The Circuit Edition will arrive later with a carbon-fiber roof.
The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla finally arrives after a long wait. This is the first American-made hot hatch that Toyota has sold in years.
The G16E-GTS turbocharged three-cylinder engine, a 1.6-liter turbocharged turbocharged three-cylinder with 300 horsepower (224kW) at 6,500 RPM and 273 lb-ft (370 Newton meters) between 3,000 and 5,500 RPM. It is controlled by a six-speed manual gearbox that has rev-matching capabilities. The GR-4 all-wheel-drive system offers three settings for front-rear torque split: 60-40, 50-50 and 30-70 depending on the preference of the driver.
Toyota’s announcement does not provide any performance estimates. We don’t know how fast the GR Corolla can reach 60 mph (96 km/h) or its maximum speed.
The European-market Toyota GR Yaris can reach 62 mph (100 kph), in less than 5.5 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed at 143 mph (220 km/h). It shares the same 1.6-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine as the Corolla. However, it produces 257 horsepower (192 kW) or 266 lbft (360 Nm) more. The GR Yaris is 2,822 pounds (1.280 kilograms) lighter than the new GR Corolla, which weighs 3,249 pounds (1.474 kilograms).
What makes it special?
The GR Corolla is based on a modified GA-C platform. It has more weld points in the frame for strengthening joints. There are also extensive uses of structural adhesive. Aluminum is used for the hood and front doors panels to reduce weight. To channel air down the flanks, the body has canards at the corners and widened the fenders. To reduce drag, the underfloor is flat.
The suspension of the hot hatch is MacPherson-type struts at the front and double-wishbone at the rear. The Corolla is a more compact vehicle that rides on 15-inch, gloss-black-finished wheels with gloss-black finishes. They are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires in sizes 235/40R18.
The hot hatch’s brake rotors are 14 x 1.25-inch ventilated and slotsted discs with four-piston piston calipers at the front. The back features 11.7×0.7-inch ventilated disks with two-piston brakes.
Interior features include a 12.3-inch digital infotainment screen in the GR Corolla. This screen displays the selected all-wheel drive mode, turbo pressure and gear position indicator. It also shows the tachometer. Toyota describes a short-throw shifter as one that allows the driver to move his arm away from the steering wheel. The dashboard also features an 8.2-inch infotainment display.
Is it Core or Circuit Edition?
The GR Corolla will be available in the USA with two trim levels. There’s the Core model, which will arrive later in 2022, and the Circuit Edition, which will arrive in 2023.
The GR Corolla Core comes in three colors: white, black, or Supersonic Red. There are also fabric-covered sport seats, as well as a black/silver color scheme. A Cold Weather package adds heated front seats, and a heated steering column. The Technology package includes navigation and an upgraded stereo system. Wireless smartphone charging is also included.
Circuit Edition comes with a performance upgrade. It includes a forged carbon fiber roof. This trim comes in white, Supersonic Red and Heavy Metal. The GR logo is on the brake calipers. They are red.
The Circuit is equipped with Torsen limited slip differentials for the front axle and rear axle. These parts can be added to the Performance Package for Core models.
The Circuit’s hood bulge has functional vents and is an aesthetic upgrade. The gloss black grille is used on the nose. The rear spoiler is matte black, and not gloss for the Core model.
It has a Brin Naub faux leather interior and synthetic leather upholstery throughout. The cabin is in a red and black color scheme. The package includes navigation and an eight-speaker stereo. The Circuit has heated front seats, automatic climate control, and a heated steering column.
Prices for the GR Corolla are not yet available. Buyers receive a free one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association.