When you hear the word, Corolla, you get an image of that champagne colored, ubiquitous, almost to the point of being the invisible car. The one that populates roads, highways, parking lots, your great aunt’s driveway and rental agencies all around the world.
But putting the initials GR ( for Gazoo Racing) in front of Corolla is a completely different story. In doing so, Toyota has whipped up for the American market a whole new batch of badassery. Sure, there is the GR86 and the SupBMWra, but this hot hatch is something special. Here are a few stats to mull over. GR-FOUR All-wheel drive, 1.6 liter in-line 3-cylinder turbocharged engine putting out 300 HP @6500 rpm with 273 ft-lb of torque between 3000- 5500 rpm, a six-speed stick, MacPherson type front struts and double wishbone type multilink rears, front and rear Torsen limited slip differentials, and 18-inch 15-spoke cast-alloy wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. This takes the GR from 0-60 in 4.99 seconds with an electronically controlled top speed of 142.9 mph. 14 inch four-piston front calipers and 11.2 inch two-piston rear calipers with ventilated and slotted brake rotors, with a brake peddle that is very easy to modulate, are used to slow it down.
The GR has a rally car vibe, not unlike the GR Yaris that was built for the rest of the planet that heralded Toyota’s return to the rally world. But I don’t feel the need or want to compare it to a Subaru WRX or a VW R. I think there is another automobile; it is closer to in nature.
The GR Corolla is the natural progression and brother from another mother to the Group A homologation Lancia Integrale Evo 2.
The GR has a clean, no-nonsense style. It may have all the mod-cons and minders that appear in cars of this era, but they aren’t as intrusive as many are these days. It is the younger rambunctious, Tiktok using kid brother to the Lancia.
The two have many similarities. They are small displacement, turbocharged, 4-door, 4-wheel drive hatchbacks. The Lancia has a slightly larger engine ( 2 liters) and an extra cylinder, and four more valves, but gives up close to 100 hp (Ahh, progress)
More progress: The Lancia’s four-wheel-drive system puts 53 percent of the power to the rear and 47 percent to the front; that can change, depending on demand. The GR allows the driver to choose their own torque split setup, 30/70, 60/40, or an even 50/50 split. 50/50 gives you a very predictable placement of power. 30/70 is more old school with little or no understeer. You might catch a bit of understeer in the 60/40 mode. The GR is happy with each setting and works with the driver to keep things interesting, and at the same time, inspires confidence.
Taking the GR on its own merits and not comparing it to a legend, Toyota has created a stellar machine that can be the Swiss Army knife of cars that you could live with every day. You can stick the kids in the back, you can haul groceries from the store, and you can haul ass on the track. The Morizo edition conveniently removes the rear seat and replaces it with a rack so you can carry your non-DOT racing slicks to that track. The GR Corolla is the true definition of “Hot Hatch.”
Off the track on your favorite road, the steering, brakes, and suspension work in concert to create a machine you can place anywhere you want with pinpoint accuracy. It would be nice to have a bit more feedback from the electric power steering, but it is smooth and quick with enough weight, so it doesn’t feel overly boosted. The six-speed manual is just what this car and every car person needs to make it stand out. Everyone who looks in the window exclaims, “Wow, a manual.” The clutch is well-weighted. The shifting can be notchy, but has a good mechanical feel.
Spend time with it, and you are shifting with great style, and if you select automatic rev-matching it blips the throttle on downshifts and makes it sound like you really know what you are doing. Power delivery is linear, and the turbo is there quickly at 3000 rpm and moves you along with great alacrity. If you are lighter on the throttle, you can easily trundle around without making a spectacle. The 3-cylinder motor is extremely smooth, utilizing a balance shaft to rid it of the inherent imbalance of a 3-banger. With that, you just might think it’s a 4.
The seats are supportive and comfortable and will take care of you and not beat the crap out of you on a long drive. They will also hold you in place while you test the limits of the G- meter located on the dash.
The GR gives you joy every time you press the accelerator. It’s one of those rare cars in this world of electric, hybrid, and soulless sedans that puts a smile on your face whenever you take it for a spin. It’s a good time on four wheels.
In your wildest dreams did you ever think you would take a Corolla out for a drive and giggle like a mad man for all the fun you are having?
The other two performance cars in Toyota’s lineup were produced in conjunction with other companies. The GR86 with Subaru and the GR Supra with BMW. Toyota can take full credit for this demon of a creation. They meant business when they conceived this ride, and they delivered on all accounts.
The one drawback is Toyota isn’t building all that many, so it’s going to be a real trick to get your hands on one of these rowdy rides. But if you do, hang on tight to it. Like the Lancia, this GR will one day be a sought-after collectible.
In all their wisdom and craziness, Toyota has taken a plain vanilla sedan and added a lot of spicy voodoo, and given us an unholy screamer. Toyota has created a hatch that’s HOT!
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