After a long teaser campaign, the 2022 Toyota GR Corolla debuted with a rally-ready appearance and 300 horsepower on tap. The hot hatchback will be accessible in the USA as well.
Powertrain & Performance
Powering the GR Corolla is a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine generating 300 horsepower (224 kilowatts) at 6,500 rpm and 273 pound-feet (370 Newton-meters) from 3,000 to 5,500 rpm. The engine mates to a six-speed manual gearbox with rev-matching capability. Interestingly, the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system offers you to pick 60-40, 50-50, and 30-70 front-rear torque divergence settings, as per your liking.
Unfortunately, the Japanese automaker didn’t give GR Corolla’s performance figures. It means we can’t tell you how fast it goes to 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour) from zero as well as its top speed.
If we compare it with the European-bound Toyota GR Yaris that gets to 62 mph (100 kph) in fewer than 5.5 seconds and hits a top speed of 143 mph (230 km/h). The GR Corolla also uses the same mill as available in the GR Yaris but there are a few differences.
The 1.6-litre mill in GR Yaris generates 257 hp (192 kW) and 266 lb-ft (360 Nm), which is 43 hp less than the GR Corolla. On the other hand, the GR Yaris weighs 2,822 pounds (1,280 kilograms), against 3,249 pounds (1,474 kilograms) GR Corolla. So, here the Corolla is 400+ pounds heavier than the Yaris.
New Platform
The GR Corolla gets an updated GA-C platform with extra weld points for the frame to support links along with aluminium hood and front door panels. It comes with MacPherson-type struts for the front and a double-wishbone at the rear. The wheels are 18-inch, 15-spoke with a gloss-black finish wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires having 235/40R18 size.
The braking duty is performed by 14 x 1.1-inch ventilated and slotted rotors with four-piston calipers in front and 11.7 x 0.7-inch ventilated discs with two-piston calipers at the back.
Interior Facilities
Get inside and what catches your eye first is a 12.3-inch digital infotainment screen, showing the selected all-wheel-drive mode, turbo pressure, gear position indicator, and tachometer. Furthermore, you get an 8.0-inch infotainment display that sits at the centre.
Core and Circuit Editions
The GR Corolla will be accessible in two flavours – Core with deliveries starting sometime this year and the distinct Circuit Edition coming next year.
The GR Corolla Core gives you three exterior paint choices – white, black, and Supersonic Red as well as fabric-covered sports seats and a black and silver shade interior design. The optional Cold Weather package brings heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Technology package adds navigation, an updated stereo, and wireless smartphone charging.
The Circuit Edition comes with a performance improvement and is accessible in white, Supersonic Red, and Heavy Metal shades with red brake calipers. The Circuit also has standard Torsen limited-slip differentials for the front and rear axle along with a hood lump with practical vents, a gloss black grille, and a matte-black rear spoiler.
The Circuit’s interior sports a Brin Naub faux suede and synthetic leather upholstery, and welcomes navigation, an eight-speaker stereo, automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
Pricing
Toyota didn’t reveal the pricing information for the GR Corolla. However, you will be able to enjoy free one-year membership in the National Auto Sport Association.
Source and Images: Motor1