Unleashing the Beast: Toyota’s 500-HP Corolla Cross Takes on Brazil’s Stock Car Ruling
Toyota’s Unlikely Racing Star: The Corolla Cross in Stock Car Pro
A Family SUV in a High-Stakes Racing Series
When you think of Toyota’s high-performance lineup, the GR86, GR Supra, and GR Corolla likely come to mind. But did you know that the humble Corolla Cross, a family-friendly SUV, has been chosen to represent Toyota in Brazil’s Stock Car Pro racing series? This unexpected move may raise some eyebrows, but it’s an exciting development for racing fans and car enthusiasts alike.
A Radical Makeover
The Corolla Cross’s racing debut isn’t a straightforward affair. Toyota’s engineers have undergone a radical transformation, reworking the SUV’s design to create a sleek, low-slung silhouette reminiscent of a station wagon. The modifications include a long, low hood, widened wheel arches, and a dramatically reduced roofline. The addition of a massive rear wing, rear diffuser, and center-locking wheels further accentuate the car’s racing credentials.
Power and Performance
The Corolla Cross’s powerplant is a turbocharged, 2.1-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces around 500 horsepower and sends its power to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential transmission. This is a significant departure from the production model’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which puts out 169 horsepower and is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). A hybrid system is also available in the standard Corolla Cross.
Competition and Potential Future Plans
The Corolla Cross will compete against two other crossovers turned into race cars: the Chevrolet Tracker and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. While Toyota hasn’t announced the driver lineup yet, Stock Car Pro has a history of attracting big-name talent, including former Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa. With its impressive performance credentials, the Corolla Cross could potentially spawn a limited-edition model in Brazil or even a full-blown GR Corolla Cross in the future.
What’s Next?
Will the Corolla Cross’s success on the track translate to sales on the showroom floor? Only time will tell, but for now, it’s exciting to see a family SUV take on the high-stakes world of racing. Stay tuned for updates on the Corolla Cross’s racing endeavors and potential future plans.
