2026 Toyota GR Corolla to get 260kW four-pot

Fresh reports suggest the next-generation 2026 Toyota GR Corolla will dump its 221kW/400Nm turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder for a more powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo that will produce more than 260kW.

According to Carscoops, work has already begun on the hottest Corolla ever, with the second-gen GR Corolla being developed around the same engine destined for the reborn Celica and other GR models.

Like before, both the GR Corolla and all-new Celica will come with an advanced all-wheel drive system and the option of a six-speed manual transmission favoured by purists.

Other rumoured eventualities include a more radical design that will pick up where the latest C-HR small SUV left off and extend to the entire Corolla portfolio.

While the GR will be available as a five-door hatchback, both the four-door sedan and five-door wagon bodies will live on globally.

Within, the new Corolla line-up will feature a cabin design aligned with the latest Prius, with a high-set digital instrument cluster positioned ahead of the driver and accompanied by a large infotainment.

Below the touchscreen will be physical dials for the climate control, as well as plenty of other shortcut buttons.

While the fastest GR Corolla will switch to a larger engine, the rest of the Toyota’s light car range will be powered by an all-new 1.5-litre four-cylinder that’s expected to be offered with mild-hybrid, hybrid and plug-in hybrid in a bid to ramp up efficiency and slash emissions.

While power will range from 96kW to 132kW, the new powertrain has been developed to have both compact packaging and thermal efficiency well beyond today's petrol combustion engines.

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