TOTOTA GR COROLLA

Utilizing motorsports knowledge

A driving scene of the evolved "GR Corolla." — The evolved GR Corolla actively incorporates feedback gained from participating in Super Taikyu and other races, pursuing a feeling that makes you want to drive it forever.

The evolved GR Corolla being introduced in Japan will be the Japanese version of the GR Corolla that was announced in the US on August 2, 2024. Utilizing feedback gained from participating in motorsports such as Super Taikyu, the car has been updated to improve cornering performance in high-speed corners, as well as acceleration and cooling performance. It also features the newly developed 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (GR-DAT), which is also used in the evolved GR Yaris.

This time, based on feedback from professional drivers such as Ishiura Hiroaki, in-house evaluation drivers, and master driver Morizo (Chairman Toyoda Akio), the team is pursuing a feeling that makes you want to drive it forever, not only when driving at the limit, but also in everyday use.

The Japanese model now comes with a new “Circuit Mode” that allows for a dynamic feel that cannot be experienced on public roads. Circuit Mode is a service that activates features that bring out the car’s potential, such as adding anti-lag control and raising the upper speed limiter limit, at designated circuits and facilities in Japan. By determining the vehicle’s location using GPS and operating the dedicated app, Circuit Mode can be used by switching to a dedicated meter display that intuitively shows shift timing and engine RPMs.

Maximum torque of the 1.6-liter inline 3-cylinder turbo increased by 30 Nm

The 1.6-liter inline three-cylinder turbo engine has been analyzed for use in sports driving, and its maximum torque has been increased by 30 Nm to 400 Nm.

Regarding the power unit, the company analyzed the usage range of the 1.6-liter inline 3-cylinder turbo engine in sports driving. Engine torque in the mid-speed range, which is important for accelerating out of corners, has been increased by 30 Nm compared to the current model, raising the maximum torque to 400 Nm.

The suspension system incorporates springs that operate on the rebound side in the front and rear shock absorbers. By improving the vehicle’s posture during cornering and the ground load characteristics of the inner wheel, vehicle stability during cornering has been improved. In addition, by raising the trailing arm mounting point, which is the center of rotation of the rear axle, rear sagging during acceleration has been reduced. This reduces changes in vehicle posture in response to accelerator operation, improves driving force responsiveness, and allows for cornering with a stable posture.

Regarding the rear suspension, the spring characteristics of the coil spring and stabilizer have been revised to optimize the roll stiffness distribution ratio of each. This has improved the rear tire’s grip on the ground during cornering, improving vehicle control. Furthermore, to improve the sense of unity with the car, grooved washer bolts with high fastening rigidity are used at the fastening points between the steering column and instrument panel reinforcement. This has improved straight-line stability and a more direct feel in response to steering operations.

Equipped with the newly developed 8-speed GR-DAT

The newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission "GR-DAT" will be installed in the evolved "GR Corolla." — It is equipped with the newly developed 8-speed “GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (GR-DAT),” which was developed for actual races such as the All Japan Rally Championship.

The transmission is the newly developed 8-speed AT “GR-DAT,” introduced in the evolved “GR Yaris.” Whereas previously gear changes were based on vehicle conditions such as deceleration and vehicle speed, to better reflect the driver’s intentions, the new system closely monitors the way the brake is applied and released, as well as accelerator operation, to predict driving conditions and select gears with timing similar to that of a professional driver.

Toyota explains that this allows the driver to concentrate on steering, accelerating, and braking without being distracted by shifting gears, further enhancing the enjoyment of sporty driving.

Vehicles equipped with GR-DAT are equipped as standard with an “air-cooled ATF cooler” in addition to a “water-cooled ATF warmer and cooler” that also promotes warm-up when the engine is started. A sub-radiator has been installed to enhance engine cooling in consideration of sporty driving. A cooling opening has been installed in the lower grille in front of the air-cooled ATF cooler. Air exhaust openings have been installed in the side ducts on the sides of the front bumper, allowing for a structure that allows cooling air to be smoothly exhausted.

The brakes have been fitted with brake ducts to ensure more stable braking force. Directing fresh air directly to the front brake rotors improves the cooling effect, suppressing the rise in brake temperature. In addition, the ABS has been improved in the limit range. By using upper and lower G sensors to monitor the ground load of the ABS-activated wheels, stable braking force has been achieved when the ABS is activated.