Toyota GR Corolla hot hatchback coming to 2023 Auto Expo
In recent times, Toyota has become more aggressive in India than ever before. The last two years saw Toyota launching its all-new products like the updated Glanza, Vellfire, Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Hilux and Fortuner Legender. It also ended 2022 on a celebratory note by launching the all-new Innova Hycross. Now, Toyota is planning to make a mark in the upcoming Auto Expo 2023, by showcasing the GR Corolla performance hatchback to the Indian masses.
Toyota has confirmed that the GR Corolla four-door performance hatchback will be on display at the Auto Expo 2023. It will be the first time that Toyota will be showcasing a Gazoo Racing (GR) product publicly in India. However, it has also been confirmed that the GR Corolla is not coming here with the intent of being launched. Instead, the product will be on display to gauge customer response towards the performance sub-brand of Toyota.
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Based on the standard Corolla hatchback, the Toyota GR Corolla retains the four-door design and TNGA platform from the latter. However, in terms of design, there are a few tweaks and add-ons like gloss black highlights, a larger front grille with different air intakes, flared wheel arches, air ducts on the bumpers, a prominent rear diffuser and spoiler, and sportier-looking alloy wheels. On the inside, the GR Corolla gets a leather-wrapped GR steering wheel and seats and aluminium pedals.
The mechanicals of the Toyota GR Corolla has been tweaked heavily by Gazoo Racing Performance, with the changes like a highly rigid body consisting of extra welds around the chassis joints and more extensive use of adhesive between components. However, compared to the standard Corolla hatchback, the GR Corolla weighs lesser, due to the extensive use of lightweight components to keep the power-to-weight ratio as high as possible.
1.6-litre turbocharged petrol
Powering the Toyota GR Corolla is a 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, which develops 304 bhp of maximum power and 370 Nm of maximum torque output. For an even sportier driving experience, the Toyota GR Corolla also comes with a triple-exit exhaust note, a multi-oil jet piston cooling system, larger exhaust valves and a part-machined intake port. The engine is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox with a rev-matching function and an all-wheel drive system as standard.
In addition to the GR Corolla, Toyota will also showcase other products at the Auto Expo 2023, including some of its globally-available hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles. There’s also a rumour that Toyota might showcase bZ4X, its first all-electric SUV, at the Auto Expo.