Something wild is brewing at Toyota, and it’s wearing camouflage. Meet the cloaked, New Toyota GR Corolla, a development mule cloaked in geometric wrap and shrouded in mystery, but its intentions are anything but subtle. Toyota’s been busy refining its high-performance hatch, and if these early signs are anything to go by, enthusiasts are in for something seriously special.
A Familiar Shape, Sharpened for War
It’s still a GR Corolla at heart, but the latest test mule has been to the gym. A vented hood and bulging front fenders with aggressive cutouts hint at more than just a cosmetic refresh. Around back, a large, race-inspired rear wing juts out with confidence , more prominent than what you’ll find on the current Circuit Edition. It’s all business, and the subtle deletions, like the missing rear wiper, point to serious weight-saving efforts. No surprise then that rumors are flying: is this the long-awaited GRMN version?
Grip, Grit, and GRMN Rumors
Gazoo Racing hasn’t confirmed anything official yet, but this development car walks, talks, and squats like a GRMN , Toyota’s ultra-performance sub-brand (short for “Gazoo Racing, tuned by the Masters of the Nürburgring”). Historically, GRMN models have been stripped-down, amped-up track machines. Think limited production runs, obsessive tuning by pro racers, and zero concern for daily-driver comforts.
The prototype’s Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires , a sticky, track-focused compound , wrap around matte black 18-inch BBS forged wheels with Gazoo Racing branding. That’s the same tire compound found on the ultra-rare Morizo Edition, but this time, the car rides on slightly wider 245/40ZR18 rubber, promising even more grip when cornering hard.
More Torque, More Purpose
Toyota is tight-lipped about specs, but it’s confirmed one thing: this GR Corolla has more torque than the current model’s 295 lb-ft. That might not sound like much on paper, but in a car this small, every pound-foot counts. The 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine has “unique tuning,” though it’s unclear whether horsepower exceeds the familiar 300 hp rating.
There’s no word yet on the interior , whether the rear seats stay or go , but don’t be surprised if this cloaked Corolla follows the two-seater formula from the Morizo Edition. That model ditched the back seats, rear wiper, and even some sound insulation to shave off every ounce possible.
Coming Soon to a Track Near You?
Toyota plans to showcase the prototype at the Formula Drift event in Long Beach this April. After that, additional testing is scheduled, including a stint behind the wheel by Akio Toyoda himself , Toyota’s chairman and long-time performance car evangelist. If history is any indication, Toyoda-san’s involvement means the car isn’t just for show.
And while the U.S. has missed out on past GRMN cars like the Yaris GRMN, there’s hope this new toyota GR Corolla variant could make it stateside. Pricing? Expect something north of the $46,275 Circuit Edition and potentially creeping into the $51,000+ Morizo zone.
Our Point Of View
The camouflaged GR Corolla isn’t a mere tease , it’s more of an an indication that Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division hasn’t lifted off the throttle. So, if it ends up wearing a GRMN badge or another name entirely, this is to be seen. But it seems enthusiasts will be holding their breaths and count down the days for this Track-tuned, torque-rich, and tastefully over-the-top Corolla.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most accurate, latest updates or specific model configurations. Always consult official website/sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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