Ready to Hit the Streets: The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla Adds New Direct Automatic Transmission Option and More

Ready to Hit the Streets: The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla Adds New Direct Automatic Transmission Option and More

Posted on September 24, 2024

• Toyota GAZOO Racing Available 8-Speed Direct Automatic Transmission Added Along with the 6-Speed Manual Transmission
• New Premium Grade Now Available
• 2025 GR Corolla Provides More Engine Torque at 295 lb.-ft.
• Launch Control Adopted to Help Enable Powerful Acceleration
• Suspension Enhancements Add Stability When Cornering
• Redesigned Front Bumper to Improve Cooling and Aerodynamics
• Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Pricing Starting at $47,915

The GR Corolla has expanded the fun quotient. Now both hardcore enthusiasts who enjoy the thrill of a manual transmission and those who’d rather focus on the handling can enjoy the thrill of sports car driving with the new addition of the 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) with Paddle Shifters.

Just shortly after the reveal of the GR Corolla in 2022, MORIZO (Akio Toyoda) challenged his team to think about what’s next. Creating ever better cars is in Toyota GAZOO Racing’s DNA. MORIZO challenged them to pursue untamed energy, leading to the first GR Corolla with the new DAT.

Inspired by track driving, the GR Corolla has been tested by rally and racing drivers on some of the most rigorous courses the world has to offer, including Fuji International Speedway. Through their development efforts, the GR team increased engine torque on the GR Corolla from 273 lb.-ft. to 295 lb.-ft. and enhanced suspension components and tuning resulting in a vehicle that is sure to impress.

Changes have also been made both inside and out to improve the driving experience. On the exterior, the front bumper has been redesigned to accommodate optional cooling components while simultaneously retaining aerodynamic performance. On the inside, there is a new dark sporty vibe due to the new trim finishes on flat surfaces and switches throughout the vehicle to provide a pleasant tactile feel.

GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission

The 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) is a sport car enthusiast’s dream offering quick shifting performance and optimal gear selection. The DAT control software has been optimized for sporty driving. Different than the GR Supra and GR86 automatic transmissions where gear shifting relies on sensing vehicle behavior, such as deceleration g-force and speed, the DAT’s optimized software delicately senses the way the driver steps on the brakes and operates the accelerator. With these inputs, it anticipates when gear shifting is optimal even before changes in vehicle behavior occur, achieving gear selection that reflects the driver’s intentions and, thus, leads to shifting that is similar to that of professional drivers.

The DAT also allows drivers to focus more on acceleration/brake and steering maneuvers, so non-professional drivers may be able to drive faster if they decide to hit the track. As a result, it opens up possibilities for a wider range of drivers to enjoy sports driving.

The Toyota GR development team used circuit and rally driving courses as a basis for setting the DAT’s close gear ratio. They optimized the shift points of the DAT, giving similar ratios to the 6MT that maximize delivery of engine power and torque to the wheels and enables optimal performance. Even casual highway driving has an energetic feel, due to the eight-speed transmission optimizing RPMs while at cruising speeds.

During track testing, the system proved to be impressive, helping to secure speedy lap times. To address issues including the vulnerability of automatic systems to heat damage and the need to balance high shift speed with drivability, GR engineers carried out repeated materials and software revisions. The testing process included TGR World Rally Team drivers putting it through its paces on different surfaces, including snow-covered roads in Finland. The unit was also used in the Japan Rally Championship, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Rally Challenge and the Super Taikyu Series.

There are four drive modes on the GR Corolla DAT: Sport, Normal, ECO and Custom. The DAT was tuned specifically for the Sport drive mode. It was tested and driven all over the world, including race circuits to ensure exciting performance and maximize the driving potential.

Six-Speed Intelligent Manual Transmission

The 2025 GR Corolla also comes available with a six-speed intelligent Manual Transmission with rev matching that is turned on with a push of a button placed in front of the shifter.

For 2025, the clutch system has been updated to focus on providing a snappier clutch pedal operation feel. Particularly on the pedal return stroke, the clutch characteristics have been tuned for excellent controllability even with quick starts and half-clutch operation.

High Power and Dynamic Traction

For 2025, all GR Corolla models are powered by the turbocharged G16E-GTS 1.6 litre 3-cylinder turbo engine. The high-output engine delivers 300 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, an increase in torque from the previous model year.

To keep the higher engine output and DAT at an optimal temperature for performance, an automatic transmission fluid cooler comes standard on DAT vehicles. For drivers who may be interested in even greater cooling capability, a sub-radiator is standard on the new Premium Grade.

Always searching for ways to improve, the GR team tested the GR Corolla with the same approach used when developing a race car for the Super Taikyu (also known as the Japanese Endurance Race). During testing on the Fuji International Speedway, the engineers wanted to improve traction during hard cornering, so they added rebound springs to the front and rear suspension to suppress inner wheel lift during energetic dynamic driving. The rear coils and stabilizers were also improved to help boost ground contact response and controllability when turning.

The trailing arm mounting point, which is the rotation centre of the rear axle, has been raised to reduce rear squat during acceleration. This has reduced the change of vehicle posture, enhancing the drive force response when the accelerator is pressed. It also enables a stable cornering posture.

At the heart of the GR Corolla is the rally racing developed GR-FOUR All-Wheel-Drive system. Developed in collaboration with the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team, it delivers exceptional levels of traction and control by optimizing drive power to each wheel. With the twist of a dial, the driver can select Normal, Gravel or Track AWD modes to adjust front/rear wheel torque distribution. Normal mode adjusts the front/rear torque distribution to 60:40 for everyday driving. Gravel adjusts the distribution to 50:50 to help deliver maximum traction. Track mode adjusts distribution by continuously varying the drive force distribution from front-focused 60:40 to rear-focused 30:70 based on the driver’s input and vehicle status.

Front and rear Torsen® Limited-Slip Rear Differentials (LSD) will be standard on the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla. It offers enhanced cornering performance and grip with control of left and right-hand drive torque distribution on the front and rear axles.

Launch control has also been adopted for 2025 on the DAT models, helping to enable a powerful acceleration off the line. Launch control is an advanced assistance system in Toyota GR Corolla DAT models that helps drivers accelerate quickly from a stationary position. It works by maintaining a set engine RPM, allowing the car to build power before the driver engages the throttle. Launch control is designed to maximize traction and power while minimizing the time it takes to accelerate. Launch control is intended to be used for track driving.

Hot Hatch Good Looks

The new GR Corolla has received a front bumper redesign to help improve the balance of cooling and aerodynamic performance. This redesign makes room for a radiator, intercooler, brake ducts, an available sub-radiator, and an available automatic transmission fluid cooler behind the front bumper.

The brake ducts have been improved so that air is drawn in more effectively. An air curtain construction has been adopted which creates an inward airflow at the top of the tire to draw in air flowing from the front along the side. Turbulence around the tire is suppressed so that the air flows smoothly rearward, contributing to enhanced handling stability. Also to help with cooling, a sub-radiator is a new available option in 2025 to help the engine cooling performance, extending the time that the vehicle can be continuously driven.

Built on the TNGA-C platform, the GR Corolla has a low centre of gravity with wide tread tires mounted to cast alloy 18-inch wheels on the Core grade and 18-inch matte black wheels on the Premium grade. All GR Corolla models wear Michelin® Pilot Sport® 4 tires 235/40R18.

Exterior color options include Black, White, Heavy Metal** and Supersonic Red**.

**Premium Paint Color

Impressive Connected Technology

Behind the GR Corolla’s steering wheel is an eight-inch digital gauge cluster with customizable settings, and in the centre of the dash is the Toyota Multimedia system with an eight-inch touchscreen. The Toyota Multimedia system offers a user experience with sight, touch, and voice activation. With Intelligent Assistant available through Drive Connect***, simple phrases like “Hey Toyota” awakens the system for voice-activated commands to search for directions, find POIs, adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperatures and more.

The cloud-based native navigation system offered through Drive Connect allows for real-time Over the Air updates for mapping and Points of Interest (POI), and Google POI data is integrated to ensure up-to-date search capability. It also supports standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android AutoTM compatibility.

The GR Corolla also offers a host of additional Connected Services. A Safety Connect*** trial of up to 10 years includes an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification and Stolen Vehicle Locator. A Service Connect* trial of up to 10 years provides drivers with the capability of receiving Vehicle Health Reports, Maintenance Alerts and reminders.

All grades include a 3-year trial for Remote Connect*** which provides remote door unlock capability, vehicle status notifications, a guest driver monitor and remote start on DAT models.

***4G Network-dependent.

Safety & Tech

The GR Corolla comes with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) standard. This safety suite includes:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD) is designed to help detect a vehicle, pedestrian, bicyclist or motorcyclist and provide an audio/visual forward collision warning under certain circumstances. If the driver doesn’t react, the system is designed to provide automatic emergency braking.
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Intended for highway use, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is an adaptive cruise control system that is designed to be set at speeds above 30 km/h and uses vehicle-to-vehicle distance control to help maintain a preset distance from the vehicle ahead.
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Detects lane markings or the road’s edge at speeds above 50 km/h. LDA w/SA is designed to provide an audible/visual warning if an inadvertent lane departure is detected. If no corrective action is taken, Steering Assist is designed to provide gentle corrective steering for lane-keeping assistance.
• Lane Tracing Assist: When Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is enabled and lane markers are detected, Lane Tracing Assist uses the lines on the road and/or preceding vehicles to provide active driving assistance and help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
• Road Sign Assist: Uses the forward-facing camera to recognize specific road signs, such as speed limit, stop, and yield signs. Road Sign Assist provides sign information to the driver via the Multi-Information Display.
• Automatic High Beams: The Automatic High Beams are designed to help the driver see more clearly at night at speeds above 35 km/h. The Automatic High Beams system is designed to detect the headlights of oncoming vehicles and taillights of preceding vehicles, then automatically toggle between high and low beams accordingly.

Three Grades Ready for the Road

The 2025 GR Corolla will be available in three grades in Canada. Standard features across all grades include Toyota Multimedia with 8-inch Touchscreen, Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with customizable layout, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.

The available grades are:

The 2025 GR Corolla Core (manual transmission) receives additional torque, a standard heated steering wheel and brake cooling ducts for 2025. Other standard features include GR logoed fabric sport seats, heated steering wheel and heated front seats, 18-inch 15-spoke cast alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 Tires, Active Noise Control, Active Sound Control, front and rear limited slip Torsen differentials, red “GR” calipers, GR-FOUR stamped side rockers and wide-fender flares. Available colours are Black and White.

The 2025 GR Corolla Premium (manual transmission) adds standard features that enthusiasts have come to know and love on previous special editions like the carbon fibre roof, the beloved vented bulge hood and matte black wheels, in addition to the gloss-black front grille and rear bumper lower cover with functional air vents. Inside, standard equipment includes GR logoed Brin Naub® Suede-trimmed seats with red stitching, a JBL® Premium Audio system with 8 speakers, a Qi-compatible wireless charger, and dual zone automatic climate control. This grade also receives a new Head-Up Display, front and rear parking sensors and a sub-radiator. Available colours include White, Heavy Metal*, Black, and Supersonic Red.

The 2025 GR Corolla Premium with DAT, built on the Premium grade with manual transmission, adds the 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission with Paddle Shifters, a full-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and an Intelligent Clearance Sonar.

The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla is expected to arrive at Toyota Dealers across Canada this Fall. For complete and up to date details and specifications visit westcoasttoyota.com/research-gr-corolla/