As we anticipated, following its introduction on the GR Yaris earlier this yr, Toyota is including the choice of an 8-speed computerized transmission to the GR Corolla scorching hatch. The brand new auto comes together with an general facelift for the 2025 mannequin yr GR Corolla that brings extra torque, tweaked styling and different new options.
That auto is the massive information. Toyota calls it the Gazoo Racing Direct Computerized Transmission (DAT), and it’s a special unit than what’s discovered within the GR86 and Supra. As an alternative of sensing automobile habits like velocity and deceleration, Toyota says the DAT’s software program “delicately senses the way in which the driving force steps on the brakes and operates the accelerator,” so it may “anticipate when gear shifting is perfect even earlier than modifications in automobile habits happen.” Which means its shifting occurs the way in which knowledgeable skilled driver may make it occur, so amateurs can concentrate on steering and brakes. Toyota’s personal skilled drivers helped with improvement:
The DAT additionally permits drivers to focus extra on acceleration/brake and steering maneuvers, so non-professional drivers could possibly drive sooner in the event that they resolve to hit the observe. In consequence, it opens up potentialities for a wider vary of drivers to take pleasure in sports activities driving.
The Toyota GR improvement crew used circuit and rally driving programs as a foundation for setting the DAT’s shut gear ratio. They optimized the shift factors of the DAT, giving related ratios to the 6MT that maximize supply of engine energy and torque to the wheels and permits optimum efficiency. Even informal freeway driving has an brisk really feel, as a result of eight-speed transmission optimizing RPMs whereas at cruising speeds.
The GR Corolla’s turbocharged 1.6-liter 3-cylinder engine nonetheless places out 300 horsepower, however torque has been elevated from 273 pound-feet to 295, matching the discontinued Morizo Version. Computerized-equipped automobiles get a transmission fluid cooler, and a sub-radiator is a brand new factory-installed choice on higher trim ranges. New rebound springs on the entrance and rear “suppress inside wheel raise throughout energetic dynamic driving,” a tweak that was made after testing at Fuji Speedway. The rear coils and stabilizers have been upgraded for higher controllability in corners, and the trailing arm mounting level has been raised to cut back rear squat whereas accelerating. Entrance and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials at the moment are customary on each GR Corolla, and computerized fashions get launch management.
Toyota redesigned the entrance bumper for higher aerodynamics and cooling, with bigger openings on the corners and air curtains simply forward of the entrance wheel arches. It appears to be like even higher, I feel, extra just like the WRC rally automobiles the GR Corolla is impressed by. On the within, Toyota added darker trim finishes, however that’s about it. Computerized fashions get paddle shifters, in fact.
Like final yr, the GR Corolla is obtainable in base Core and fancier Premium trims, with no modifications to the characteristic choices. However there’s a brand new Premium Plus trim that features some options from the earlier Circuit and Morizo Editions, in addition to different objects new to the automobile. The Premium Plus will get matte black wheels, a cast carbon-fiber roof and a hood bulge with useful air vents, plus the sub radiator that’s optionally available on the Premium. The Premium Plus additionally provides a head-up show and suede-trimmed seats with pink stitching all through the inside.
The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla will attain U.S. dealerships this winter, with pricing but to be introduced. Don’t anticipate it to value way more than the 2024 mannequin’s $37,195 beginning worth, with the Premium Plus coming in at round $45,000. Each 2025 GR Corolla will include a one-year membership to the Nationwide Auto Sport Affiliation (NASA), giving homeowners one complimentary HPDE and reductions to NASA occasions.
