Toyota GR Corolla set to outmuscle Golf R

When the tyre-scorching Toyota GR Corolla finally breaks cover, expect fireworks.

Set to be revealed next year after lengthy delays, the 2022 Toyota GR Corolla will be the most powerful version of the world’s best-selling car and is set to offer a similar, if not higher, output to the upcoming 235kW/420Nm Volkswagen Golf R.

That’s the word from an inside source, who told carsales the potent new hot hatch will be a bona-fide performance car.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if it had more power than the Golf R,” said our source, who wouldn’t be drawn on specific numbers.

“It’s a full GR model, not a GR Sport, and it’s going to have some punch. GR Corolla will get more power than the GR Yaris to match its rivals.”

The Toyota GR Corolla’s mechanical beating heart will be an enhanced version of the Toyota GR Yaris’ bespoke 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (200kW/370Nm) that drives all four wheels.

It’s likely the uprated engine will be revealed under the bonnet of the GRMN Yaris next year.

A Toyota engineer previously stated that the bespoke 1.6-litre turbo-triple built by Gazoo Racing could easily reach 225kW/400Nm with only subtle ECU and exhaust tuning.

Beyond the modified powertrain and driveline, it’s not clear what other elements of the GR Yaris the banzai Corolla will adopt, but it won’t be cheap.

Contradicting intel from Japan suggesting a sub-$50,000 price that undercuts the GR Yaris, our source was confident the GR Corolla would cost more, implying that pricing could be set around the $60,000 mark – especially if an up-spec Rallye model is offered.

Like the new Volkswagen Golf R, a drift mode may also be offered thanks to its clever AWD system that can shunt almost all engine power to the rear axle in certain situations.

Together with unique suspension, bigger wheels, low-profile tyres and powerful brakes, not to mention several aerodynamic improvements and potentially a wide body kit, the new Toyota GR Corolla will finally bring some street cred to the world’s top-selling nameplate.

Topping 50 million global sales since it was introduced in 1966, the Toyota Corolla is offered as a hatch, sedan and wagon, but our source couldn’t provide intel on which body styles would get the GR treatment beyond the hatch.

The Toyota GR Corolla was first (inadvertently) confirmed by Toyota USA via its official website in May 2020, and Toyota has since trademarked the GR Corolla name.

While Toyota Australia has not divulged any details of the upcoming hot hatch, it has all but confirmed it will come to Australia – but probably not until 2023 given the car’s expected premiere later next year.

“Australia loves hot hatches and we’ve always shown an interest in offering a high-performance Corolla locally, I’ll tell you that up front,” Toyota Australia’s sales and marketing chief, Sean Hanley, last told carsales.

“While nothing has been officially confirmed on GR Corolla at this time, I can tell you quite categorically, if one were to become available from our global line-up in right-hand drive we’d be most definitely very keen to bring it here.”