Toyota Gazoo Racing debuts GRMN Corolla

MANILA: Toyota Motor Corporation’s Gazoo Racing (GR) high-performance division has introduced the “GRMN” (Meister of the Nürburgring) version of the GR Corolla. 

If one remembers, the GRMN designation was previously fielded for the Toyota GR Yaris as a track-focused limited-production variant. For the all-new GRMN Corolla, it is touted in a similar vein and was described by the company as the “ultimate form” of the Toyota GR Corolla. 

Just like the Toyota GRMN Yaris, the GRMN Corolla will be available in limited quantities as well. Markets that will be getting the said nameplate include Japan, North America, and Australia. So, for now, it hasn't been stated whether Southeast Asia will get the hardcore racing version of the GR Corolla.

Regardless, let us admire the Toyota GRMN Corolla from afar by checking out what it is offering to would-be adopters. 

Other stories: Green GSM forges financial partnership with PNB BMW marks M3 E30’s 40th year with Lego collaboration Nissan to open 1st Nismo Performance Center outside Japan

 

Powertrain, chassis

For its powertrain, the Toyota GRMN Corolla retains the same 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder mill that’s found on the base model. It was, however, equipped with significant upgrades derived from the Toyota GR Corolla that raced with a hydrogen powertrain in Japan’s Super Taikyu Series. 

While the GRMN Corolla still uses gasoline, the technologies derived from the hydrogen-powered Super Taikyu Series GR Corolla enable it to produce 300 horsepower and 415 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. The power output remains the same, but the torque has been increased by 15 Nm over the base model. 

Additionally, GR reduced the car’s weight by 30 kilograms. This is paired with front and rear monotube shock absorbers, which were fine-tuned via hundreds of hours of testing on the infamous Nürburgring race track in Germany. 

Adjustments were also made to the model’s four-wheel-drive (4WD) control system to improve rear torque distribution and stability during straight-line acceleration. 

Other noteworthy updates made for the Toyota GRMN Corolla include: 

• Sub-radiator
• Close-ration transmission
• Intercooler spray
• GRMN Corolla-exclusive power steering tune

Exterior

In terms of exterior design, the GRMN Corolla appears flat-out more aggressive than the regular GR Corolla. This comes courtesy of a multitude of new aerodynamic-focused parts that are said to help the car maintain grip and stability on the race track.

The aforementioned items include a hood duct, fender ducts, front-side spoilers, and a sizable rear wing. This wing, Toyota says, has an adjustable angle in one-degree increments. Like its powertrain, these components are also inspired by the hydrogen-powered GR Corolla’s stint in the Super Taikyu Racing series. Their fine-tuning, however, was perfected in Nürburgring. 

Moreover, weight is saved by the car’s carbon-fiber engine hood and front fenders. The aforementioned wing was also hewn from carbon fiber as well. 

For its wheels, the model sits on a set of 18-inch alloys wrapped in 245/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. These are 10 millimeters (mm) wider compared to the stock wheels on the base GR Corolla. 

Interior

To pair with its track-focused exterior, GR also gave the GRMN Corolla a cockpit “designed to unlock an even higher level of performance” for both the car and the driver. 

For starters, this limited-edition model comes with custom bucket seats that provide bolstering and ample room for an undisturbed range of leg motion for optimal clutch control. Its construction also uses fiber-reinforced polymer for added weight savings. 

The car’s dash likewise features an exclusive flocked instrument panel and flocked front pillars. These components feature handpicked colorways for better visibility without being overly distracting. 

Otherwise, the car does get some decorative bits, such as carbon-fiber trim on the passenger side of the dashboard. The car also bears Toyota Motor Corporation and racing driver Akio “Morizo” Toyoda’s signature on its instrument panel padding. 

Toyota GRMN Corolla: specifications

Model	Toyota GRMN Corolla
Dimensions (Length x Width x Height, in millimeters)	4,410 x 1,850 x 1,475
Wheelbase length (in mm)	2,640
Weight (in kilograms)	1,450
Engine	G16E-GTS
Displacement	1.6 liters
Horsepower	300
Torque	415 Nm
Transmission	Six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission with closed gear ratio
Drivetrain	GR-Four (active torque-split 4WD)
Front suspension	Strut with coil springs and inverted monotubes (with internal rebound springs)
Rear suspension	Double wishbone with coil springs and upright monotubes (with internal rebound springs)
Tires	Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 (245/40ZR18)

Availability

As mentioned above, the Toyota GRMN Corolla will be sold in Japan, North America, and Australia. Its sales period for these regions is due to start sometime in 2027. 

Notably, Toyota’s GR division is also developing the GR Corolla Morizo RR - a less hardcore version with the same upgrades, but with an automatic gearbox and a five-seater capacity. The launch date for this upcoming variant, however, is yet to be determined by the Japanese marque. 

Also read:

Toyota opens new service center in Palo, Leyte

Former TV personality now part of Toyota Santa Rosa sales team

Toyota ambassadors Ben&Ben to perform at upcoming PIMS 2026

Connect with us through our various social media pages:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZigWheelsPhilippines

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zigwheelsph/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zigwheels

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZigWheelsPhilippines/