Unleash the Beast: Toyota GR Corolla Takes on Touring Car Racing Royalty
Toyota Takes the Track: Introducing the GR Corolla TC
The Toyota GR Corolla is leaving the roads behind and heading straight to the track. This time, it’s not just a Corolla with a sporty twist, but a purpose-built homologation special designed specifically for the inaugural season of the TC America series. This fusion of the TCX and TC classes brings together the best of both worlds.
The Heart of the Matter: The 1.6-Liter Engine
The power behind this Corolla’s performance comes from a turbocharged, 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine, just like its production counterpart. While the output hasn’t been officially announced, we know it’ll be spinning the wheels via Toyota’s eight-speed Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT), the same transmission spotted on track in Japan. This tech is already available on the regular-production GR Corolla.
A Long and Winding Road
The 1.6-liter triple started life in the rally-bred GR Yaris, a hot hatch sold in select global markets, before migrating to the US and landing between the flared fenders of the GR Corolla. Now, it faces off against the likes of the Honda Civic Type R, Acura Integra Type S, and BMW M2. Bosch’s Motorsport electronics will be managing the drivetrain and power management in this application.
Track-Ready: Additional Modifications
Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division has further tweaked the GR Corolla for the track with modifications including six-piston front and two-piston rear brake calipers by Alcon, model-specific struts designed in-house, JRi dual-adjustable shocks, and a massive rear wing. We’ll have to wait for the interior peek, but the brand has already confirmed an FIA-approved roll cage and an OMP fiberglass seat with a six-point harness.
Debut and Schedule
We’ll soon see the GR Corolla TC in action, with specifications, pricing, and availability to be announced in the coming weeks. The 2025 TC America season kicks off on March 28 at the Sonoma Raceway in California, with a schedule featuring eight races across the nation. Competitors will battle it out on the Circuit of the Americas, Sebring International Raceway, and the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Image: 2025 Toyota GR Corolla TC
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