As we anticipated, following its introduction on the GR Yaris earlier this 12 months, Toyota is including the choice of an 8-speed computerized transmission to the GR Corolla sizzling hatch. The brand new auto comes together with an total facelift for the 2025 mannequin 12 months GR Corolla that brings extra torque, tweaked styling and different new options.
That auto is the massive information. Toyota calls it the Gazoo Racing Direct Automated Transmission (DAT), and it’s a distinct unit than what’s discovered within the GR86 and Supra. As an alternative of sensing car habits like pace and deceleration, Toyota says the DAT’s software program “delicately senses the best way the driving force steps on the brakes and operates the accelerator,” so it may possibly “anticipate when gear shifting is perfect even earlier than adjustments in car habits happen.” Meaning its shifting occurs the best way knowledgeable skilled driver would possibly make it occur, so amateurs can concentrate on steering and brakes. Toyota’s personal skilled drivers helped with improvement:
The DAT additionally permits drivers to focus extra on acceleration/brake and steering maneuvers, so non-professional drivers might be able to drive quicker in the event that they determine to hit the observe. Consequently, it opens up prospects for a wider vary of drivers to get pleasure from sports activities driving.
The Toyota GR improvement workforce used circuit and rally driving programs as a foundation for setting the DAT’s shut gear ratio. They optimized the shift factors of the DAT, giving comparable ratios to the 6MT that maximize supply of engine energy and torque to the wheels and permits optimum efficiency. Even informal freeway driving has an lively really feel, as a result of eight-speed transmission optimizing RPMs whereas at cruising speeds.
The GR Corolla’s turbocharged 1.6-liter 3-cylinder engine nonetheless places out 300 horsepower, however torque has been elevated from 273 pound-feet to 295, matching the discontinued Morizo Version. Automated-equipped vehicles get a transmission fluid cooler, and a sub-radiator is a brand new factory-installed choice on higher trim ranges. New rebound springs on the entrance and rear “suppress internal wheel raise throughout energetic dynamic driving,” a tweak that was made after testing at Fuji Speedway. The rear coils and stabilizers have been upgraded for higher controllability in corners, and the trailing arm mounting level has been raised to cut back rear squat whereas accelerating. Entrance and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials at the moment are commonplace on each GR Corolla, and computerized fashions get launch management.
Toyota redesigned the entrance bumper for higher aerodynamics and cooling, with bigger openings on the corners and air curtains simply forward of the entrance wheel arches. It seems to be even higher, I believe, extra just like the WRC rally vehicles the GR Corolla is impressed by. On the within, Toyota added darker trim finishes, however that’s about it. Automated fashions get paddle shifters, in fact.
Like final 12 months, the GR Corolla is obtainable in base Core and fancier Premium trims, with no adjustments to the function choices. However there’s a brand new Premium Plus trim that features some options from the earlier Circuit and Morizo Editions, in addition to different gadgets new to the automotive. The Premium Plus will get matte black wheels, a cast carbon-fiber roof and a hood bulge with useful air vents, plus the sub radiator that’s optionally available on the Premium. The Premium Plus additionally provides a head-up show and suede-trimmed seats with crimson stitching all through the inside.
The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla will attain U.S. dealerships this winter, with pricing but to be introduced. Don’t count on it to value far more than the 2024 mannequin’s $37,195 beginning worth, with the Premium Plus coming in at round $45,000. Each 2025 GR Corolla will include a one-year membership to the Nationwide Auto Sport Affiliation (NASA), giving homeowners one complimentary HPDE and reductions to NASA occasions.
