Toyota GRMN Corolla unveiled – The ultimate track weapon, upgraded engine pumping 415 Nm of torque!

The Toyota GRMN Corolla hot hatch transforms into a 2-seater track beast, upgrading its engine to unleash a 415 Nm of torque, ahead of its 2027 market launch.

Toyota GAZOO Racing (GR) has officially unveiled the “Toyota GRMN Corolla,” the most aggressive and powerful production hot hatch ever created. Developed under the motorsport spirit to conquer grueling tracks like Germany's legendary Nürburgring, the brand has mapped out a timeline to open pre-orders via the GR application in Japan during the autumn of 2026, ahead of official production and deliveries in 2027.

Key Highlights:

• Track-Grade Torque: The 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine is upgraded to pump out 415 Nm of torque, focusing power delivery specifically on the mid-range revs between 3,600 - 4,800 rpm.
• Weight Reduction: The rear seat row is completely deleted for lightweight purposes, altering the chassis configuration into a dedicated 2-seater and slashing overall weight by 30 kg.
• Carbon Fiber Galore: Equipped with a functional vented carbon-fiber hood, front fender vents, and a high-mount rear spoiler with 5-way manual adjustability.
• Monotube Suspension: Utilizes model-specific monotube dampers paired with high-grip Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires that are 10 mm wider than the standard model.
• Limited Edition: Produced as a strict limited-run edition, primarily targeting Japan, North America, and Australia.

Toyota GRMN Corolla sideview

Performance and Chassis Engineering

The 1.6-Litre 3-Cylinder Turbocharged Powerplant – Bearing the engine code G16E-GTS, this engine received a software recalibration derived directly from insights gathered in the “Super Taikyu Series” endurance racing championship in Japan. The mechanical output has been squeezed to deliver an extra 15 Nm of torque, touching a peak of 415 Nm. The engineering focus was on broadening the mid-range power band from 3,600 to 4,800 rpm, a critical window for accelerating hard out of corners on racetracks. An automated Intercooler Spray system is also installed to maintain optimal intake air temperatures and ensure consistent performance under heavy track abuse.

Chassis and the GR-FOUR 4WD Layout – The GR-FOUR Active Torque Split 4WD software has been entirely retuned to efficiently distribute torque to the rear axle at high speeds. This enhances high-G cornering stability and steering crispness, working in tandem with an electric power steering (EPS) system calibrated for millimetre-level precision. Power is routed through aกระชับ 6-speed iMT close-ratio manual transmission.

The GRMN new front aero

Exterior Aesthetics and Aerodynamics

The exterior silhouette is dominated by lightweight aerodynamic carbon fiber components, including a vented hood for heat dissipation, front fender ventilation slits, a front bumper splitter, and a 5-way adjustable high-mount rear wing. The car sits on lightweight matte bronze forged wheels wrapped in sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires sized 245/40ZR18, making the contact patch 10 mm wider than the standard GR Corolla.

Inside, extensive weight-saving measures bring the total curb weight down to 1,450 kg. The front cockpit features GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic) Full Bucket Seats upholstered in premium leather and Brin Naub suede finished in a black and red motif. The dashboard upper panel is treated with a flocked velvet coating to eliminate distracting reflections under bright sunlight. The cabin is further trimmed with authentic carbon fiber elements crafted by the specialized carbon division at the Motomachi plant, completed by a Serial Number plaque and Morizo’s signature on the dashboard.

Toyota GRMN Corolla

Pricing and Availability

The Toyota GRMN Corolla will be retailed in limited volumes across three primary regions: Japan, North America, and Australia. The selection process for buying rights in Japan will commence via a lottery system on the GR app in late 2026.

Additionally, Toyota GAZOO Racing disclosed that they are concurrently developing a 5-seater variant equipped with the 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (GR-DAT), under the concept name GR Corolla MORIZO RR. This concept version will be showcased alongside the GRMN at the Fuji Motorsport Forest Welcome Center until June 28, 2026.

Toyota GRMN Corolla 2027 Technical Specifications:

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