Toyota GR Corolla: The Most Powerful Corolla Ever Revealed!
The Hegemony of Toyota Corolla
The Japanese automaker has been bestowed with the title of the best-selling nameplate in the world owing to the simple, no-nonsense, and efficient cars in its lineup. The auto market in Pakistan is no different and Toyota Corolla remains unparalleled in terms of its historical sales and popularity. It is among the predominant cars for sale in Pakistan.
Corolla is considered the quintessential sedan, and every new entrant in this arena has looked up to it as a staple. There isn’t much Toyota can do to elevate something that’s already considered a masterpiece.
However, when Akio Toyoda took over the Japanese automakers almost a decade ago, he pledged to make some revolutionary changes to the core models, including the iconic Corolla that we all know and love. Launching performance models will undoubtedly change the brand identity and consumer perception.
Launch of the GR Corolla
Toyota plans to debut the new and improved GR Corolla in 2023. Its launch has left car enthusiasts in anticipation due to the never-ending teasers that have been unveiled for a very long time. Finally, Toyota is honoring the most sold car in history by giving it the performance variance it deserves! Its hegemony remains unchanged, and it is still among the most popular cars for sale in Pakistan.
The most sold car in the world is getting a makeover because Akio Toyoda who is the President of Toyota, is a renowned racer. He goes by the pseudonym Morizo and realizes that updating a car that’s a cult classic can be a new milestone for his company.
The new GR Corolla is a direct competitor of Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf GTI and can easily topple their monopoly. Currently, it will only be available for the North American market only. However, many are confused why Toyota is not making this car available for the European markets, especially the UK, a nation of hot-hatch lovers.
Variants: Core and Circuit
The GR Corolla will have two variants: Core and Circuit. Toyota has planned the production of 5,000 Core variants and 1,500 Circuit variant cars for the first year. Although Toyota hasn’t disclosed the official prices for the anticipated car, the Core version will cost $30k, and the Circuit version will probably cost around $40k, according to the rumor mill.
The Core variant will be available from the launch and will feature a sublet-style exterior along with open differentials on both axles. The Circuit variant is a limited edition model and features Torsen limited-slip differentials on both axles.
The base Core version comes in three colors, i.e., black, white, and supersonic red, whereas the exclusive Circuit variant is available in white, Supersonic Red, and Heavy Metal.
The circuit edition has exclusive upgrades, i.e., synthetic luxe leather upholstery option in Brin Naube suede, a carbon-fiber roof, an advanced stereo, and heated seats. All of these features are optional for the base variant.
Engine
GR Corolla will be the highest performing Corolla ever with a myriad of specs.
The hot hatchback features an overachieving turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine with a three-pedal manual transmission. The G16E-GTS mill develops 300 horsepower (224 kilowatts) and 273 pound-feet (370 Newton-meters) of torque along with the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system. Producing 300hp from a 3cyl is a great feat in itself, and it has amazed car enthusiasts around the globe. Moreover, it comes with a six-speed intelligent manual transmission.
Interior
The new GR Corolla has an overall sportier aesthetic. The car’s interior looks luxe and classy due to the combination of suede and leather seats. It also has automatic climate control and heated front seats.
It features the sports seats of GR Yaris that have adjustable headrests. Moreover, it has a gear knob reminiscent of the president’s racing car.
It comes with a 12.3-inch digital display responsible for controlling the turbo pressure, gear position indicator, and tachometer. This customizable digital screen is also responsible for the 4WD model.
Moreover, it also offers an 8-inch infotainment system that is equipped with a cloud-based navigation system mobile phone sync, i.e., wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Furthermore, it has a revised interface, a “Hey Toyota” voice control system, and an 8-speaker JBL sound system exclusive to the Circuit variant.
Exterior
It comprises the basic structure of a 12th-generation Corolla hatchback with a five-door body. The new Corolla gets sportier bumpers and a rear roof-mounted spoiler. Moreover, it has a triple exhaust system.
It comprises 18-inch lightweight alloy wheels as standard and 235/40R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. It has chunky side skirts that feature the GR-FOUR logo reiterated on the front, rear, and front fenders. Safe to say, it doesn’t look like your average hatchback.
Its classic and timeless exterior has tastefully evolved over time. This is one of the reasons people continue to buy used cars in Pakistan when they can’t get a new Corolla.
Security
GR Corolla offers super security via the novel and advanced ‘Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite’. It allows a safer and more secure driving experience with autonomous emergency braking by detecting bikes and guardrails. Some other features for added security are lane centering assist, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Moreover, rear cross-traffic alerts, rear seat reminders, and automatic high beams are also integrated into the cars for driver assistance.
Launch in Pakistan?
If GR Corolla is launched in Pakistan sometime in the future, it will be a massive success! Despite the advent of new auto companies coming to Pakistan, Toyota remains undefeated. There is still a massive market for it despite the price hike of cars, and prospective car owners still buy used cars if they can’t afford a new one that’s fresh out of a showroom.
The car will be available in North America, but since GR Corolla is one of those cars that are always in demand, maybe they’ll come to Pakistan shortly too!
