Toyota is still making hot hatches. Can you believe it? Well, the GR Corolla is a rally-inspired, turbocharged three-cylinder. The all-wheel-drive hot hatch that we never knew we wanted from Toyota or any other company. As it transpired, the idea was as solid as the finished product, but with the relatively successful-ish Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR)-touched Supra and 86 out in the wilds. It’s as if the automaker has rediscovered the buried fun-to-drive car vibe that used to exist all across its portfolio.
Adding to this idea of appealing directly to the car enthusiasts in the budget stadium. Toyota went as far as to make the GR Corolla a manual-only car without an automatic. That, however, automatically ruled out millions of otherwise enthusiast-oriented consumers who can’t drive a stick shift, much less enjoy it. And don’t have thrilling commutes on twisting back roads or runs to and from racetracks.
To provide that change, Toyota has put in place an eight-speed auto-transmission for the 2025 GR Corolla. Of course, do not think that the six-speed stick shift has been replaced.
DAT Gearbox
The new automatic transmission is among the innovations of this year from the brand’s speed shop for only the performance version of the Corolla. Toyota also increases its power with a bit more torque, different ducts, and some other conspicuous features. But let us start with that transmission of yours.
Toyota more prosaically dubs the eight-speed Direct Automatic Transmission and claims decisive even optimal, shift times. Its tune is said to be based not on the automobile’s dynamics but on the driver’s inputs. The actual automobile behaves while traversing the road hence the difference between the Corolla. And the eight-speed trannies on the GR Supra and GR86, two sports automobiles.
Trannies are programmed to respond as much to the automobile’s behaviour as to what the driver instructs it to do. And in case you are not happy with the computer, Different from VW’s new-age automatic in Golf R. Another turbocharged, all-wheel-drive hot hatch, Toyota’s is a traditional torque-converter affair, not a DCGT. We are looking forward to the hooning to see how direct the new automatic in the GR Corolla is relative to the Volkswagen’s quick and snappy twin-clutch setup.
Torquier, More Stable
The power output of the GR Corolla improved this year. Every hatchback’s 1. 6-litre G16E-GTS engine increases to 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft torque. From the prior year’s Core and Circuit trims, the same is true for the axed Morizo Edition series for 2024 without the rear seat.
That’s not exactly clear, but it is not far-fetched to assume that Toyota has not blessed regular GR Corolla with Morizo’s short-ratio manual gearbox as well. But added torque is welcome, especially for the model. Launch Control has also been applied to the new eight-speed auto.
New Face
When teamed with the automatic, models have provision for a transmission fluid cooler. The hood hosts the intercooler, the radiator, upgraded brake ducts, and a new, available sub-radiator. The front bumper has been carved up to accommodate all these and more.
The Corolla looks a lot buffer with the bumper and the bulged hood with air vents. That is standard with the Premium Plus model. It’s time to crack out the JDM time attack. The venting should be useful in temperature regulation, particularly when operating or using the equipment.
Improved New Premium, Introduction of New Premium Plus
The second heat exchanger is available as the factory fit on the enhanced Premium package and is included as a part of the new Premium Plus trim. The new features of the enhanced Premium model include the GR-logo’d, suede-trimmed seats with grey stitches, and front and rear parking sensors, while the best additions for it include heaters of seats in front of the car and the wheel.
Other returning model features are a JBL eight-speaker premium audio system and a wireless phone charger. Updated features in the 2025 GR Corolla Premium cover include the illumination of the grille sacrificial plate in gloss black and the addition of the vented rear lower bumper. The car comes in Ice Cap, Heavy Metal, Black, and Supersonic Red colour options.
When and How Much?
Every version of the GRC that we have driven, and we certainly cannot wait to get behind the wheel of this one. The brains at Toyota’s performance arm are undoubtedly living up to the billing. New colours for the exterior and interior of the GR Corolla will be available starting in winter 2024.
The car will be upgraded with standard red painted GR-branded brake callipers and new coloured interior trim on flat surfaces and switches. They have yet to release more details and product prices, which are expected to come near the launch date.
FAQs on the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla
What makes the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla unique?
The Toyota GR Corolla 2025 is a rally-inspired, turbo-charged, three-pot, all-wheel drive hot hatch. It is famous for the fun-to-shuffle manual-only mode but subsequently also introduced an eight-speed automatic.
What new steps have been taken in the development of the GR Corolla for the year 2025?
For the 2025 GR Corolla, the power was turned up a notch with the factory’s 1,6 l turbo revisioning to output 300 horsepower and 421 Nm of torque. There is also a launch control and now an 8-speed automatic transmission that comes with the car.
What additional features does the 2025 GR Corolla have?
The near-creating enhancement for the 2025 model is a transmission fluid cooler. The upgrading of brake ducts, an intercooler, and much more, a sub-radiator. New additions on the inside of the Premium Plus trim are GR-badge leather. Suede-trimmed seats, front and rear parking sensors, heated seats and steering wheel.
When is the new 2025 Toyota GR Corolla coming to the market, and what are the available colours?
The 2025 GR Corolla is planned to be brought to the market from winter of the following year. It will be available in colours such as Ice Cap, Heavy Metal, back and the Supersonic Red. The specific cost will be said later when the bottles are to be released in the market.
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