Toyota’s fire-breathing GR Corolla blasts into Australian showrooms next month
priced from $62,300.
Toyota Australia has secured 700 examples of the GR Corolla GTS for sale in the
first year, to be joined in coming months by the limited-run Morizo Edition – of which
just 25 will be available.
The rally-bred GR (for Gazoo Racing) features a turbocharged petrol engine, all-
wheel drive, wider front and rear track, completely overhauled suspension as well as
a fresh design to set it apart.
It’s the same high-output 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine found in GR
Yaris, but tuned to produce an extra 21kW of power, delivering an output of 221kW
at 6500 rpm and 370Nm of torque over a wider 3000-5550 rpm.
The boost comes from enhancements such as the triple-exit exhaust which reduces
back pressure, reinforced pistons and exhaust valves and increased capacity for the
direct-injection fuel pump and engine oil cooler.
All GR Corollas come equipped with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission
with intelligent rev-matching, engineered to provide maximum driver enjoyment.
The $77,800 Morizo Edition pushes the envelope further again, extracting around
30Nm of extra torque, with different gear ratios to make better use of the extra
torque.
Underpinning this powertrain is a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, supported by
Torsen limited-slip diffs on both the front and rear axles for optimal torque
distribution.
Optimised suspension geometry, extensive chassis reinforcements, weight reduction
and dedicated ventilated disc brakes all contribute to a thrilling driving experience.
The Morizo Edition offers even further weight reduction and structural reinforcement,
with the removal of the back seat.
(All images indicative only)
Exterior enhancements for both variants include unique front and rear bumpers to
accommodate the wider track, additional air ducts to enhance aerodynamics and
cooling, a special triple-exit exhaust system, raised hood and unique 18-inch alloys
with high-performance Yokohama tyres.
Morizo adds 18-inch BBS forged, dark silver alloys with sticky Michelin Pilot Sport
Cup 2 rubber, as well as a carbon-fibre reinforced polymer roof that helps lower
overall weight and the centre of gravity.
The functional design of the exterior is mirrored inside, with changes to the interior
that reflect the GR Corolla’s status as a hot hatch.
All versions gain a dedicated gear shifter and centre console, aluminium pedals,
manual parking brake and a leather-wrapped steering wheel adapted from the GR
Yaris.
Together with the removal of the 60:40 split-fold rear seats to save weight, the
Morizo Edition is differentiated inside with unique bucket front seats with contrast red
stitching, red seatbelts, suede trim for the steering wheel, gear shifter and parking
brake, a red centre marker for the steering wheel and alumite red trim on the shift
knob.
GTS grades are available in four colours: Glacier White, Ebony, Liquid Mercury
metallic and Feverish Red mica metallic.
Morizo will be offered with the choice of Frosted White pearl, Tarmac Black metallic
and the exclusive Matte Steel.
Premium paint adds $575, Matte paint available only with the Morizo Edition is
$2500 extra.
