Toyota Debuts First-Ever 2023 GR Corolla
It’s been an exciting time for the Corolla family. Last year, the iconic sedan hit a record milestone of 50 million units sold, making it the best-selling car of all time. This major celebration also coincided with the debut of the all-new 2022 Corolla Cross – which has already racked in a number of awards and accolades.
Still on a high from these wins, Toyota is coming out the gate hot with another hit; the first-ever GR Corolla. Infused with the DNA of Toyota Gazoo Racing, this all-new hot hatch features a turbocharged 300 hp and exclusive manual-transmission-only engine. Even better, the 2023 GR Corolla is All-Wheel-Drive meaning it’s fit to tackle any track, no matter the weather.
The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla will arrive in showrooms this fall, with pricing to be announced soon.
GR Corolla Pricing
Get ready for power, performance, and handling. With Toyota’s growing lineup of sports cars, the GR Corolla is expected to take the hot hatch market by storm. Designed by the detail-obsessed Gazoo Racing, the new car incorporates feedback from real drivers and sport cars enthusiasts and compiles them to bring an all-new model that has it all.
To start, the GR Corolla features a 1.6L, 3-cylinder direct port-injected turbo engine, which delivers an impressive 300 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard on both grades, Core and Circuit Edition. While pricing has not been revealed at the time of writing, it is expected to start at around $32,000.
Rally-ready performance
The new GR Corolla carries the spirit of the track. Made by and for enthusiasts, the hot hatch features a lightweight but powerful engine that delivers 300 hp and 273 lb.-ft of torque. With numbers like this, it rivals top competitors in its segments like the Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen Golf R.
When designing the new build, Gazoo Racing also made a point to focus on snappy acceleration. That’s why its turbocharged power is piped through a unique triple exhaust system, which is intended to reduce the backpressure for maximum performance.
Along with its unique G16-E engine, the new Corolla features a GR-FOUR All-Wheel-Drive system. This drivetrain allows handlers to choose their preferred power distribution, whether that be 60-40, 50-50, or 30-70. So whether a driver is looking to adjust performance to match the terrain, or just wants a different feel, the GR-FOUR system offers a setting to match.
Additionally, Gazoo Racing gave the 2023 GR Corolla a one-of-a-kind aerodynamic profile and low center of gravity to keep it true to its racing roots.
Built with care
The GR Corolla is not like other vehicles. Its distinctive build and features require a special kind of care, which Toyota has made a point to deliver. To help meet the performance goals Gazoo Racing set out for the GR Corolla, Toyota has created a dedicated GR factory. Rather than a traditional conveyor system, the body and assembly lines use several different cells to create this iconic hot hatch. With this flexible method of work, the car’s weight is kept to a minimum and it enables ultra-precision for suspension alignment. That means when you purchase a GR Corolla, you can guarantee it’s been handled with meticulous care and attention.
Lightweight design for easy handling
Hot hatches need to offer excellent handling, and the GR Corolla is no exception. Based on the GA-C platform, the 2023 GR Corolla features a highly rigid body and wide tread tires. In fact, the GR build is almost 3 inches wider than a standard Corolla. This frame and tire combo ensure high cornering performance, while also maintaining excellent high-speed stability. On both grades, the model sports Michelin Pilot Sport tires and comes equipped with 18.-in gloss-black alloy wheels.
In order to maximize performance potential, weight is a top priority. With the 2023 GR Corolla, Toyota was able to find a balance between max performance without compromising strength and safety. This is evident in the use of lightweight materials and unique building process.
On the Circuit Edition, which will arrive in 2023, the roof is made of forged –rather than wove– carbon sheets. This not only keeps off the pounds but helps lower the car’s center of gravity. Similarly, aluminum is used for the hood and front door panels with strong steel in the most critical areas to ensure the car’s build can absorb and dissipate any impact forces.
Cockpit-inspired Interior
The GR Corolla’s interior is made to match its thrill-inducing exterior. Inspired by a racing cockpit, the hot hatch incorporates feedback from professional drivers to give off an authentic feel. To achieve this, Toyota designed a GR Full TFT meter and paired it with their 12.3-inch Multi-Information Display. Additionally, the shift lever has a shortened stroke, so drivers can quickly and effortlessly shift gears.
Along with these thoughtful touches, the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla will include these interior features:
- Automatic climate control
- Power windows
- 6-way adjustable driver’s seat
- Push-button start/stop
- Aluminum sport pedals
- Two USB charging ports
- Lighted foot-wells
- Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging (standard on Circuit Edition)
- Heated front seats and steering wheel (standard on Circuit Edition)
GR Corolla Tech and Safety
Both grades will feature Toyota’s all-new Audio Multimedia system. This tech offers a wide range of enhanced connectivity features, including being Over-the-Air updatable. That means new features can be added without having to upgrade to a newer model year. One of the most prominent features is Intelligent Assistance, which allows drivers to adjust audio controls, cabin temperatures, and more with a simple, “Hey Toyota.”
In addition to this, the GR Corolla will host a number of tech and convenience features including:
- Emergency Assistance Button
- 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance
- Automatic Collision Notification
- Stolen Vehicle Locator
All GR Corolla grades also come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. This suite of technologies is designed to protect you and your passengers. Using high-resolution cameras and millimeter-wave radar, TSS is able to address and prevent the three most common accident types: forward collision, nighttime accidents, and unintended lane departures. Some of the detection capabilities include: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Bicyclist Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist.
Toyota GR Corolla Packages
Three packages will be available on the GR Corolla Core grade: Performance, Technology, and Cold Weather. The Circuit Edition comes standard with the following features.
- Technology package: Includes JBL Premium Audio system with Clar-Fi, and Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging.
- Cold Weather Package: Includes heated front seats and heated steering wheel.
- Performance package: Includes front and rear Torsen Limited Slip Differentials, 4-piston aluminum fixed-caliper disc brakes with red-painted calipers and GR logo, ventilated and slotted rotors (front and rear), and 2-piston aluminum fixed-caliper disc brakes with red-painted calipers and GR logo.
GR Corolla Core vs. GR Corolla Circuit
The all-new hot hatch is available in two grades, Core and Circuit Edition. The Core grade is expected to go on sale this fall and will come in 3 color options (white, black, red). As outlined above, there are three add-on packages for the Core trim.
The Circuit Edition is a limited-run model and will arrive in 2023 in the same colors. Unlike the Core, Circuit Edition will come standard with all available features. Additionally, it adds a carbon-fiber roof, vented hood, and sporty rear spoiler.
At the time of writing, the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla is not available for sale. It is expected to go on sale in fall 2022. Have any additional questions? We’re happy to help – simply contact us! You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up-to-date on the latest Toyota news.
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