Toyota’s motorsport division, Gazoo Racing, has pulled the covers off the hottest version of the Corolla hatchback yet: the GRMN Corolla. Compared to the GR Corolla, the GRMN derivative has undergone extensive testing at the famed Nurburgring circuit, and gets a sportier, more aerodynamic bodykit, an upgraded suspension, better tyres, a higher torque output, and more.
- Makes 15Nm more torque than GR Corolla, gets 6-speed manual only
- Upgraded shock absorbers, retuned EPS and 4WD systems
- Carbonfibre bonnet, fenders, front-side spoilers, and roof wing
- No rear seats lend to 30kg weight loss over GR Corolla
The GRMN Corolla will be available to order in limited quantities for Japan, Australia, and the US in autumn 2026, with deliveries slated to commence in 2027.
Toyota GRMN Corolla engine and gearbox
Under the bonnet, the GRMN Corolla is powered by the same 305hp 1.6-litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol ‘G16E-GTS’ engine as that of the GR version, but torque output has been bumped from 400Nm to 415Nm. In line with the GRMN Corolla’s track-focussed nature, Gazoo Racing has improved torque delivery in the 3,600-4,800rpm range.
A 6-speed manual is the only gearbox on offer with the GRMN Corolla, and it also gets an intercooler spray system for better cooling. On the dynamics side, the GRMN Corolla uses new front and rear monotube shock absorbers with rebound springs, which are claimed to improve traction during cornering. Additionally, Gazoo Racing has optimised the electric power steering and 4WD system for track use.
Toyota GRMN Corolla exterior design
On the outside, the GRMN Corolla looks like a full-blown motorsport machine courtesy of its radical-looking bodykit. Up front, it sports a revised bumper housing larger air intakes and carbonfibre side spoilers, a new carbonfibre bonnet with prominent air ducts, and a smoked finish for the Toyota emblem.
Over to the side, fender ducts and air exits behind the front wheel-arches are the most noticeable updates. The GRMN Corolla’s matte bronze 18-inch alloy wheels are identical in size to those of the GR Corolla, but the former comes shod in stickier Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tyres, which are also 10mm wider. At the back, the GRMN Corolla notably features a large carbonfibre roof spoiler and a smoked Toyota badge.
Despite the new bodykit, the GRMN Corolla is mostly identical to the GR version in terms of dimensions, with the only difference being a 5mm reduction in overall height. It’s also 30kg lighter than the manual-equipped GR Corolla.
Toyota GRMN Corolla interior and features
While the GRMN Corolla is a 5-door, the cabin can accommodate two occupants only – Gazoo Racing removed the rear seats in a bid to save weight. The ones up front are shapely bucket seats with red accenting and ‘GR’ emblems on the headrests.
The dashboard layout is identical to that of the GR Corolla, but the GRMN version additionally packs brushed metal and carbonfibre trim pieces, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel with a red 12 o’clock marker, ‘GRMN’ badging in various spots, and lots of red accents.
Dhruv Dhaka
Glenn Noronha
Saptarshi Mondal
