The long-awaited GR Corolla arrives with well-known technology and a more practical body.
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Toyota today introduced the long-awaited sharp GR Corolla hatchback, under the hood of which we find the well-known technology of the smaller Toyota GR Yaris. So let’s start right from under the hood.
The supercharged 1.6-liter G16E-GTS three-cylinder, which offers the highest output of 224 kW (approx. 304 hp) and 370 Nm of torque, is stored here. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, equipped with a speed equalization function that sends power to the well-known GR-Four all-wheel drive system.
Depending on the settings, the driver can then choose whether the system should distribute power between the front and rear axles in a ratio of 60:40, 50:50 or 30:70. Unfortunately, the carmaker does not mention parameters such as acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h or maximum speed, but a comparison with the European GR Yaris is offered, which accelerates in 5.5 seconds and runs up to 230 km / h.
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The smaller Yaris is equipped with the same three-cylinder, however, its maximum power is limited to 192 kW, while the GR Corolla offers up to 224 kW. However, part of the power falls on compensating for the weight difference. While the GR Yaris weighs 1280 kg, the larger GR Corolla weighs 1,474 kg.
The basis of the new GR Corolla is a modified GA-C platform, which received additional welds to increase stiffness, and in some places more special glue was used. To reduce weight, the front doors and bonnet are made of aluminum, and the aerodynamics are improved by a covered floor or new aerodynamic body elements. At the rear, the three tailpipes occupy.
The chassis is equipped with a McPherson type suspension at the front, and a suspension with double trapezoidal arms is used at the rear. The underbody has 18 “alloy wheels, painted glossy black, fitted as standard with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires of size 235/40 R18. The improved braking system has four-piston brakes and 356 millimeter ventilated discs at the front, two-piston brakes at the rear and 297 millimeter ventilated discs.
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The cabin is equipped with sports seats, a leather sports steering wheel and aluminum pedals. In front of the driver is a 12.3 “digital instrument panel, which now displays information about the turbo pressure, gear engaged and all-wheel drive system. The dashboard has an 8 “infotainment screen and there is also an audio system with 6 speakers.
From the information published so far, it seems probable that the new GR Corolla will be intended, at least from the beginning of the sale, only for the American market, where it will be available in two trim levels. The Core model will arrive this year, and the Circuit Edition is not expected until next year.
GR Corolla in Core equipment will be available in white, black and red. The interior offers fabric sports seats and silver-gray decors, including stitching. As part of the additional packages, the car will also offer heated seats, a heated steering wheel, navigation, improved stereo or wireless charging.
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Optional features include Torsen self-locking differentials on the front and rear axles or a carbon roof. The sportier Circuit Edition then offers these elements from the ground up. In addition, however, it offers several aesthetic adjustments, including functional ventilation holes on the hood, glossy black grilles in the bumper, matte rear spoiler, etc ..
The interior of the GR Corolly Circuit Edition will then offer upholstery of the seats with synthetic leather and upholstery of other elements in a red-black color scheme. Heated seats, a heated steering wheel, an audio system with 8 speakers or navigation are also standard.
The carmaker has not yet announced the prices and we will probably see them with the upcoming launch on the American market. However, we do not have much good news for European applicants. Unfortunately, press materials about the new Toyota GR Corolla have not yet appeared on the carmaker’s European website. At least for the time being, it is likely that DG Corolla will remain unavailable to Europe. But over time, the situation could change.
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