Gazoo Racing (GR), Toyota’s motorsport division, has revealed the GRMN Corolla. Developed as a more extreme version of the Japanese automaker’s midsize hot hatch, the GRMN is lighter, features enhanced aerodynamics and boasts more power than the “standard” GR Corolla. The new apex model was fine-tuned at the Nürburgring by Toyota Chairperson and Master Driver Akio Toyoda, aka Morizo, who also had a hand in the GR Yaris Morizo RR limited edition.
The GRMN Corolla retains the GR’s 1.6-litre turbo-triple. However, in this application, the three-cylinder unit has been tuned to produce 224 kW and 415 N.m of torque – increases of 14 kW and 15 N.m over the GR. Peak power output is available from 6 500 r/min, with the full complement of torque on tap between 3 600 and 4 800 r/min. The GRMN Corolla benefits from an intercooler spray system, improving cooling on top of the cool-air duct that’s already found in the GR Corolla.
Exclusively paired with a six-speed, close-ratio manual transmission, the 1.6-litre engine delivers power to the road via an uprated version of Toyota’s GR-Four all-wheel-drive system. The GRMN Corolla’s electric power steering has been tuned and new inverted tube shock absorbers have been fitted. The GRMN derivative’s 18-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 245/40 ZR18 tyres, which is 10 mm wider than the “standard” car’s.
Ditching the rear pews in favour of saving weight, while replacing the front items with lighter bucket seats, the GRMN Corolla weighs 30 kg less than the GR model. Outside, the GRMN Corolla features a new rear wing, wheel arch ducts and front side spoilers.
