White-hot 2026 Toyota GRMN Corolla outed 

The 2026 Toyota GRMN Corolla has been leaked on social media weeks ahead of its official debut, with images emerging out of dealer event showing the hottest GR hatch armed with an angrier look, bigger aero, track-focused suspension set-up and a stripped-out interior. More power is also largely a given. 

Our first look at the new flagship Toyota GRMN Corolla have revealed the huge lengths Gazoo Racing has gone to in its bid to overshadow the latest Honda Civic Type R. 

They include new body parts – including a lighter, ventilated carbon-fibre bonnet and enlarged rear wing – plus a set of ultra-lightweight bronze alloy wheels that hide an upgraded performance braking package. 

At the rear, there’s an all-new rear diffuser and that fresh carbon wing, both of which hint at completely redesigned aerodynamics that will boost downforce and cooling. 

The rear bumper still features a three-pipe rear exhaust which might debunk rumours of the fastest, most extreme Corolla to date adopting a more conventional 2.0-litre turbo-petrol that would push out 260kW/550Nm – it's now thought the new four-pot will be held for the next generation. 

Inside, it looks like the focus has been on carving as many kilos out of the cabin as possible to enhance performance. 

That explains the lightweight bucket seats and the missing rear seats. Other changes include a microfibre-wrapped steering wheel and new red accents, plus a GRMN plaque on the centre console. 

Under the skin, it’s thought about 60kg have been shaved off the kerbweight, likely paired with a little more power (if no more torque).  

That combination should see the GR Corolla’s 0-100km/h time dip below the five-second mark while top speed should rise to around 240km/h. 

Sharpening the handling, it’s thought the GRMN will come with a stiffer suspension set-up that will include the introduction of revised differentials designed to ramp up agility. 

Behind the scenes, the new 2026 Toyota GRMN Corolla has been designed and developed to do one thing: dethrone the Honda Civic Type R as the must-have hot hatch. 

With more power and a sharper drive, it’s thought Toyota will improve on what is an already very capable and impressive hot hatch, but if it is confirmed for sale in Australia, expect numbers to be limited and for the asking price to be well above the $79,000 drive-away charged for the Type R. 

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