2026 Toyota GR Corolla upgraded for the Japanese market
As a fan of high-performance Japanese cars, you should express your gratitude to Akio Toyoda, a key figure at Toyota.
Akio, affectionately known as Morizo, believes that motorsports serves as the ideal platform for developing the best street cars.
Thanks to his vision, we now see one of the key Gazoo Racing model, the hot hatch GR Corolla now receiving a new enhancement package without a long wait.
Here are the changes introduced to the GR Corolla:
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An increase in chassis structural adhesive from 13.9 meters to 32.7 meters for a sturdier and more stable chassis, capable of handling vertical and lateral G-forces.
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A new cooling duct has been added to the second air intake, aimed at stabilizing engine output under high-temperature driving conditions.
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The JBL Premium audio system has been improved with the addition of a subwoofer in the cargo area, complemented by the Active Noise Control (ANC) system.
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Additionally, the Active Sound Control (ASC) system enhances the sporty sound profile during acceleration and deceleration. Even when the throttle is released, this system generates a pop from the exhaust.
In terms of power, the 2026 GR Corolla continues to feature the G16E-GTS engine, capable of producing 300 hp and 400 Nm, paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic.
For current GR Corolla owners, Toyota Gazoo Racing will introduce a software-inclusive upgrade program designed to increase torque from 370 Nm to 400 Nm.
The GR-Four drive system will also be upgraded, with the distribution ratio of 30:70 being replaced by a Gravel mode (50:50), while the Track mode (50:50) can be adjusted to 60:40 and 30:70.
In Japan, the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla is priced starting at ¥5,680,000 (RM161,000) for the manual version and ¥5,980,000 (RM169,000) for the automatic version.
