Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch not hardcore enough? Check out this new beast. It’s called the GRMN Corolla. Yep, Toyota is bringing back the hardcore badge, above the regular GR Corolla.
This more hardcorerer Corolla features significant aero enhancements on the outside, including wheel venting on the front guards and behind the front wheels, as well as bonnet venting, a front side spoiler, and a big rear wing with five adjustment steps.
Handling is enhanced via special front and rear monotube dampers unique to the GRMN, with bespoke springs, and then grip is provided by a set of Michelin Pilot Cup 2 tyres that are 10mm wider than the regular GR Corolla’s 235/40 tyres.
Even the engine has been tweaked, which is very rare for a Toyota to use a slightly tuned engine package, over and above an existing model. The 1.6-litre turbo three-cylinder unit produces 221kW, the same as the GR Corolla, but torque is lifted from 400Nm to 408Nm. It’s only small but every bit counts, right ladies?
Power is then sent to a revised GR-Four four-wheel drive system. Toyota says the system has been optimised to better deliver torque where it is needed most, for the given circumstances. Some changes have also been made to the electric power steering system so that it offers more feedback during high lateral forces.
Take a look inside and you’ll notice there are no rear seats. These have been removed in the name of weight reduction – the package is 40kg lighter overall. And then in the front are a set of racing-like bucket seats, positioned lower down to allow more room for a helmet for the driver.
All of these changes were tuned and developed on the Nurburgring, hence the GRMN name (Gazoo Racing Meister of Nurburgring). The parts and tweaks come off the back of Toyota’s work in the Japanese Super Taikyu motorsport series. Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing, John Pappas, said:
“Under the direction of our chairman Akio Toyoda – who races under the pseudonym Morizo – the GR brand was designed to create high-performance sports cars using the knowledge and experience we gain from motorsport and this new GRMN Corolla was honed on one of the world’s most demanding race circuits, the Nurburgring.”
Toyota Australia has confirmed “limited numbers” will go on sale locally in 2027. Prices and final build numbers will be announced closer to launch.
