Toyota GAZOO Racing has unveiled exciting updates for the 2025 GR Corolla, enhancing its appeal to a broader range of driving enthusiasts. While hardcore manual transmission purists remain catered to, the introduction of the 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) with paddle shifters marks a significant expansion of the GR Corolla’s accessibility and driving dynamics.
This strategic move comes after Akio Toyoda (MORIZO) challenged the Toyota GAZOO Racing team to push the boundaries of the GR Corolla, shortly after its initial reveal in 2022. Inspired by the pursuit of “untamed energy,” the team meticulously refined the vehicle, drawing on rigorous testing by rally and racing drivers across demanding global circuits, including the Fuji International Speedway. These development efforts have yielded tangible improvements, most notably an increase in engine torque from 273 lb.-ft. to 295 lb.-ft., coupled with enhanced suspension tuning and components for superior handling.
Beyond performance enhancements, the 2025 GR Corolla receives subtle yet impactful exterior and interior refinements. The front bumper has been redesigned to accommodate optional cooling upgrades without compromising aerodynamic efficiency. Inside, a new dark sporty aesthetic is achieved through updated trim finishes on flat surfaces and switches, enhancing the tactile experience.
Toyota has announced that the updated GR Corolla models are expected to arrive at dealerships this winter. Further details, including pricing, will be disclosed later this year.
GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission: Expanding Driving Horizons
The newly available 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) is engineered to deliver a sports car-like experience with rapid gear changes and intelligent gear selection. Unlike conventional automatic transmissions that primarily react to vehicle behavior, the DAT system incorporates sophisticated software that anticipates optimal gear shifts by precisely interpreting the driver’s brake and accelerator inputs. This proactive approach allows for gear selection that intuitively aligns with the driver’s intentions, mirroring the responsiveness of professional drivers.
The inclusion of the DAT broadens the GR Corolla’s appeal, enabling drivers who may not be experts in manual transmission to fully engage with sports driving. By allowing drivers to concentrate more on steering and braking, the DAT potentially unlocks faster lap times on the track, even for non-professional drivers.
The GR development team meticulously engineered the DAT’s gear ratios based on circuit and rally driving conditions. The close gear ratios and optimized shift points are designed to maximize the engine’s power and torque delivery to the wheels, mirroring the performance-oriented nature of the 6-speed manual transmission. Even during everyday highway driving, the eight-speed transmission ensures an energetic feel by maintaining optimal RPMs at cruising speeds.
Drivers can select from four distinct drive modes: Sport, Normal, ECO, and Custom. The DAT system is specifically calibrated for Sport mode, undergoing extensive testing on race circuits worldwide to ensure exhilarating performance and maximize driving potential.
Enhanced Power and Cornering Dynamics
All 2025 GR Corolla models will be equipped with the formidable G16E-GTS 1.6-liter 3-cylinder turbo engine. This high-output engine now produces 295 lb.-ft. of torque, an increase from previous models, while maintaining 300 horsepower at 6,500 rpm.
To manage the increased engine output and ensure optimal DAT performance, an automatic transmission fluid cooler is standard on DAT-equipped vehicles. For drivers seeking even greater cooling capacity, a sub-radiator is available as a factory option on the Premium grade and standard on the new Premium Plus Grade.
Drawing on race car development methodologies used for the Super Taikyu (Japanese Endurance Race), the GR team focused on enhancing cornering traction. Rebound springs have been added to the front and rear suspension to minimize inner wheel lift during aggressive cornering. Improvements to the rear coils and stabilizers further enhance ground contact and control during turns.
The trailing arm mounting point, the pivot point of the rear axle, has been raised to mitigate rear squat during acceleration. This reduces vehicle posture changes, improving drive force response and promoting stable cornering.
At its core, the GR Corolla features the rally-proven GR-FOUR All-Wheel-Drive system, developed in collaboration with the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team. This system provides exceptional traction and control by dynamically distributing drive power to each wheel. Drivers can select Normal, Gravel, or Track AWD modes to adjust front/rear torque distribution. Normal mode sets a 60:40 front/rear split for daily driving, Gravel mode shifts to a 50:50 distribution for maximum traction, and Track mode continuously varies distribution from 60:40 front-biased to 30:70 rear-biased based on driver input and vehicle dynamics.
Front and rear Torsen® Limited-Slip Differentials (LSD) are standard on all 2025 GR Corolla models, further enhancing cornering performance and grip by controlling left and right-hand drive torque distribution at both axles. DAT models also gain launch control* for 2025, facilitating powerful off-the-line acceleration.
Striking Hot Hatch Design and Features
The redesigned front bumper on the 2025 GR Corolla optimizes the balance between cooling and aerodynamics. This new design accommodates a radiator, intercooler, brake ducts, and optional sub-radiator and automatic transmission fluid cooler behind the bumper.
Enhanced brake ducts improve air intake efficiency, while a new air curtain construction directs airflow inward at the top of the tires. This reduces turbulence around the tires, promoting smoother rearward airflow and improved handling stability. The optional sub-radiator further enhances engine cooling, extending continuous driving time.
For the 2025 model year, the GR Corolla will be offered in three grades: the Core Grade, the Premium Grade, and the new Premium Plus Grade. Built on the TNGA-C platform, the GR Corolla boasts a low center of gravity and wide tread tires mounted on 18-inch cast alloy wheels for the Core and Premium grades, and 18-inch matte black wheels for the Premium Plus. All grades are equipped with Michelin® Pilot Sport® 4 tires (235/40R18).
The new Premium Plus grade incorporates popular features previously seen on special editions, such as a carbon fiber roof, vented bulge hood, and matte black wheels.
Exterior color options include Black, Ice Cap, Heavy Metal**, and Supersonic Red.
Advanced Connected Technology
The GR Corolla’s cockpit features an eight-inch digital gauge cluster with customizable displays and an eight-inch touchscreen Toyota Audio Multimedia system. This system offers intuitive interaction through sight, touch, and voice activation. The Intelligent Assistant, accessible via Drive Connect***, responds to voice commands like “Hey Toyota” for navigation, POI searches, audio adjustments, climate control, and more.
The cloud-based native navigation system with Drive Connect provides real-time Over the Air updates for maps and POIs, integrating Google POI data for up-to-date search functionality. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android AutoTM compatibility are standard.
Toyota Audio Multimedia supports simultaneous dual Bluetooth® phone connectivity. A Wi-Fi Connect*** subscription or trial provides 4G connectivity for up to five devices via an AT&T Hotspot*, and allows linking Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions for Integrated Streaming.
The GR Corolla also offers a suite of Connected Services. A Safety Connect*** trial (up to 10 years) includes an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, and Stolen Vehicle Locator. A Service Connect* trial (up to 10 years) provides Vehicle Health Reports, Maintenance Alerts, and reminders.
All grades include a 1-year trial for Remote Connect***, enabling remote door unlock, vehicle status notifications, guest driver monitoring, and remote start on DAT models.
Comprehensive Safety and Grades
The GR Corolla comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), a suite of safety technologies including:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Automatic High Beams
The 2025 GR Corolla is available in Core, Premium, and Premium Plus grades. Standard features across all grades include Toyota Audio Multimedia with 8-inch Touchscreen, Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.
Key features of the Core Grade include GR logoed fabric sport seats, functional aero vents, 18-inch cast alloy wheels, sports-tuned suspension, aggressive bumpers, brake cooling ducts, Active Noise Control, Active Sound Control, GR-FOUR stamped side rockers, and front and rear Limited Slip Torsen Differentials.
The Premium grade adds GR logoed Brin Naub® Suede-trimmed seats, JBL® Premium Audio, Qi-compatible wireless charger, dual-zone climate control, heated steering wheel and front seats, and parking sensors.
The new Premium Plus grade further includes a forged carbon fiber roof, bulge hood with functional air vents, sub-radiator, matte black wheels, Head-Up Display, and GR logoed Brin Naub Suede-trimmed seats with red stitching.
Complimentary NASA Membership
Each 2025 GR Corolla purchase includes a complimentary 1-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA), providing benefits like a free High Performance Driving Event (HPDE) and discounted admission to NASA-sanctioned events.
The GR Corolla is backed by Toyota’s comprehensive warranty and ToyotaCare maintenance plan. Pricing for the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla range will be announced at a later date.
*Launch Control is not intended for use on public roads or for repeated short interval use. See Owner’s Manual for limitations.
**Premium Paint Color
***4G Network-dependent.
