More Power Comes To The Toyota GR Yaris

For a while, the Toyota GR Corolla had the most powerful version of the company’s turbo 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine. Currently, that engine is also in the smaller hatchback, the Toyota GR Yaris, which gets 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, just like the GR Corolla model. Something different about the GR Yaris is the automatic transmission option, and it may even be offered on the GR Corolla. 

A few new interior changes for the GR Yaris include a larger 12.3-inch screen, higher rearview mirrors, and more. Consumers who already own a GR Yaris can now get a package from Toyota to upgrade these models, complete with badging that proves that it’s now an upgraded model. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like the GR Yaris is coming to America, but hopefully, the new GR Corolla will receive some of these impressive updates. 

2023 Toyota GR Corolla

The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla may seem like a regular small car, but with its fenders sticking out with 2.3-inches wider than its original Corolla, this car certainly stands out. The GR Corolla interior offers soft sports seats, a short-throw shifter for the six-speed manual transmission, and a 12.3-inch gauge display. There is a 1.6-liter turbocharged and 300 horsepower at 6500 rpm, and the torque reaches 273 pound-feet. The GR Corolla is a small but powerful car, ready to tear up the streets and the race tracks. 

With the three-cylinder and the turbo making loud noises, the 7000 rpm redline comes fast. The mid-four-second gets to 60 mph, and this feature is one of GR’s best sport-compact segments. The standard GR-Four all-wheel-drive system can differ its front and rear torque split from 60/40 to 30/70 percent at the customer’s direction. The GR Corolla has adaptive cruise control and 235/40R-18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires. 

The two cars the GR will face off against are the Honda Civic Type R and the Volkswagen Golf R when the GR goes on sale at the end of the year. Toyota plans to bring over 5,000 of the $36,995 Core models each year. The Circuit edition costs $7,000 more and has 1500 additional units because of its bulged hood, carbon-fiber roof, and more prominent rear spoiler. The Morizo is priced at $50,995 and is hoped to arrive later next year. The GR Corolla joins Toyota’s U.S. performance car lineup alongside the GR86 and the GR Supra. Toyota is so excited about how they made the GR Corolla a driver’s dream. 

Adding to the racy feel of the exterior look, the interior seats are upholstered in Brin Naub suede and synthetic leather with red stitching for the Circuit Edition. The core trim seats are finished in fabric with gray stitching. Lastly, the Morizo has an Ultrasuede-wrapped steering wheel, semi-bucket sports seats with red stitching and red mesh inserts, with a signature shift knob. All the trim levels come with a GR start/stop button, USB charging ports, and the Toyota Audio multimedia system that connects to an eight-inch touchscreen. There is a pre-collision system and lane departure alert for the car’s safety features. 

Only Time Will Tell

It doesn’t seem likely that the Toyota GR Yaris will make it to the U.S. Shores but maybe we can hope for that to change in the future. In the meantime, come on down to NYE Automotive Group to check out the Toyota GR Corolla today!  

Photo Credit: Toyota