(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – More than a year has passed since Toyota announced it would develop a higher-torque GR Corolla – leaving open the question of whether it would carry the GRMN badge. Now it is clear: Our guess was right, the “Gazoo Racing Meister of the Nürburgring” is officially here.
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The 2026 GRMN Corolla will be built at Toyota Motor Corporation’s Motomachi plant in Japan primarily for North America, Japan, and Australia. That is the official statement, so in Europe we will probably have to make do with the GR Yaris and its variants.
The GRMN Corolla is not a radical version of the GR Corolla, but it brings noticeable improvements in many areas. Let’s start with the engine. Toyota’s turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder still produces 300 hp (221 kW), but torque has increased slightly to 410 Nm. Since some of the images we used show the Japanese version, a note: The GRMN Corolla in JDM specification has a torque of 415 Nm, slightly higher.
300 hp from 1.6 liters
It is interesting how Toyota extracted the additional boost from the G16E-GTS (this engine is also in the GR and GRMN Yaris): with insights from tests of the GR Corolla race car with a hydrogen-powered engine. In addition to the slightly higher peak value, there is also more torque available in the mid-range rpm. Under full load, the newly added intercooler spray system keeps temperatures in the optimal window – for consistent power delivery.
Following the uncompromising Morizo Edition from a few years ago, the GRMN Corolla focuses on maximum concentration and sacrifices practicality for weight savings: the rear seats are omitted, saving 30 kilograms compared to the normal GR. Also inspired by the mentioned hydrogen race car: the aerodynamic package with a five-way adjustable rear wing. The muscular body kit also includes vents in the hood and front fenders as well as front side spoilers.
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While the GR Corolla rolls on 235/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires, the GRMN gets wider and grippier 245/40 ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. They sit on 18-inch forged 10-spoke wheels in matte bronze. As part of the strategy to develop Gazoo Racing into an independent sub-brand, the new wheels carry GR logos instead of the Toyota emblem.
Limited to 999 units?
Elsewhere, Toyota has revised the suspension with new monotube dampers front and rear. In addition, engineers worked on the all-wheel drive and electric power steering to sharpen the GRMN Corolla on the racetrack – achieving what the manufacturer calls the “ultimate” version of its hot hatch.
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The removal of the rear seat is not the only change inside. The North American version receives semi-bucket sports seats, while Toyota installs a full bucket seat with even stronger lateral support for the driver in Japan and Australia. Developed and manufactured in-house, carbon decorates the passenger side of the dashboard. Also unmistakable: the Alumite Red finish on the door panels and shift knob.
Although Toyota does not specify the production volume, the serial number plaque above the manual transmission gear lever suggests limited availability. With only three digits, it is likely that Toyota will build no more than 999 vehicles – but this is not certain, as numbering could vary by region.
Probably not coming to Europe
As mentioned, the GRMN Corolla is mainly offered in Japan, North America, and Australia. Prices have not yet been announced, but it is likely to be significantly above the GR Corolla, which starts at $41,415 (without options). Since it is a 2026 model year, the GRMN is expected to go on sale in the USA in the coming months.
As expected, Toyota saved the best for last – a three-cylinder engine may still be a dealbreaker for some buyers. At the same time, it is certain that a larger 2.0-liter four-cylinder is in development for future GR models. A new Corolla generation has already been hinted at as a sedan study, indicating that the next model is due in the coming years. However, a future GR Corolla is unlikely to be immediately available.
Toyota is determined to develop Gazoo Racing into a full-fledged performance family. While the GRMN probably marks the slow phase-out of particularly sharp Corolla variants based on the current generation, the future looks promising.
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More on the topic of GR at Toyota:
Confirmed: Toyota will build the GR Corolla in England
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