How the uniquely designed Toyota Corolla GR is redefining compact performance
If you love cars, you’ll love this Toyota.
The 2024 Corolla GR, the high-end performance version of this popular daily driver, has become one of America’s most sought-after enthusiast vehicles -- and for good reason. Its performance, handling and technology rivals anything the world of ‘hot hatches’ have to offer.
The Toyota Corolla GR refers to Toyota Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s international racing program that has a heritage of overall wins at the fabled Le Mans 24 Hours endurance classic. As a road-going vehicle with sports car and rally racing in its bloodlines, the Corolla GR takes its enthusiast sensibilities seriously.
300 Horsepower … In a Corolla?
Uniquely designed, its 1.6-liter, 300-horsepower inline three-cylinder turbocharged engine is lightweight and powerful. At 273 foot-pounds of torque, the GR also pulls off the line nicely as well. The GR Corolla is married to a short-shift, six-speed, automatically rev-matching manual transmission designed to enhance driving enjoyment. A fact bolstered by the car’s stainless steel, triple exhaust that both reduces backpressure and offers an aggressive engine melody.
Weight reductions throughout the powertrain make this a perfect option for weekend track days as well. Toyota thinks so too, as a one-year, complimentary membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) grassroots sport car racing organization comes with each new GR purchase.
One thing that contributes to the GRs feeling of performance and stability is its advanced all-wheel-drive system, which distributes power to all four wheels based on the traction available. With three power settings: 60:40 front to rear for daily commutes; 50:50 for track day activities and 30:70 for more rear-wheeled torque needs, the GR Corolla is designed to fit your driving style.
“You can set this car up to do whatever you want,” said Carlos Lago, Car & Driver, deputy editor of video and resident test driver. “What I get when I drive this car quickly is a lot of confidence. It's going to go and do the things that I want it to do. When I set it myself for a corner, I can position myself where I want it to be, the speed I want it to be – and plan that out. This is a really enjoyable experience.”
HENDRICKCARS.COM I EXPLORE INVENTORY I SCHEDULE SERVICE I CAREERS I BLOG
Ventilated and slotted brake rotors, with four-piston fronts and two pistons in the rear, the system dissipates heat, which enhances high-performance braking. Paired with McPherson struts, circuit-tuned coil springs; shock absorbers and stabilizer bars, the combination works in concert to maximize the car’s impressive performance envelope. Additionally, Vehicle Stability Control is also available to the driver, automatically applying brake pressure, which reduces or cuts power from those areas, which may have the least amount traction at any given moment.
Gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels center lock the Michelin Pilot Sports 4 tires, each specifically designed to gain the highest level of performance out of the vehicle. When added to a much more rigid construction with specialized weld points, body bracing and extensive structural adhesive use, the twisty bits of a racetrack suit this car just fine.
Technology Abounds
Focusing on the latest technology has become a staple for the brand. A robust, standard 12.3-inch Multi-Information Display prioritizes the most important information, while the trim-exclusive GR meter features digital gauges for power settings and turbo pressure readings. Center tech and gear positional indicators also help with driver focus.
Multimedia options include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the subscription-based Direct Connect gives you options through cloud navigation – which interacts via touch screen or voice activation.
Safety technology is also impressive. Toyota’s pre-collision system and pedestrian detection helps the driver detect another vehicle, pedestrian, bicyclist or motorcyclist by providing an audio/visual forward-collision warning under certain circumstances. The system is built to provide automatic braking assist, when needed.
Other camera-based safety features include dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure and steering assist, lane-tracing assistance, road sign assist and automatic high-beam technology.
HENDRICKCARS.COM I EXPLORE INVENTORY I SCHEDULE SERVICE I CAREERS I BLOG
Looks to Compete
Aggressively styled throughout, the GR Corolla is ready to compete in both the marketplace and on the race track. Both front and rear fenders enhance a wider footprint, while black accents bring together the exterior’s form and functionality. Red-painted brake calipers and signature badging add to the appeal.
The Circuit Edition
Did someone say, “race track?” The Circuit Edition has the pure enthusiast in mind.
The 2024 GR Corolla Circuit Edition offers an aggressive exterior design that includes a raised hood and functional air vents for additional cooling, which not only looks great, but also gives the vehicle an additional amount of downforce. A forged carbon-fiber roof reduces weight and only adds to the performance feel of this Corolla.
Lightweight, 18-inch forged wheels with a limited slip differential, delivers the most power to the wheels and giving it higher levels of traction when navigating tight corners and turns. Brin Naub®-trimmed seats and blue interior stitching give the GR Corolla added styling, which also includes signature detailing such as shift knob and blue flame coloring throughout the interior.
For those who enjoy a truly aggressive look to their GR Corolla Circuit Edition is the package for you.
To be sure, the GR Corolla is a lot of performance value for the money.
HENDRICKCARS.COM I EXPLORE INVENTORY I SCHEDULE SERVICE I CAREERS I BLOG
If you are a fan of this vehicle, or any other vehicle in our nationwide inventory at Hendrick Automotive Group, visit HendrickCars.com or your local Hendrick dealership.
HENDRICK TOYOTA APEX (North Carolina)
HENDRICK TOYOTA MERRIAM (Kansas)
HENDRICK TOYOTA NORTH CHARLESTON (South Carolina)
HENDRICK TOYOTA WILMINGTON (NC)
AdChoices