Performance

The powerplant will be a revised version of the GR Corolla’s 300-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine, with the tuning increasing torque output to 302 lb.-ft. (up from 295 lb.-ft. in the standard model) for speed off the line. The GR Corolla’s 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission with rev-matching will complete the powertrain, with the aforementioned tightened gear ratios improving responsiveness. Toyota’s GR-FOUR all-wheel drivetrain will give the GRMN Corolla an edge on straightaways and corners alike by allocating rear torque for optimal traction. The cooling system will supplement the air ducts with an intercooler spray to improve sustained full-throttle driving. The 66-pound weight reduction compared to the GR Corolla will further improve the power-to-weight ratio of this new variant.

The GRMN Corolla will be built with enhanced MacPherson front struts and a double-wishbone rear suspension with inverted front and upright rear monotube shock absorbers, giving it maximum stability and precision for high-speed cornering. It will also use the same braking system as the GR Corolla, with 14-inch ventilated front rotors and four-piston calipers and 11.7-inch ventilated rear rotors with dual-piston calipers. Electronic power steering will assist with optimal torque management. High-grip Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires on 18-inch forged Matte Bronze 10-spoke wheels will complete the setup. The 173.6-inch length (on a 103.9-inch wheelbase) and 72.8-inch width will match the GR Corolla’s, but the GRMN Corolla will differ with a 62.5-inch front width and 63.7-inch rear track width (compared to the standard model’s even 62.6-inch-wide front and rear).

Design

Driving purists will undoubtedly appreciate the GRMN Corolla’s two-seat cockpit, with its semi-bucket performance seats that provide lateral support and comfort. We expect to see a prominent instrument panel identical to or at least similar to the GR Corolla’s 12.3-incher. Toyota has stated that the panel will incorporate carbon-fiber and brushed metal trim and will be adorned with an exclusive badge bearing Morizo’s signature.

The GRMN Corolla will build on the GR Corolla’s styling cues with black-and-red Brin Naub suede and synthetic leather upholstery, accompanied by distinctive details such as an Alumite red shift knob and door trim, forged carbon-fiber interior accents, brushed metal pillars, a Cast Iron Black interior, and a special plate bearing the serial number of each car built. We predict that this debuting model will get standard GR Corolla amenities such as dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button ignition, aluminum pedals, and dual USB ports, with heated seats and a heated steering wheel possibly included as well.

The GRMN Corolla will inherit its basic exterior design from the GR Corolla, but its engineering, refined through testing performed at Nürburgring, is what will define it. A vented hood and fender ducts will reduce weight and improve aerodynamics, while a front lip and side spoilers will generate downforce and an adjustable rear wing will help maintain grip and stability under high lateral G-forces. Otherwise, potential buyers should anticipate many of the GR Corolla’s standard exterior features: remote keyless entry, LED lighting, and power-adjustable side-view mirrors with integrated turn indicators. Buyers will have a choice of Zero Gravity and Gravel exterior colors.

Safety

No official safety details have been released, but the GRMN Corolla will likely incorporate elements of Toyota’s proprietary driver-assistance suite. Based on the GR Corolla, which is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, look for a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, and automatic high beams.

Infotainment

Toyota has not announced the details of the GRMN Corolla’s infotainment system, but it’s likely to have the same setup as the current GR Corolla: an 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It remains to be seen whether the GRMN Corolla will be eligible for the nine-speaker JBL audio system found in the GR Corolla Premium Plus.