Toyota Built An Even Wilder 300-HP GR Corolla

Toyota could have stopped with the GR Corolla, and most enthusiasts would’ve been perfectly happy. Instead, it went even further. Meet the GRMN Corolla, a more hardcore version of the already wild hot hatch, and unlike some past GRMN models, this one is not staying exclusive to Japan. North America and Australia are getting it too, though numbers will be limited.

Toyota developed the GRMN with serious track work at the Nürburgring and in Japan’s Super Taikyu racing series, and you can tell immediately from the bodywork.

There’s a vented hood, new front fender louvers, subtle aero tweaks up front, and a much larger rear wing with adjustable settings. It looks less like a dressed-up Corolla and more like something built with lap times constantly in the background.

The upgrades underneath matter even more. Toyota fitted bespoke shocks and springs, revised the all-wheel-drive system, sharpened the steering, and added stickier Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires wrapped around matte bronze forged wheels. The result should be an even sharper front end and more rear-biased handling at speed, which is saying something considering how playful the standard GR Corolla already feels.

Power still comes from the brilliant turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder, producing 300 hp, though torque climbs slightly to 302 lb-ft. Weight has also been trimmed by 66 lbs , thanks to a carbon-fiber hood and the complete removal of the rear seats. Inside, you’ll find lightweight bucket seats, extra Alcantara, and more carbon-fiber trim. And yes, thankfully, it only comes with a six-speed manual.

Toyota hasn’t announced pricing yet, but the GRMN Corolla feels like the kind of car enthusiasts keep asking manufacturers to build and rarely actually get. Smaller, lighter, manual, track-focused, and unapologetically niche.