The 2026 GR Corolla is here and it is largely the same car that is sold in the previous model year. Although the design remains inside and out, Toyota has made some adjustments to the spicy hatchback. An extra 45.6 feet (almost 14 meters) structural glue is applied to the front and back to improve body stiffness. It is also said that the back grip is better, along with how the suspension handles the imperfections of the road. Together it is claimed that these updates provide more direct handling, especially in corners.
That’s not all. Before 2026, the GR Corolla adds an extra air intake channel to lower the temperatures, so that the turbo engine can be pushed longer with three cylinders. The 1.6-liter unit still produces 300 hp and 295 LB-FT (400 Nm), with power to the front axle sent by a manual six-speed gearbox or an eight-speed automatic.
Elsewhere, Toyota simplifies the line -up. In the future, the Hot Hatch will only be available in GR Corolla and GR Corolla Premium Plus Trims. The latter wins a upgraded JBL audio system with nine speakers with a trunk mounted subwoofer. It also introduces a new and somewhat questionable function: fake motor noise.
Models with the JBL system are supplied with active sound control (ASC), which pumps artificial sounds through the speakers. Toyota says it is intended to “offer the driver more audio signals to feel the condition of the vehicle.” It is unclear whether ASC can be switched off, but hopefully drivers will not be stuck with it. The G16E-GTS engine shared with the non-America Gr Yaris and Lexus LBX already sounds great in itself.
Photo by: Toyota
The price starts at $ 41,115 for the Basic GR Corolla with a manual, rising to $ 49,160 for the Premium Plus Trim with the automatic. Both figures include the capital costs of $ 1,195.
Strangely enough, no mention is made of the GRMN, although leaked images from a recent dealer event unveiled the special edition before it was removed. Those photos showed the range of GR Corolla with a ventilated carbon cap, bronze wheels and a carbon rear spoiler. Inside it contained only two body-hugging seats, with the rear seat removed to save weight, following the Morizo ​​Special Edition. A plaque that was mounted before the shifter of the manual gearbox would be limited to 500 units.
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Source: Toyota
The prices remain unknown, but given the most expensive 2026 GR Corolla is already $ 50,000, the GRMN will not be cheap either. As a reference, the matte gray 2023 Morizo ​​would cost $ 52,640, and with potential dealer markings a $ 60,000 sticker would not be surprising for the GRMN.
The GRMN Corolla was still able to debut before the end of the year. With the car show from Los Angeles that takes place in the second half of November, Toyota may save his spicy variant for the event.
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