Toyota Is Developing a Torquier GR Corolla

Toyota is still finding ways to improve the GR Corolla. After adding an eight-speed automatic transmission and bumping torque from 273 to 295 pound-feet last year, the hot hatch is due for another upgrade. Until the full debut this fall, this camouflaged development prototype will have to make do. Despite the disguise, there are some notable changes over the regular model, hinting at the prospects of a GRMN variant or a different special edition.

There are now vents in the hood and front fenders, mirroring the prototype car paparazzi saw testing last September at the Nürburgring. The mysterious GR Corolla also carries a larger rear wing, bigger than the spoiler fitted to the Circuit Edition. You’ll notice the 18-inch matte black BBS forged wheels with Toyota Gazoo Racing branding and 245/40 ZR18 tires, whereas the Circuit Edition had slightly skinnier 235/40 ZR18 rubber. There are now Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires instead of Pilot Sport 4. It’s a sign that this future version will be just about as hardcore as the Morizo Edition since that one also had the stickier tires.

Toyota mentions it has also worked on the turbocharged 1.6-liter gasoline engine to extract more torque, but without revealing details. The three-cylinder mill also has “unique tuning,” although extra horsepower is not mentioned beyond the standard 300 hp. With no images showing the interior, whether there’s a rear bench or this new GR Corolla flavor is a two-seater affair like the Morizo is unclear. We can say with certainty the car is missing the rear wiper, echoing the most radical version launched so far.

Ahead of its official premiere, the GR Corolla development vehicle will attend the Formula Drift event in Long Beach, California, during the April 12-13 weekend. Toyota’s Gazoo Racing arm will subsequently conduct additional testing before letting Akio Toyoda, chairman of the board, take the all-wheel-drive hot hatch for a spin.

Pricing-wise, it’s likely to cost more than the $46,275 Circuit Edition, possibly entering Morizo ($51,420) territory.