When Toyota released the GR Corolla, eyebrows were raised that a time when Subaru decided to axe their WRX STI, they gave the world a formidable hot hatch.
Well, it turns out that they are going a step further with what seems to be a direct response to the impending June launch of the all-new Honda Civic Type R: the hardcore GR Corolla Morizo Edition.
The GR Corolla Morizo Edition is named after Toyota President Akio Toyoda’s racing alter ego, Morizo. Thus, the goal is enhancing the GR Corolla’s already sharp responses by boosting torque, dropping weight, and optimizing the ratio of its manual gearbox.
For starters, the GR Corolla Morizo Edition may look like a five-door hatchback from the outside, but in actually, it’s purely a two-seater. Toyota dropped some 30 kilograms off the GR Corolla by eliminating the rear seats altogether.
Then, the turbocharged 1.6-liter 3-cylinder engine features more torque—up 30 Nm to 400 Nm from 3,250 to 4,600 rpm. Peak output remains at 304 horsepower.
Mated to the tweaked engine is a revised 6-speed manual with lower-geared differentials and the use of close ratios for the first to third gears. This will help improve acceleration as well as gear engagement feel.
For handling, the GR Corolla Morizo Edition features new high-performance monotube shock absorbers and wider (by 10 mm) tires. Body rigidity is also strengthened by an additional 3.3 meters of structural adhesive. It also adds body reinforcement braces.
Outside, the limited-edition GR Corolla Morizo Edition comes exclusively in Matte Steel and bears Morizo’s signature on the windshield. Inside, semi-bucket seats covered in Ultrasuede hold the driver and sole passenger in place. Ultrasuede is also found on the steering wheel and center console.
The GR Corolla Morizo Edition goes in sale in Japan via a lottery system by the end of this year. It also goes on sale in the U.S. later this year in equally limited numbers.
2022 Toyota GR Corolla Morizo Edition Specifications
- Overall Length: 4,410 mm
- Overall Width: 1,850 mm
- Overall Height: 1,475 mm (including antenna)
- Wheelbase: 2,640 mm
- Front Track: 1,590 mm
- Rear Track: 1,620 mm
- Seating Capacity: 2
- Curb Weight: 1,440 kg
- Engine: 1.6-liter 3-cylinder turbo (G16E-GTS)
- Maximum Output: 304 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
- Maximum Torque: 400 Nm @ 3,250 to 4,600 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed MT
- Front & Rear Torsen Limited Slip Differential
- Front Suspension: MacPherson Strut w/ Inverted Monotube Shock Absorber
- Rear Suspension: Double Wishbone w/ Monotube Shock Absorber
- Wheels: BBS Forged Alloy Wheels
- Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 245/40 R 18
Why not make a 3-door version instead?
ReplyDeleteHahahaha...there will be a lot more tooling involved. It'll end up costing a heck of a lot more.
DeleteIt's called the GR yaris
DeleteI know right. Hahaha. Since it's strictly a 2-seater hatchback, I just wonder what to do with the extra 2 doors, what are its purposes.
DeleteWhat in the world are you talming about? 2 seater hatchback? Are you a NBA basketball player?
Deleteare we getting a gr corolla? or is it just the yaris for us?
ReplyDeleteOfficially, no word yet. Only 8,500 will be built for the first year of production with 6,500 destined for the US. That means the rest of the world will have to compete with the remaining 2,000--that makes it unlikely. Unless TMP manages to get some as a limited edition thing.
DeleteComparing a car that's not as tuneable and has less aftermarket support to the sti... smh
ReplyDelete