Automotive Engineering - May 2022 - 10

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Bringing back the hot hatch: 2023 Toyota GR Corolla
Fulfilling a commitment to offer more
thrilling rolling stock, Toyota recently
revealed its new 2023 GR Corolla, a turbocharged,
all-wheel-drive (AWD)
5-door C-class hot hatchback developed
by its Gazoo Racing (GR) performance
division. Sharing drivetrain components
with the smaller and not-for-U.S.-sale GR
Yaris, the sinister-looking compact's sole
transmission offering will be a revmatching
6-speed manual. With only a
few front-wheel-drive competitors remaining
in the segment, including
Honda's Civic Type-R and Hyundai's
Veloster N, Toyota provided no pricing,
but confirmed the AWD GR Corolla will
go on sale in the U.S. later this year.
As Toyota Gazoo Racing's first wholly
developed and manufactured model for
the North American market, the GR
Corolla is propelled by a more-powerful
version of the G16E-GTS turbocharged,
direct-and-port injected 3-cyl. used in
the GR Yaris. In the GR Corolla, the 1.6L
delivers 300 hp (224 kW) and 273 lb-ft
(370 Nm) - a 32 hp/24 kW gain compared
to the GR Yaris. The 12-valve,
DOHC engine features a single-scroll,
ball-bearing turbo integrated into the
exhaust manifold. It delivers peak
torque from 3000-5500 rpm and max
hp at 6500 rpm.
The GR Corolla features the same GRFour
AWD system from the GR Yaris.
The system provides selectable powerdistribution
settings, giving drivers a
choice of 60/40, 50/50 or 30/70 front/
rear power splits. Open front and rear
differentials are standard, with optional
Torsen limited-slip differentials available
at both axles.
Dedicated GR production
Toyota has established a dedicated GR
production center at its factory in
Motomachi, Japan (previously home to
Lexus LFA supercar production), which
will manage assembly of both the GR
Corolla and Yaris. The GR Corolla is built
on Toyota's GA-C platform, with frame
reinforcements developed at the
Motomachi plant. The additional rigidity
comes from " significantly more " frameweld
points to strengthen joints, and extensive
use of structural adhesives to inThings
are getting serious: Toyota's all-new all-wheel-drive 2023 GR Corolla.
crease joint rigidity between components.
Eschewing a traditional conveyor system,
the GR Corolla's body and assembly
lines consist of multiple stations serviced
by automatic guided vehicles (AGVs).
Toyota claims that although this setup
takes longer than a conventional massproduced
car, the fully flexible method
enables many manual-assembly techniques
to ensure precise body and suspension
alignment, while reducing dimensional
variation and keeping additional
weight to a minimum.
With a 103.9-in. (2,639 mm) wheelbase,
the GA Corolla's front suspension is
by specially tuned MacPherson struts
with stabilizer bars. The rear suspension
uses a double-wishbone type multilink
system. The car's serious intent is highlighted
by its upsized brakes and sticky
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires (235/40R18)
at each corner.
The GR Corolla will come in two
The new GR Corolla
is powered by a
higher-output version
of the G16E-GTS
turbocharged, directand-port
injected 3-cyl.
used in the GR Yaris.
10 May 2022
grades, Core and Circuit Edition. The
Core trim will be available first in late
2022. The limited-run (1,500 units for
the U.S.) Circuit Edition will arrive in
2023, equipped with most of the Coregrade
options, including the Torsen differentials,
a technology package with
premium JBL audio and Qi-compatible
wireless charging and a cold-weather
package sporting heated front seats
and steering wheel.
Toyota will also provide new GR
Corolla owners with a complimentary
1-year membership in the National Auto
Sport Association.
Paul Seredynski
AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING
BOTH IMAGES: TOYOTA
Automotive Engineering - May 2022

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