2023 Toyota GR Corolla Premieres in Three Trim Levels

The Toyota Corolla has a storied history as one of the best-selling cars globally, known for its practicality and efficiency. With the introduction of the Corolla GR, Toyota aims to inject a dose of sporty DNA into the nameplate. Building on decades of success, the Corolla GR embraces the brand's racing heritage while maintaining the practicality that has endeared the Corolla to millions of drivers around the world. As Toyota's global racing division, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing showcases the brand's dedication to pushing the boundaries of performance and innovation. This association is a testament to Toyota's belief that the lessons learned on the track directly translate to creating continuously evolving high-performance vehicles that offer customers an exhilarating and dynamic driving experience. Renowned for its commitment to innovation, Toyota has unveiled a new realm of sportiness with the first-ever GR Corolla. Representing a performance-oriented iteration of the classic Corolla model, this sports car comes in three distinctive trim levels: Core, Circuit Edition, and Morizo Edition. Each brings a unique blend of features, capabilities, and design elements; and the various facets of this model, from its rich history to its standout features, make the GR Corolla a compelling option in the competitive compact car segment. Several elements diferentiate the trims and set them apart while other features exhibit factors that they all have in common.

The exterior design of the GR Corolla is a departure from the typical Corolla, signaling a shift towards a more aggressive and dynamic aesthetic. The GR features bold lines, a distinctive front grille, and aerodynamic elements that not only enhance its visual appeal but also contribute to its performance. The sporty stance, coupled with available features like larger alloy wheels and a rear spoiler, sets the GR Corolla apart as a visually striking and aerodynamically optimized compact car. Inside the GR Corolla, and you'll find a driver-focused cockpit with well-bolstered seats, a sport steering wheel, and intuitive controls. The GR Corolla's interior provides a connected and comfortable space for both the driver and passengers. Advanced safety technologies, including lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking, enhance the overall safety of the vehicle, while connectivity features like a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration provide convenience and entertainment for this well-rounded performance car equipped for the demands of modern driving.

The Core trim serves as the foundational offering, embodying the sporty spirit that defines the GR Corolla lineup. It boasts a lightweight, compact-yet-powerful 300-horsepower turbocharged 1.6L three-cylinder engine along with sport-tuned suspension and distinctive exterior styling. The electronically controlled top track speed reaches 142.9 miles per hour, with a 0-60 acceleration time of 4.99 seconds. The Core trim is the gateway to the exhilarating world of the GR Corolla, providing a thrilling driving experience without compromising on everyday practicality. Stepping up to the launch-exclusive Circuit Edition provides an even more performance-oriented package, as the trim is designed for those who crave an extra dose of adrenaline on the track. It enhances the aerodynamics with a more aggressive body kit, improves handling with performance-tuned components, and adds unique design elements like racing stripes. The Circuit Edition is a testament to Toyota's commitment to providing a track-ready experience for drivers who demand a higher level of excitement. The Morizo Edition, named after Toyota's racing driver Akio Toyoda's pseudonym, is the pinnacle of the GR Corolla lineup and pays homage to the brand's racing heritage with exclusive features and performance enhancements. This trim is a limited-production model that caters to those who seek a collectible piece of Toyota's racing legacy.

We are seeing a ton of enthusiasm and excitement for the GR Corolla, especially the Circuit Edition. When Toyota GR fans speak, we listen and our plans are to increase GR Corolla volume and continue offering the Circuit Edition as part of the GR Corolla lineup in 2024.

Michael Tripp, Toyota vice president of Marketing and Communications

All three trims share a common thread of exceptional performance, though the power output may vary slightly with the Morizo Edition taking the lead. Each trim is equipped with a responsive suspension system and precise steering, ensuring that each GR Corolla trim delivers the spirited performance expected from a genuine sports car whether you're navigating city streets or tearing up the track. HOwever, while the Core trim focuses on delivering essential performance elements, the Circuit Edition and Morizo Edition come loaded with additional features. The Circuit Edition emphasizes aerodynamics and track-readiness, while the Morizo Edition elevates the interior luxury and overall exclusivity. From advanced infotainment systems to safety features, each trim level offers a tailored package to cater to different driving preferences. The Core trim is ideal for those seeking a daily driver with a sporty edge. The Circuit Edition is designed for driving enthusiasts who desire enhanced performance and distinctive aesthetics. Meanwhile, the Morizo Edition caters to collectors and those who want the ultimate expression of Toyota's racing heritage.

In the realm of sport compacts, the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla stands out with its diverse trim lineup. Whether you opt for the accessible sportiness of the Core, the track-focused performance of the Circuit Edition, or the exclusive racing heritage of the Morizo Edition, each trim delivers an exhilarating driving experience. While delivering on the promise of performance, the GR Corolla also offers a compelling value proposition for a sporty compact car and remains accessible in terms of pricing thereby appealing to a wide range of drivers. Toyota has successfully created a lineup that caters to a broad spectrum of drivers, ensuring that the GR Corolla remains a thrilling and accessible option for performance enthusiasts.

In the News

Source: Toyota | In 2007, Akio Toyoda wanted to expand the company's racing experience in its car development activities. As a starting point, he chose to compete in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, the grueling endurance race held on the famous track winding through the German forest. It was an unofficial Toyota activity at the time, so the team was called GAZOO Racing and was made up of employees, including Akio Toyoda driving under the alias of MORIZO. With a limited budget, the newly named team entered the race with two second-hand Altezzas. Despite adversity, both cars finished the challenging race, and a new era of Toyota motorsports and product development, one founded on a spirit of challenge aimed at instilling change, began. As TOYOTA GAZOO Racing's first wholly developed and manufactured model for the North American market, the GR Corolla carries this spirit forward. With professional drivers, experts and MORIZO at the wheel, GR Corolla was tested repeatedly at some of Japan's leading circuits, including Fuji Speedway, Suzuka and Tsukuba Circuit. In addition, the GR team carried out heavy duty dirt and snow driving with a Japanese Rally Championship driver. No road was left untested in the process, so engineers and technicians could sharpen acceleration and control worthy of the GR name.

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
Toyota | GR Corolla

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. and North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands. During that time, Toyota has created a tremendous value chain as our teams have contributed to world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 39 million cars and trucks in North America, where we have 14 manufacturing plants, 15 including our joint venture in Alabama (10 in the U.S.), and directly employ more than 47,000 people (over 36,000 in the U.S.). Our 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.) sold 2.8 million cars and trucks (2.4 million in the U.S.) in 2019.

About TOYOTA GAZOO Racing

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing embodies Toyota's commitment to overcoming every limit to make 'ever-better' cars, to forge new technologies and solutions under the extreme conditions of motorsports, and to never stop innovating. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing races its cars to push the limits for better and to learn from the toughest challenges. Competing on every kind of road, no matter what the challenge, inspires TOYOTA GAZOO Racing to build 'ever-better' cars and engineer Toyota's future DNA to bring freedom, adventure, and joy of driving to everyone. For more information, visit www.toyotagazooracing.com.