Toyota Corolla coupe imagined

It’s no secret Toyota is developing a high-performance Corolla with a potent 200kW turbo-triple sucker-punch.

But what if the brand decided to zig while others zagged, and resurrected its iconic two-door AE86 Corolla coupe to celebrate 50 million Corolla sales?

The chances of the ultra-conservative Japanese car-maker pivoting in such daring style are probably zero point zero, but that hasn’t stopped talented artists like Theottle creating their own two-door take on the Corolla.

And what better to accompany the low and aggressive stance of this virtual two-door hot hatch than the same engine that’s expected to power the GR Corolla: the highly-strung 200kW/370Nm 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine from the Toyota GR Yaris Rallye.

While we’re dreaming, let’s assume the born-again AE86 would also be an all-wheel drive scorcher like the GR Yaris, with plenty of rear-axle bias and Torsen mechanical limited-slip diffs front and rear.

Throw in forged alloy wheels, the choice of manual or automatic transmissions and maybe even a push button-operated intercooler water spray function like that on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI TME and it would sell faster than the GR Yaris.

Back in reality, the Toyota GR Corolla that was confirmed by Toyota North America more than a year ago was originally set to debut in September 2021, but reports from Japan suggest it has been delayed and won’t break cover until mid-2022.

That’s a shame for Toyota, since the rumoured worldwide premiere of the Toyota GR Corolla next month would have been a convenient way to celebrate 50 million sales of ‘the world’s best-selling car’.

While a two-door version of any Corolla is highly unlikely, there’s a chance the GR Corolla could be offered in five-door hatchback and wagon form. Toyota did create a shooting brake concept version of the Toyota 86, so it’s not completely opposed to exploring outside the square.

A spokesperson for Toyota Australia previously told carsales that a GR Corolla was not on the company’s radar “at the moment” but added that it would “…put our hand up for anything with a GR badge”.

“The small hatch segment is one of the largest passenger vehicle segments, and Corolla has been a great seller for Toyota, so of course we’d look at bringing a high-performance model in that segment if it became available,” said the Toyota representative.

“We know Aussies have a strong appetite for high-performance vehicles.”

As the Toyota Corolla celebrates its 50 million sales milestone, Toyota Australia has confirmed more than 1.5 million of them have been sold Down Under since 1967, when the first Corolla arrived as a two-door sedan with a 1.1-litre engine.

Will history repeat with another two-door model? Don’t hold your breath.