Toyota has refreshed its GR Corolla hot hatch in Japan, offering several performance and styling upgrades. The car boasts a new transmission, improved chassis dynamics, and exclusive features for the Japanese market.
The refreshed Toyota GR Corolla has just debuted in Japan , marking the first time Malaysia receives a Japan ese performance car first. While the Land of the Rising Sun enjoys the luxury of the new GR Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) from launch, Malaysian buyers will have to wait for this highly sought-after gearbox. Priced at 5,980,000 yen (RM171,900), the auto variant commands a 300,000 yen (RM8,600) premium over the six-speed manual option.
The powertrain remains unchanged, featuring the G16E-GTS 1.6 litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine. While peak power stands at 304 PS at 6,500 rpm, torque has been increased by 30 Nm to 400 Nm, available between 3,250 and 4,600 rpm. This brings both versions to parity in performance. Fuel consumption for the manual and automatic are claimed to be 12.4 km per litre and 10.8 km per litre respectively. All the power goes to all four wheels via the GR-Four all-wheel drive system. The GR Corolla boasts several key updates to its drivetrain. The all-wheel drive system now operates with a 60:40 front-to-rear torque split in Normal mode, shifting to 50:50 in Gravel (previously 30:70 in Sport) and Track mode with a variable split from 60:40 to 30:70 depending on driving conditions (previously locked at 50:50). Standard fitment remains the front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials. Unique to the Japanese market is a new Circuit Mode which unlocks higher performance from the three-cylinder engine. Using GPS to detect if the car is approaching a supported racetrack, the 12.3-inch digital instrument display switches to show shift lights and an enlarged gear indicator. Circuit Mode also activates a built-in anti-lag system (with weak, mild and strong settings), maximizes the cooling fan output and raises the speed limiter beyond the government-mandated 180 km/h. The top speed remains capped at 230 km/h. While the outgoing GR Corolla was already known for its exceptional driving dynamics, Toyota has further refined the chassis. Rebound front and rear springs suppress inner wheel lift during hard cornering to improve traction, while the rear spring and anti-roll bars have been retuned for enhanced ground contact response and controllability in bends. Additionally, the trailing arm mounting point has been raised to reduce rear squat under acceleration, preventing excessive posture changes and promoting stability during cornering. Visually, the redesigned front bumper adopts a design reminiscent of the GR Yaris. Larger corner air inlets and the absence of fog lights improve cooling capacity, directing air to the new sub-radiator. New brake ducts and an air curtain that guide air around the front wheels minimize turbulence within the wheel wells, further enhancing handling stability. The exterior retains its signature features, including a bulging vented bonnet, blistered fenders with front vents, a carbon fibre roof, a large tailgate spoiler and a substantial rear diffuser with distinctive triple exhausts. Japanese buyers now enjoy the benefit of 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels, previously exclusive to the Morizo model, replacing the standard Enkei cast multi-spokes. Interior changes are minimal, save for an optional Sport Package (exclusive to Japan) for an extra 253,000 yen (RM7,300). This package includes semi-bucket seats, an Ultrasuede-trimmed steering wheel, gearknob (with red trim), shift gaiter and handbrake lever, red seat belts and black trim decor instead of the usual silver. Surprisingly, Toyota is offering certain mechanical upgrades as aftermarket accessories for existing owners. Two stages are available: the first involves a strengthened bolt set for the steering column and dash to improve steering feel and straight-line stability, as well as for the rear dampers to enhance rear grip response. The second stage comprises a comprehensive set of suspension components, including new lower arm and ball joints for superior steering response, along with the aforementioned dampers, rebound springs, rear springs and rear anti-roll bar. These components will be available at official dealerships and Toyota Mobility Parts offices in Japan starting this summer.
TOYOTA GR COROLLA JAPAN PERFORMANCE UPGRADES TRANSMISSION CHASSIS CIRCUIT MODE
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