LOS ANGELES (Aug. 1, 2024) – Toyota’s commitment to performance and driving excitement is once again on full display with the latest updates to the GR Corolla, a standout model in the Toyota Lineup. The 2025 GR Corolla is set to broaden its appeal, adding a new dimension of driving pleasure with the introduction of the 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT). This addition ensures that both seasoned enthusiasts who cherish the engagement of a manual and drivers who prefer the convenience of an automatic can experience the exhilarating performance of this sports car.
The journey of the GR Corolla is deeply rooted in the Toyota GAZOO Racing spirit. Inspired by Akio Toyoda’s (MORIZO) challenge to push boundaries after the initial GR Corolla reveal in 2022, the development team relentlessly pursued “untamed energy.” This pursuit has culminated in the first GR Corolla equipped with the innovative DAT, a testament to Toyota’s dedication to continuous improvement and pushing the limits of driving performance across the Toyota lineup.
Drawing inspiration from the demanding world of track driving, the GR Corolla has undergone rigorous testing by rally and racing professionals on challenging circuits like Fuji International Speedway. These intensive development efforts have yielded significant enhancements for the 2025 model. Engine torque has been boosted from 273 lb.-ft. to an impressive 295 lb.-ft., and suspension components and tuning have been refined, resulting in a vehicle that promises to deliver an even more captivating driving experience, further solidifying its position within the performance-oriented Toyota lineup.
Beyond the mechanical upgrades, the 2025 GR Corolla also features thoughtful interior and exterior refinements aimed at elevating the overall driving experience. The front bumper has been redesigned to accommodate optional cooling enhancements while maintaining optimal aerodynamics. Inside, a new dark sporty aesthetic is achieved through updated trim finishes on flat surfaces and switches, providing a more tactile and engaging cabin environment that complements the GR Corolla’s dynamic nature within the Toyota lineup.
Enthusiasts eager to experience the enhanced GR Corolla can anticipate its arrival at Toyota dealerships this winter. Further details, including pricing, will be announced later this year, adding another exciting chapter to the Toyota lineup story.
GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission: A New Era for the Toyota Lineup
The introduction of the 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) marks a significant step in the evolution of the Toyota lineup, particularly for performance vehicles. This transmission is engineered to fulfill the desires of sports car aficionados, offering rapid gear changes and intelligent gear selection. The DAT’s control software is specifically calibrated for spirited driving, distinguishing it from the automatic transmissions in models like the GR Supra and GR86. Unlike systems that primarily react to vehicle behavior like deceleration and speed, the DAT’s advanced software meticulously interprets the driver’s brake and accelerator inputs. This allows it to anticipate optimal gear shifts even before noticeable changes in vehicle behavior occur. The result is gear selection that intuitively aligns with the driver’s intentions, providing a shifting feel reminiscent of professional drivers and enhancing the overall driving dynamics of the GR Corolla within the Toyota lineup.
The DAT empowers drivers to concentrate more intensely on acceleration, braking, and steering inputs, potentially enabling even non-professional drivers to achieve faster lap times on the track. This widens the appeal of sports driving to a broader spectrum of enthusiasts, making the GR Corolla with DAT a compelling addition to the diverse Toyota lineup.
Toyota’s GR development team meticulously engineered the DAT’s close gear ratios based on extensive circuit and rally driving assessments. By optimizing shift points, they achieved ratios mirroring the 6-speed manual transmission (6MT), ensuring maximum engine power and torque delivery to the wheels for peak performance. Even during relaxed highway cruising, the eight-speed transmission contributes to an energetic feel by maintaining optimal RPMs, showcasing the versatility of the GR Corolla within the Toyota lineup, whether equipped with manual or automatic transmission.
The GR Corolla offers four distinct drive modes: Sport, Normal, ECO, and Custom. The DAT is finely tuned to excel in Sport mode, undergoing rigorous testing on race circuits and diverse driving environments worldwide to guarantee exhilarating performance and maximize driving potential. This focus on driver engagement across various conditions underscores Toyota’s commitment to providing a rewarding driving experience throughout their vehicle lineup.
Enhanced Power and Dynamic Traction: Hallmarks of the Toyota Lineup
For 2025, every GR Corolla model in the Toyota lineup is propelled by the formidable turbocharged G16E-GTS 1.6-liter 3-cylinder engine. This high-output engine generates 300 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and a boosted 295 lb.-ft. of torque, representing a notable increase in torque compared to previous models and further solidifying the GR Corolla’s performance credentials within the Toyota lineup.
To ensure optimal performance and thermal management for the enhanced engine output and DAT, an automatic transmission fluid cooler is now standard on DAT-equipped models. For drivers seeking even greater cooling capacity, a sub-radiator is available as a factory-installed option on the Premium grade and comes standard on the new Premium Plus Grade, demonstrating Toyota’s attention to detail in performance engineering across their lineup.
In their relentless pursuit of improvement, the GR team adopted development methodologies akin to those used in crafting race cars for the Super Taikyu (Japanese Endurance Race). During testing at Fuji International Speedway, engineers focused on enhancing traction during aggressive cornering. This led to the incorporation of rebound springs in the front and rear suspension to mitigate inner wheel lift during spirited driving. Furthermore, the rear coils and stabilizers were refined to improve ground contact response and controllability when cornering, enhancing the GR Corolla’s agility and responsiveness within the Toyota lineup.
The trailing arm mounting point, serving as the rear axle’s rotation center, has been elevated to reduce rear squat during acceleration. This modification minimizes changes in vehicle posture, sharpening drive force response upon accelerator input and promoting a stable cornering stance. These enhancements collectively contribute to the GR Corolla’s dynamic handling and performance, attributes that resonate throughout the Toyota lineup.
At the core of the GR Corolla’s exceptional handling is the rally-bred GR-FOUR All-Wheel-Drive system. Developed in collaboration with the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team, this system delivers superior traction and control by precisely distributing drive power to each wheel. Drivers can easily select Normal, Gravel, or Track AWD modes via a dial, tailoring front/rear wheel torque distribution to suit various driving scenarios. Normal mode provides a 60:40 front/rear torque split for everyday driving. Gravel mode shifts the distribution to 50:50 for maximum traction on loose surfaces. Track mode dynamically adjusts torque distribution from a front-biased 60:40 to a rear-biased 30:70 based on driver input and vehicle dynamics. This advanced AWD system underscores Toyota’s commitment to engineering vehicles with exceptional capability and control, a philosophy evident across the Toyota lineup.
Front and rear Torsen® Limited-Slip Differentials (LSD) are standard on the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla, further enhancing cornering prowess and grip by managing left and right-hand drive torque distribution on both axles. Launch control* is newly implemented on DAT models for 2025, facilitating powerful off-the-line acceleration, adding another layer of performance capability to the GR Corolla and reinforcing its position as a thrilling offering within the Toyota lineup.
*Launch Control is not intended for use on public roads or for repeated short interval use. See Owner’s Manual for limitations.
Hot Hatch Aesthetics: Style and Functionality in the Toyota Lineup
The 2025 GR Corolla showcases a redesigned front bumper, meticulously crafted to optimize the balance between cooling efficiency and aerodynamic performance. This redesign thoughtfully integrates space for a radiator, intercooler, brake ducts, and available sub-radiator and automatic transmission fluid cooler behind the front bumper, demonstrating Toyota’s holistic approach to performance engineering within their lineup.
The enhanced brake ducts are designed for more effective air intake, while an air curtain construction creates an inward airflow at the tire’s top, drawing air from the front along the side. This reduces turbulence around the tires, promoting smooth rearward airflow and contributing to improved handling stability, blending form and function in the Toyota lineup tradition. The optional sub-radiator for 2025 further enhances engine cooling, extending the vehicle’s continuous driving capability, a testament to Toyota’s focus on durability and performance in demanding conditions, qualities found throughout the Toyota lineup.
For the 2025 model year, the GR Corolla is offered in three grades, catering to diverse preferences within the Toyota lineup: the well-equipped Core Grade, the impressive Premium Grade, and the aggressively styled new Premium Plus Grade. Built upon the TNGA-C platform, the GR Corolla boasts a low center of gravity and wide tread tires mounted on 18-inch cast alloy wheels for the Core and Premium grades, and 18-inch matte black wheels for the Premium Plus. All GR Corolla models are equipped with Michelin® Pilot Sport® 4 tires 235/40R18, ensuring optimal grip and handling performance, a consistent theme across the performance models in the Toyota lineup.
The new Premium Plus grade incorporates standard features previously admired on special editions, such as a carbon fiber roof, a vented bulge hood, and matte black wheels, offering a heightened level of style and exclusivity within the Toyota lineup.
Exterior color choices include Black, Ice Cap, Heavy Metal**, and Supersonic Red, allowing for personalization and reflecting the vibrant spirit of the Toyota lineup.
**Premium Paint Color
Impressive Connected Technology: Modern Features in the Toyota Lineup
The GR Corolla’s cockpit is centered around an eight-inch digital gauge cluster with customizable settings, and an eight-inch touchscreen Toyota Audio Multimedia system in the dash center. This system delivers an intuitive user experience through sight, touch, and voice activation. With Intelligent Assistant via Drive Connect***, simple voice commands like “Hey Toyota” activate the system for navigation, point-of-interest searches, audio adjustments, climate control adjustments, and more, showcasing Toyota’s commitment to user-friendly technology across their lineup.
The cloud-based native navigation system offered through Drive Connect provides real-time Over the Air updates for mapping and Points of Interest (POI), integrating Google POI data for current search capabilities. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android AutoTM compatibility are standard, ensuring seamless smartphone integration, a feature increasingly expected in modern vehicles within the Toyota lineup.
Toyota Audio Multimedia supports simultaneous dual Bluetooth® phone connectivity. A Wi-Fi Connect*** subscription or trial provides 4G connectivity for up to five devices, transforming the GR Corolla into an AT&T Hotspot*, and enables linking Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions for Integrated Streaming. These connectivity features reflect Toyota’s dedication to providing a connected and convenient driving experience throughout their vehicle lineup.
The GR Corolla also offers a suite of Connected Services. A Safety Connect*** trial of up to 10 years includes an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, and Stolen Vehicle Locator. A Service Connect* trial of up to 10 years offers Vehicle Health Reports, Maintenance Alerts, and reminders. All grades include a 1-year trial for Remote Connect***, enabling remote door unlock, vehicle status notifications, guest driver monitoring, and remote start on DAT models, highlighting Toyota’s focus on safety, convenience, and peace of mind across the Toyota lineup.
**4G Network-dependent.
Safety & Tech: Prioritizing Safety Across the Toyota Lineup
Safety remains a paramount concern across the Toyota lineup, and the GR Corolla is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) as standard. This comprehensive safety suite includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Designed to detect vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists, providing audio/visual warnings and automatic emergency braking in certain situations.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: An adaptive cruise control system for highway use, maintaining a preset distance from the vehicle ahead at speeds above 20 mph.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Detects lane markings or road edges above 30 mph, providing warnings and gentle steering correction for lane-keeping assistance.
- Lane Tracing Assist: When Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is active and lane markers are detected, it provides active driving assistance to keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
- Road Sign Assist: Uses a forward-facing camera to recognize speed limit, stop, and yield signs, displaying sign information on the Multi-Information Display.
- Automatic High Beams: Automatically toggles between high and low beams above 21 mph, detecting headlights of oncoming vehicles and taillights of preceding vehicles to enhance nighttime visibility.
For detailed information on Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, please visit Toyota.com/safety-sense. The inclusion of TSS 3.0 in the GR Corolla underscores Toyota’s unwavering commitment to safety innovation and providing advanced safety features across their entire vehicle lineup.
Three Grades Ready for the Road: Choices Within the Toyota Lineup
The 2025 GR Corolla is available in three distinct grades, offering a range of features and equipment choices within the Toyota lineup. Standard features across all grades include Toyota Audio Multimedia with an 8-inch Touchscreen, Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with customizable layout, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, ensuring a consistent level of technology and safety across the GR Corolla offerings within the Toyota lineup.
Key Core Grade features include:
- GR logoed fabric sport seats
- Functional fender and rear fascia aero vents
- 18-inch 15-spoke Cast Alloy Wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 Tires
- Sports-Tuned Suspension
- Aggressive Front & Rear Bumpers Styling
- Brake cooling ducts
- Active Noise Control
- Active Sound Control
- GR-FOUR stamped side rockers and wide-fender flares
- Available colors: Ice Cap, Black, and Supersonic Red
- Front and Rear Limited Slip Torsen Differentials and red “GR” calipers.
The GR Corolla Premium grade builds upon the Core grade, adding:
- GR logoed Brin Naub® Suede-trimmed seats with gray stitching
- JBL® Premium Audio (8 speakers) and Qi-compatible wireless charger
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Heated Steering Wheel and Front Heated Seats
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Gloss-black front grille and rear bumper lower cover with functional air vents
- Available colors: Ice Cap, Heavy Metal*, Black, and Supersonic Red.
The new Premium Plus grade for model year 2025 elevates the GR Corolla experience further, including all Premium grade features plus:
- Forged carbon fiber roof
- Bulge hood and functional gloss black air vents
- Sub radiator
- Matte black wheels
- Head-Up Display
- GR logoed Brin Naub Suede-trimmed seats with red stitching
This tiered grade structure allows customers to select a GR Corolla that aligns with their specific needs and preferences, further enhancing the appeal of the Toyota lineup.
Complimentary 1-year NASA Membership: Enhancing the Toyota Ownership Experience
Purchasing a 2025 GR Corolla includes a complimentary 1-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA). GR Corolla original owners will enjoy benefits such as one free High Performance Driving Event (HPDE) and discounted admission to NASA-sanctioned events. This unique perk underscores Toyota’s commitment to fostering a community of driving enthusiasts and enhancing the overall ownership experience within the Toyota lineup.
NASA membership, including the 1-day High Performance Driving Event, expires 1 year from the Toyota GR vehicle purchase date. High-performance driving involves risks. Check insurance coverage and warranty terms. Restrictions apply. See Toyota GR NASA/HPDE for details.
Limited Warranty and ToyotaCare: Peace of Mind Across the Toyota Lineup
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components, excluding normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers provide complete limited warranty details. The GR Corolla also includes ToyotaCare, covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. This comprehensive warranty and service coverage reflects Toyota’s dedication to quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction across the entire Toyota lineup.
