The big reveal of the newest model to come from Toyota’s GR (Gazoo Racing) division is happening tonight (at 9:30 pm EDT), but early leaked images and details – leaked inadvertently by Toyota USA itself on its website! – have spilled the beans on the model’s identity. Not that it was much of a secret that what Toyota is introducing to the world tonight is the GR Corolla, a high-performance variant of the Corolla Hatchback that has been long-rumoured and long-anticipated.
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And so here are the first reveal-all images of the GR Corolla, along with the following facts:
- The powertrain, centered on a 3-cylinder, 1.6L engine already in use in the GR Yaris, will deliver 300 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque
- The powertrain also includes a GR four-wheel-drive system
- There are Normal, Sport and Track modes
- The only transmission is a 6-speed manual, so no auto unit is on offer
- The rear end features functional intakes and a large spoiler, and the fenders are flared and bumpers redesigned
- The car rides on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires wrapped on 18-inch alloy wheels
- Stopping is helped by red-painted brake calipers
- There will be a Launch Edition with bonus elements (upgraded brakes, carbon-fibre roof and Torsen differentials, etc.)
- The GR Corolla goes on sale in the fall, with pricing details to come as that launch date approaches.
That’s a fair amount of information, but there will be more to come as the model is officially launched this evening, and we will have a more detailed report for you then, along with additional images.