GR Corolla Track-Focused Two-Seater unveiled by Toyota

GR Corolla – Toyota will expand its much-anticipated GR Corolla sports car range in Australia, with a new and even more track -focused two-seater variant featuring increased body rigidity, lower weight and boosted torque.

Toyota GR Corolla 1

  • High performance GR Corolla two-seater to join five-seat variant in 2023
  • Weight reduction, revised suspension, stiffer chassis and more torque yield exceptional track focused performance for GR Corolla two-seater
  • Ordering for GR Corolla to commence in Q4 2022

The performance-focused two-seater is due to arrive in Australia in 2023, with limited allocation for the first year of production.

Details on the ordering process for both variants of this exciting new model will be announced in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the introduction of the two-seater GR Corolla would provide owners with an even more intense driving experience on track.

“The introduction of GR Corolla to Australia demonstrates Toyota’s commitment to continue delivering exciting new vehicles, with racing DNA at their core,” Mr Hanley said.

“With its increased torque and lighter weight, the new two-seater GR Corolla, will enhance the GR brand even further by offering performance enthusiasts an even more focused version of our new hot hatch,” he said.

The GR Corolla two-seater features a range of performance tweaks compared to its four-seater sibling, starting with torque boosted by 30Nm to a maximum 400Nm for the turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine. Peak power remains unchanged.

Toyota GR Corolla dash

Engineers went even further to ensure the extra 30Nm could be put to good use, with lower-geared differential ratios and the use of closer ratios for first, second and third gears to provide a particularly engaging driving feel.

As the name suggests, the rear seats have been removed on the new variant and replaced by body reinforcement braces that have resulted in an overall weight reduction of 30kg.

Along with the body reinforcement braces, over 3.3 metres of additional structural adhesive has been applied throughout the vehicle to further enhance body rigidity.

Tyres have been upgraded to high-grip 245/40R18 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2®1 rubber, that also offer 10mm-wider tread than the standard GR Corolla for excellent cornering grip.

Complementing the new tyres is an upgraded suspension system, with monotube shock absorbers fitted to the rear multi-link suspension and inverted monotube shock absorbers for the front MacPherson strut set-up.

Toyota GR Corolla interior

Inside, front occupants are bolstered by exclusive semi-bucket seats, with a cast-black paint ornamentation on the instrument panel and doors. The use of Ultrasuede®1 upholstery on the steering wheel and centre console, also add to the two-seater’s dynamic appeal.

The GR Corolla two-seater will include an option for an exclusive Metallic Matte Grey2 exterior hue.

More details on the GR Corolla two-seater will be released closer to the model’s Australian launch in 2023.

Toyota GR Corolla rear

Main specifications (development target values for the Japanese market)3

GR Corolla GR Corolla two-seater
Length [mm] 4,410
Width  [mm] 1,850
Height [mm] 1,480 (including antenna; without antenna, 1,455) 1,475 (including antenna; without antenna, 1,450)
Wheelbase    [mm] 2,640
Track front    [mm] 1,590
Track rear     [mm] 1,620
Seating capacity 5 2
Vehicle weight [kg] 1,470 1,440
Engine 1.6-litre inline three-cylinder intercooler turbo
Type G16E-GTS
Bore x stroke [mm] 87.5 x 89.7
Displacement [litres] 1.618
Compression ratio 10.5
Maximum output [kW / rpm] 224 / 6,500
Maximum torque
[Nm / rpm]
370 / 3,000-5,550 400 / 3,250-4,600
Transmission iMT (6-speed manual transmission)
Driveline GR-FOUR 4WD system Electronic multi-plate clutch 4WD (With 3 selectable modes)
Gear ratio
1/2/3/4/5/6/Reverse
3.538/2.238/1.535/1.162/1.081/0.902/3.831 3.214/2.238/1.592/1.162/1.081/0.902/3.557
Reduction ratio 1-4/5,6, Reverse 4.058/3.45 4.250/3.578
Differential Front Torsen®1 LSD
Rear Torsen®1 LSD
Suspension Front MacPherson strut MacPherson strut (with inverted monotube shock absorbers)
Rear Double wishbone Double wishbone (with monotube shock absorbers)
Brakes Front Ventilated disc (18-inch aluminium, opposed 4-pot callipers)
Rear Ventilated disc (16-inch aluminium, opposed 2-pot callipers)
Wheels BBS forged aluminium wheels (with hub ornament) BBS forged aluminium wheels (with hub ornament and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing logo)
Tyres (front/rear) 235/40R18 Yokohama ADVAN Apex V601 245/40R18 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
Fuel tank capacity [litres] 50

1 Product & company names are trademarks of their respective owners.
2 Toyota Australia reserves the right to vary or discontinue the current interior and exterior colours, trims and colour/trim/model combinations. Exterior colours and trims displayed are a guide only and specifications for Australian models may differ.
3 All specifications are based on an overseas model; specifications and features for Australian models may differ.

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Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.