Tag Archives: Nurburgring

NEWS

2027 Toyota GRMN Corolla: A more hardcore hot hatch to conquer Nurburgring

Four years after the introduction of the Toyota GR Corolla, a more hardcore version is now available in the form of the GRMN Corolla.

Like previous GRMN models, the development of the GRMN Corolla focused on the Nurburgring circuit, incorporating experiences drawn from motorsport involvement.

It features a stiffer chassis, increased power, a more extreme body kit, and most importantly, it now accommodates only two passengers.

More Aerodynamic

The standard GR Corolla already has a stiffer chassis structure, thanks to the addition of adhesive structures totaling 13.9 meters to 32.7 meters.

The GRMN version builds on this foundation and adds aerodynamic components for high-speed driving, such as engine hood vents, fender vents, and a front spoiler.

Additionally, the carbon fiber rear wing includes a manual adjustment mechanism with 1-degree increments across five settings.

Exclusive Suspension Tuning

This hot hatch also comes equipped with specially tuned suspension for better grip when cornering at high speeds.

Each component has been adjusted down to the millimeter to ensure optimal balance.

Driving dynamics are further enhanced by the use of wider Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, which are 10 mm larger than those on the standard GR Corolla.

Finally, the GRMN Corolla is equipped with a recalibrated EPS steering system and GR-Four drivetrain for improved driving stability.

More Powerful Engine

In addition to its chassis and handling improvements, Toyota has upgraded the existing engine to produce an impressive 300 hp and 415 Nm of torque!

These figures are attainable thanks to involvement in the Super Taikyu Series through the GR Corolla, which is paired with a hydrogen-powered engine.

To maintain performance stability, the GRMN Corolla is also equipped with an additional intercooler spray system.

Currently, the GRMN Corolla is exclusively offered with a 6-speed manual transmission (iMT).

Lighter Weight

As part of its weight reduction package, Toyota has removed the rear seats.

As a result, the GRMN Corolla is 30 kg lighter than the GR Corolla, contributing to a better power-to-weight ratio.

Driver-Friendly Cockpit

To enhance driver focus, the GRMN Corolla comes with several exclusive features.

These include a full bucket driver’s seat based on the position of Super Taikyu Series racers, constructed from GFRP (glass fiber-reinforced polymer).

The cabin of the GRMN Corolla adopts a darker color scheme, complemented by carbon fiber accents.

Finally, the GRMN logo is embroidered on the headrests, with Alumite Red trim on the door and gear shift, along with Morizo’s signature on the dashboard and the GRMN serial number plaque.

Limited Production for Three Countries Only

Unfortunately, the GRMN Corolla will be produced in limited units.

It will not be widely available, as it is designated exclusively for the Japanese, North American, and Australian markets.

GR Corolla Morizo RR

Not stopping at the GRMN Corolla, Toyota is also developing another GR Corolla variant under the Morizo RR label.

While the GRMN Corolla comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, the GR Corolla Morizo RR is specifically designed with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

More importantly, it retains the five-seat configuration despite its extreme exterior appearance.

2027 Toyota GRMN Corolla

NEWS

Toyota GR Yaris MORIZO RR receives input from Akio Toyoda, 100 units for the Japanese market

The Toyota GR Yaris has not been a perfect hot hatch since its initial introduction.

This is because there is still room for innovation and improvement by Toyota Gazoo Racing to enhance the driving experience.

Building on the experience gained from the 2025 Nurburgring 24 Hours, Toyota Gazoo Racing has introduced the GR Yaris MORIZO RR, developed in collaboration with Master Driver Akio Toyoda — better known as Morizo.

In terms of exterior features, the GR Yaris MORIZO RR comes equipped with a larger fixed rear wing made of carbon fiber, a front spoiler, side skirts, a carbon fiber engine hood, yellow brake calipers, Matte Bronze rims, a MORIZO RR emblem, and Morizo’s signature on the windshield.

The cabin features an exclusive GR suede-wrapped steering wheel with a smaller diameter.

If you notice, the layout of the function buttons is different from that of the existing GR Yaris; this setup is more similar to what is used in the GR Yaris Rally2 rally car.

Finally, the GR-Four drive mode selector now includes a special “PUSH MORIZO” function, replacing the Gravel mode found in the standard GR Yaris.

In this mode, developed in partnership with MORIZO, the power distribution is set to 50:50 between the front and rear wheels.

The driving aspects have also been enhanced with suspension settings recalibrated based on the road surface at Nurburgring, ensuring a balance between comfort and sporty handling.

The Electric Power Steering (EPS) has also been recalibrated by GAZOO Racing.

The Toyota GR Yaris MORIZO RR will be produced in a limited run of 100 units for the Japanese market, and applications can be submitted through the official TGR app, the GR App.

An additional 100 units will also be offered in select markets across Europe.

Engear Volt

Pre-production Porsche Taycan is 18 secs faster than Model S Plaid around Nurburgring

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Porsche is currently working on a new variant of the Taycan that offers better on-track performance compared to existing variants.

Although it’s not quite ready yet, the unnamed new variant has already put an impressive display of track prowess with a lap time of 7:07.55 minutes on the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit.

The lap time clocked by the pre-production car is a whopping 26 seconds ahead of the record set by the Taycan Turbo S and almost 18 seconds quicker than that of the Tesla Model S Plaid.

To illustrate the speed of the new variant at the Nurburgring, Porsche said it would finish lapping the 20.8 km circuit 1.3 km ahead of the Taycan Turbo S.

Driven by Lars Kern, the pre-production Taycan was equipped with a roll cage and bucket seats for safety reasons.

Details about the powertrain are undisclosed, but rumours suggest the variant comes with a tri-motor setup capable of generating a total system output of up to 1,000 hp.

An extra motor on the rear axle allows for better thermal management and advanced traction control.

As for the design, official images released by Porsche show a more aggressive design front bumper, a lip spoiler, as well as a rear spoiler. The wheels also appear to have a different design from the existing options.

According to Porsche, an onboard video of the complete lap will be published in mid-March.