Toyota GRMN Corolla debuts – ditches rear seats, shaves 30kg

GAZOO Racing (GR) has unveiled the Toyota GRMN Corolla, the ultimate 5-door Corolla designed to deliver the best possible driving experience on the racetrack, particularly at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman and Master Driver, Akio Toyoda (Morizo), said, “If it’s going to bear the GRMN name, it needs to be a car that can duly handle the Nürburgring.” As such, the Toyota GRMN Corolla (GRMN stands for Gazoo Racing tuned by the Meister of Nurburgring), was developed at the Nürburgring, which offers road inputs and surface variations not found on conventional test tracks.

Lessons learned at the Nürburgring led to the addition of a cool-air duct that reduces intake air temperatures during high-load driving, as well as an increase in the application of structural adhesive from 13.9 metres to 32.7 metres. Further aerodynamic upgrades include a hood duct, front side spoilers, and a rear wing with five-stage adjustment in 1-degree increments, all developed using the experience competing in the Super Taikyu Series.

Suspension-wise, the Toyota GRMN Corolla is equipped with exclusive front and rear monotube shock absorbers featuring rebound springs for improved inner-wheel traction during cornering, further enhancing high-speed cornering performance. In addition, the Toyota GRMN Corolla rides on 245/40 ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 performance tyres, which are 10 mm wider than those fitted to the standard Toyota GR Corolla.

Under the bonnet, insights gained from competing in the Super Taikyu Series with the hydrogen-powered Toyota GR Corolla enabled GR engineers to increase maximum torque output to 415 Nm, 15 Nm more than the standard model. It also features an intercooler spray system to help maintain stable engine performance under high loads. Power output remains unchanged at 304 PS, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Inside, the rear seats have been removed as part of a weight-reduction programme, alongside a custom-designed full-bucket driver’s seat made from glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP), resulting in the overall weight decreasing by 30 kg. The cockpit features a flocked instrument panel and front pillars to reduce glare from reflections. In keeping with Morizo’s signature styling, the instrument panel padding, door trim, and shift knob are accented in Alumite Red, while a GRMN-exclusive serial number plate further distinguishes the model.

The Toyota GRMN Corolla will be available in limited numbers and sold primarily in Japan, North America, and Australia. In Japan, sales negotiations are scheduled to begin via the “GR App” from Autumn 2026, while sales in North America and Australia will commence in 2027.

Another variant of the Toyota GR Corolla is also in development, called the Toyota GR Corolla MORIZO RR Concept. Positioned as the ultimate five-seater version of the GR Corolla, it is equipped with the GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission. However, no unveiling or launch dates have been announced. Both the Toyota GRMN Corolla and the Toyota GR Corolla MORIZO RR Concept are on display at the Fuji Motorsports Forest Welcome Centre until 28 June 2026.