2025 GR Corolla Upgrades

Exploring the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla

The Toyota GR Corolla has been turning heads since its release, and it looks like the 2025 model is gearing up for even more action. When it first hit the scene back in 2023, the GR Corolla was a breath of fresh air for hatchback enthusiasts. For 2024, the Circuit Edition comes with fresh paint options and lightweight wheels that make it even more appealing. But that’s not where the story ends. For the 2025 version, it seems like Toyota is making some serious moves. There’s talk of a new eight-speed automatic transmission, and the potential for a higher torque output is getting gearheads excited. However, according to the Chief Engineer, Naoyuki Sakamoto, it’s not all smooth sailing. Keeping the test models from breaking while upping the power has been quite a challenge.

Pushing the Limits

The road to unlocking more power from the GR Corolla’s turbocharged three-cylinder engine has been bumpy. In a discussion with Motor1, Sakamoto explained the struggles, noting that the race-ready TCR Corolla faced breakdowns when they pushed the engine for more power. Testing on Cali’s Sonoma Raceway has so far concluded without meeting Toyota’s high standards. Yet, there’s hope. Sakamoto suggested that once they iron out these issues, the production models could benefit from these enhancements too.

This shift in strategy could be significant for Toyota, a company previously hesitant to tweak the horsepower figures of its sporty lineup. The GR Supra got a power bump early on, moving from 335 to 382 horsepower, but the GR86 has stayed steady with 228 horsepower. It’s interesting to note that the GR Corolla uses an engine built entirely by Toyota, unlike the GR Supra’s and GR86’s borrowed powerplants. This offers a unique opportunity for Toyota to further develop its technology.

Performance and Competition

With 300 horsepower, the GR Corolla is pretty swift, but its rivals aren’t loafing. The Honda Civic Type R, with its 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of twist, stands as a usual suspect in competition with the Corolla. Then there’s the Acura Integra Type S at 320 horsepower, and the VW Golf R stepping up with 328 horsepower. Clearly, there’s a horsepower race among these contenders. Although rumors swirl of an even hotter GRMN Corolla, Toyota hasn’t made official moves in that direction yet. Interestingly, past whispers about a beefed-up GRMN Supra eventually fizzled, but that car wasn’t powered by Toyota tech.

What Lies Ahead

Whether Toyota ultimately spices things up for the GR Corolla or brews a high-performance GRMN variant, the journey tends to favor enthusiasts. News that Toyota plans to stick with internal combustion and manual transmissions means ongoing development might be more of an investment than a novelty. Every move hints at exciting times ahead for Toyota’s beloved hatchback. Gear is in, full throttle. It’s definitely a car scene worth watching.