TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) commenced its sales efforts for the Japanese-market trim levels of the new GR Corolla―the GR Corolla RZ and GR Corolla RZ "MORIZO Edition" (GR Corolla Morizo Edition) ― with purchasing lotteries that run to December 19 for GR Corolla RZ and December 18 for GR Corolla Morizo Edition. Sales of both models are slated to start in early 2023.

When the GR Corolla RZ was unveiled on June 1, TGR announced that the model would go on sale through Toyota vehicle dealers throughout Japan. However, continuing COVID-19 infections and the semiconductor shortage prompted a switch to an online purchasing lottery for an initial 500 units, with additional sales to be considered while monitoring the production situation. For the GR Corolla Morizo Edition, which is a two-seater model with enhanced driving performance, purchasing lottery applications for 70 units can be made at GR Garage locations nationwide.

The GR Corolla was developed by putting into practice the concept of making ever-better motorsports-bred cars, emphasizing honing cars to win races and making them commercially available. TGR will continue to evolve the GR Corolla by reflecting the knowledge that it gains in its continued participation in motorsports.

Overview of the new GR Corolla

Development background

• The Corolla is a model loved by many for its driving performance, as demonstrated through such achievements as the TE25 Corolla earning Toyota Motor Corporation's (Toyota's) first World Rally Championship victory^*3 in 1973, followed by the Corolla Levin's win in the 1,000 Lakes Rally^*4 in 1975.
• The development of the GR Corolla sprang forth from the strong desire of Toyota President Akio Toyoda, a.k.a. Morizo, to "absolutely not turn the Corolla, which is loved by many customers, into a commodity" and to "bring back a Corolla that captivates our customers".

Development method

• Putting into practice the concept of making ever-better motorsports-bred cars, emphasizing honing cars to win races and making them commercially available
• Comprehensively reforging the vehicle in the extreme environment of racing by participating in the Super Taikyu Series using a Corolla^*5 equipped with a hydrogen engine
• Driving on all kinds of roads beyond the breaking point for comprehensive honing by diverse drivers, including Toyota Master Driver Morizo, racing driver Hiroaki Ishiura, All Japan Rally Championship winner Norihiko Katsuta, and in-house evaluators, thoroughly detecting shortcomings, and employing continuous improvement

Vehicle overview

Common to both the GR Corolla RZ and GR Corolla Morizo Edition

• A strengthened version of the 1.6-liter in-line three-cylinder intercooler turbo engine found in the GR Yaris, with more-robust pistons for handling high levels of torque and output coupled with a centrally located muffler for improved exhaust efficiency, achieves a maximum output of 224 kW (304 PS).
• The GR-FOUR 4WD system, which is also featured on the GR Yaris, has been optimized through the development of a hydrogen-engine Corolla to match the specifications of the GR Corolla.
• The high-speed stability of a long wheelbase has been inherited by adopting the basic body framework of the Toyota Corolla Sport, and a wider track commands a high level of cornering performance.

GR Corolla RZ

• A five-door, five-passenger layout has been retained to achieve a high level of balance between daily usability and driving pleasure.

GR Corolla Morizo Edition

• This model was built in pursuit of "an untamed energy that captivates customers", with Morizo directly behind the wheel of development prototypes.
• Thorough weight reduction made possible by conversion to a two-seater, among other efforts, increased engine torque, and optimized transmission gear ratios, combined with improved cornering execution through the use of monotube shock absorbers and high-performance tires, have achieved enhanced dynamic performance for a driving taste that excites and that powers the urge to keep on driving.