Circuit Edition will be limited at 1,500. There are over 5,000 Core models.
The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla was a big win for driving enthusiasts last week. Hot hatchbacks offer something rare these days: a turbocharged engine that drives all four wheels via a three-pedal manual transmission. We don’t yet know the price, but we do know how many Toyotas will make it.
A spokesperson for Toyota explained that the Circuit Edition will be produced in 1,500 units. Although a maximum of 5,000 units will be produced by the GR Corolla core trim, it is not specified. These numbers are the production year.
The Circuit Edition is a single-and-done hot hatch. It will only be available for the 2023 model years. The standard model comes with many upgrades, including limited-slip differentials on the front and rear axles, a carbon fiber roof, synthetic leather upholstery and heated seats. A carbon-fiber roof is not an option. The Circuit Edition hood has a large bulge and functional vents. The Circuit Edition has a more aggressive exterior design than the Core trim.
Both versions feature the same turbocharged 1.6-liter three cylinder engine. The G16E–GTS engine produces 300 horsepower (224 Kilowatts) as well as 273 pound-feet (372 Newton-meters), of torque. The torque peak is stable at 3,000 to 5,500 RPM. The G16E-GTS mill is powered by Toyota’s GR-4 all-wheel-drive system. This allows for a choice of power splits of 40 percent, 50%, or 70% to the rear wheels. Yes, the only transmission available at this time is a 6-speed stick.
Price is the big question. Toyota has not provided any information about the MSRP or its place in the company’s performance portfolio. We believe that a starting price in the low to mid $30,000 range would be a good choice. Although the Circuit Edition will be more expensive, with at least 6,500 cars in total 2023 production, we believe that the GR Corolla will not face excessive dealer markups when it reaches showrooms later in the year.