The New All-New 2023 Toyota GR Corolla Overview

Recently introduced in March 2022, the 2023 GR Corolla is a high-performance, hot-hatchback version of the ever-popular Corolla. Just one of the many Toyota models available at Longo Toyota, El Monte, the new 2023 GR Corolla is a careful tweaking of an already-successful model manufactured by Toyota with racing specs designed by Gazoo Racing (GR).

With a variety of attractive features, such as the GR-Four all-wheel drive variable torque distribution system, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, and a snazzy interior, this is a fantastic addition to the Corolla range. Essentially, this is the GR-tuned version of a subcompact car, with greater power, performance, and style, but without losing the specs that have made the Corolla one of the most popular cars of the past 50 years.

Trims

The GR Corolla is available in three trims: the Core, Circuit, and limited-production exclusive Morizo Edition. The Morizo, named after the Toyota chairman’s rally-driving alias, is a track-ready version with reduced weight and increased performance and handling. This reduction in weight is achieved by removing the rear seats and even the rear windshield wipers to increase speed and handling. This means the Morizo weighs in at 3,186 pounds compared with the 3,292 pounds of the Core and Circuit Editions.

Exterior

The Circuit Edition features a sleek Heavy Metal exterior color, with a hood bulge and functional air ducts. It has a forged carbon-fiber roof, which reduces weight and lowers the center of gravity to improve handling. The Core Edition is available in Magnetic Gray Metallic, while there are color options for the Circuit Edition that include Supersonic Red, Racing-car White, and more. All versions have chunky, vented fenders, a larger front grille, a hood bulge, and a rear spoiler. The effect is a car with an attractive body, looking as smooth and stylish downtown as it does on the racetrack.

Interior

Although the GR Corolla features the same high-quality materials and stylish design, it separates itself from the sedan models in a number of ways. All versions have either suede or synthetic leather racing seats with red stitching highlights. Additionally, all the models provide a GR performance readout on a 12.3-inch gauge cluster. Overall, the GR Corolla doesn’t differ much from the sedan models, but several tweaks give it a comfortable, sporty look.

Like the other 2023 Corollas, the GR models feature a new infotainment system. All the editions have an 8-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There is also wireless charging and a built-in navigation system. An Intelligent Assist System allows for voice commands that permit you to adjust the audio, change the interior temperature, and get driving directions without lifting a finger.

Power and Performance

The Core and Circuit Editions have a 1.6-liter Turbo Inline-3 Gas engine with 300 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Both have a six-speed transmission and an all-wheel drivetrain. Fuel economy in these editions includes 28 mpg in the city and 37 on the highway, which works out to 31 mpg on average overall. The Morizo Edition has the same engine but is able to increase the torque to 295 lb-ft, with the same 300 horsepower and a returned gear differential to improve racetrack handling.

These differences from the Core and Circuit versions mean that the Morizo Edition exhibits greater acceleration, although at the cost of a reduction in the top speed. Three oil-cooled pistons and a machined intake keep the engine cool, and three exhausts reduce the back pressure. In keeping with its rally car roots, the GR Corolla comes with a six-speed transmission and a rev-match function. The Core and Circuit Editions feature high-performance summer tires, while the Morizo Edition sports 10-spoke forged-alloy wheels that are wrapped in 245 mm tires for better acceleration and cornering.

The performance of the Circuit and Morizo Editions is enhanced with the front and rear limited-slip differentials, minimizing the amount of skip between the different wheels on the axles. Therefore, the power is distributed between the wheels according to the traction level, helping to put the power into the ground. The usual distribution of power is 60:40 but can shift between 30:70 or 50:50. The performance of the Morizo has been widely praised for its close gear transmission, stiffened chassis, front brake ducts, and mono-tube shock absorbers, all of which improve the overall handling on the track.

Safety Features

Like other models in the same range, the GR Corolla comes with the Safety Sense 3.0 suite. This includes features such as pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control is a useful addition for the highway, providing effective vehicle-to-vehicle control that allows you to drive at a preset speed while keeping a set distance from other vehicles.

An additional perk is the proactive driving assist. This is a system where the vehicle’s radar and driving assist will give gentle braking into curves, improve distance control between your vehicle and a preceding one, and gently nudge you toward safer driving. A further safety feature is the lane departure alert with the steering assist. This system gives you a gentle warning if it detects that you have departed the lane inadvertently.

Overall, the 2023 GR Corolla is a sporty hatchback version of the sedan that focuses on speed and high performance. The various trims offer different experiences. But for those really keen on taking to the track, the Morizo Edition is race ready. For those interested in exploring a range of uses from functional to recreational, the Core and Circuit models should fit your needs. The GR Corolla is part of a longstanding history of excellence. So, have a look online, or better still, come down to Longo Toyota in El Monte and have a closer look at what’s available.

Tags: Corolla, Gazoo Racing, GR, Toyota
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