Based on a the Corolla hatchback, the GR Corolla is a low-volume specialist car, hand built on a dedicated GR production line at Toyota’s Motomachi plant.

Installed on a reinforced platform, the GR Corolla’s 1.6L turbo triple, with multi-oil jet piston cooling, cranks out an astounding 300 horsepower. The GR-Four all-wheel drive system, with Torsen limited-slip differentials front and rear, has driver-selectable front-rear drive splits of 60-40, 50-50 and 30-70. The sole transmission offered in a six-speed manual with rev matching.

With massively enhanced fenders, fascias and hood, the GR Corolla variant shares only the front doors with the mainstream Corolla hatchback. The “Circuit” trim even swaps the steel roof panel for carbon fibre.

Toyota is now accepting orders for the GR Corolla. However, like some recent new Toyotas, ordering a GR Corolla may well turn out to be an academic exercise, rather than be a vehicle Toyota will actually build and deliver to you.

The base Core trim includes heated front sport seats and a wireless version of the iOS-Android cellphone interface. The Circuit Edition is an introductory trim that will only be offered in 2023. It adds a carbon-fibre roof, a vented hood bulge, faux-suede seats, heated steering wheel, navigation and a JBL audio system, but at $8400 more than the Core, looks expensive. The MORIZO Edition is a laser-focussed, hyper sports model that removes the rear seat and adds 22 lb.ft. or torque for a hefty $6000. Despite the high prices, the GR Corolla is essentially a showroom unicorn as it was totally sold out even before it went on sale.

Totally new car with super high-stressed small engine. Unique mechanicals and body parts will likely result in parts shortages, especially as the car ages.