Toyota’s racing division, Gazoo Racing, has taken the cover off its latest creation, the GRMN Corolla. Based on the standard Corolla hatchback, the GRMN is way more track-focused than the Corolla GR, and it is heading to select global markets. Know its complete details below.

You can also find the best used Toyota Corolla cars with Cars24 UAE.

Also read: Next-gen Mitsubishi Pajero confirmed for late 2026 debut, UAE launch expected

What are the technical changes to the new Toyota GRMN Corolla?

The new GRMN Corolla is based on the Corolla GR itself. However, Toyota’s racing branch, Gazoo Racing, says that it takes its inspiration from the Nurburgring track, and hence a lot of modifications have been made to make it more track-worthy.

First, it uses the same 1.6-litre, three-cylinder, turbo petrol engine, codenamed ‘G16E-GTS’, as seen on the Corolla GR. Moreover, it makes the same 305 bhp of peak power as the Corolla GR, but the torque has gone up by 15 Nm, taking the maximum torque to 415 Nm.

Toyota claims that it makes more torque between 3,600 rpm and 4,800 rpm, which happens to be the most usable torque range while driving it on a track. Meanwhile, it gets only a single transmission option, which is a 6-speed manual. Indeed, a true enthusiast's car!

Moving on, the engineers have added an intercooled spray system that keeps it cooler, while its new front and rear monotube shock absorbers make sure that it sticks like a magnet to the curves. Toyota has also improved its 4WD drivetrain and power steering for better track performance.

What are the visual changes on the Toyota GRMN Corolla?

Toyota has also made some big improvements to its exterior design to make it look like a proper motorsports machine. It is finished in matte black paint, while it packs a radical bodykit that has functional air ducts and a spoiler for enhanced aerodynamic capabilities.

The front fascia packs a sculpted sports bumper with vertical air dams and carbon fibre side spoilers. The bonnet has been carved out of carbon fibre as well, and it features air ducts on both sides. Even the front Toyota badge has been finished in black colour.

The side profile looks like a proper race car, as it rides on the new Bronze 18-inch alloy wheels. Additionally, it gets the Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tyres, which are 10 mm wider for better performance.

Another big change is the addition of big air ducts on the side fenders, a body kit with side skirts, and red brake callipers. The rear profile gets a big spoiler on the roof, a sporty bumper with a diffuser, brushed aluminium dual exhaust tips, a smoked-out Toyota badge, and GRMN badging.

Interestingly, the GRMN Corolla is identical to the Corolla GR in size. In fact, it is 5 mm shorter than the Corolla GR. Gazoo Racing engineers have also managed to make it 30 kg lighter than the Corolla GR.

What about the interior design?

While the outside design of the GRMN Corolla might fool you for a five-seater, it is a two-seater car from the inside. Toyota has removed the rear seat completely to reduce the weight and improve its chassis balance.

The front seats are race-type bucket seats with cross-seat belts. These use lightweight construction materials and are finished in Alcantara leather with red and black highlights.

Even the dashboard, central panel, door pads, and door sills feature the GRMN badging and red accents. Other sporty changes include the Alcantara leather-wrapped steering wheel, race pedals, and a new user interface for the digital driver console.

When will the Toyota GRMN Corolla launch?

Ironically, the new Toyota GRMN Corolla is meant for the Japanese, US, and Australian markets only, and that too in limited numbers. It will be available in these countries early next year.

Cars24 UAE says

The new Toyota GRMN Corolla packs a lot of meaningful changes to its body, chassis, and hardware to make it a perfect hot-hatchback. However, it is not as practical as the Corolla GR, which is already available in the Middle East. So, yes, we will miss it here, but not so much!