exceptional usability in daily life and driving pleasure. In order to permit it to receive the high-speed stability of a long wheelbase, the GR Corolla uses a 60 mm wider track up front and an 85 mm wider track in the rear to command a high level of cornering performance. The result, sporty driving at will with peace of mind.
While the basic body framework of the Corolla Sport has been adopted, 20 mm wider front fenders and 30 mm wider rear fenders produce a broader stance that foreshadows a spirited driving experience.
Honing the vehicle’s cooling and aerodynamic performance on all kinds of roads, including racing circuits, dirt roads, and snow-covered roads, resulted in the inclusion of a front-bumper air intake and front-fender and hood-bulge air outlets.
Bespoke 18inch sports wheels are bound in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres and supported by ventilated, slotted performance brake discs gripped by four-piston aluminium callipers.
Body rigidity has also been strengthened over the standard Corolla to attain driving performance that agilely responds to driver operation. In addition to the high-rigidity basic framework made possible through production at the GR Factory at Toyota’s Motomachi Plant, braces have been added between the rear wheel wells, to the under-floor tunnel, and under the floor in front of the fuel tank to improve handling stability.?Also, like in the case of the GR Yaris, lightweight materials have been used throughout, and on the Circuit Edition the roof panel is made of CFRP moulded by the SMC process, which offers a high degree of freedom of shape and contributes not only to increased rigidity but also to weight reduction, an aluminium bonnet and front doors also feature.
The standard GR Corolla to a kerb weight of 1474kg.
The sporty tweaks carry on to the cabin, iwith a leather-trimmed GR steering wheel, GR-badged seats and aluminium pedals, on the Circuit Edition, suede seats and a short-stroke shift knob (signed by Toyota president Akio Toyoda), positioned for natural operation by simply lowering the arm from the steering wheel enables quick gear changes. A hand-operated parking brake has been used to allow better vehicle control even when pushing the car to its limits, such as when drifting.
The Full TFT Meter, which was developed exclusively for GR models, has been newly adopted. Inspired by race cars and reflecting insight from professional drivers, the new display improves visibility during sporty driving.
The latest active safety package, Toyota Safety Sense, comes standard, allowing the combination of safety and security in daily driving and the driving pleasure of a sports car.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) held the world premiere of the all-new GR Corolla in Long Beach, California, USA, on March 31, on the eve of the opening round of the Formula Driftseason. The GR Corolla is scheduled for launch in Japan in the second half of 2022
