Toyota GRMN Corolla Is a Hardcore Hatch Ready to Tackle the Nürburgring
Key takeaways
- The GRMN Corolla takes Toyota's hot hatch to the next level, with extra downforce, a more capable suspension, and a smidge more torque.
- But now Toyota has further honed the hot hatchback and revealed the track-optimized GRMN Corolla, which gets more torque, a retuned suspension, and revised aerodynamics.
- A new carbon-fiber hood features a horizontally oriented hood duct ahead of the two vents already found on the GR Corolla Premium Plus.
Why this matters: an automotive development that could shape industry direction or buying decisions.
The GRMN Corolla takes Toyota's hot hatch to the next level, with extra downforce, a more capable suspension, and a smidge more torque.
View Photos Toyota The 2026 Toyota GRMN Corolla is a more extreme take on the GR Corolla hot hatch that's designed for the racetrack.The GRMN Corolla is festooned with more vents up front for improved cooling and a large, adjustable rear wing for more downforce.Along with 302 pound-feet of torque (up from 295), Toyota redesigned the suspension and stripped out the rear seats.We already love driving the Toyota GR Corolla for its punchy turbocharged three-cylinder engine, engaging manual gearbox, and rally-inspired all-wheel-drive system that combine to produce a mischievous attitude. But now Toyota has further honed the hot hatchback and revealed the track-optimized GRMN Corolla, which gets more torque, a retuned suspension, and revised aerodynamics.
Toyota says the GRMN Corolla draws upon lessons from the Super Taikyu racing series in Japan and was built "so drivers can confidently push it to the limit at the Nürburgring." The reworked aerodynamics not only make the car look even cooler, but also keep it stable when driving at high speeds. A new carbon-fiber hood features a horizontally oriented hood duct ahead of the two vents already found on the GR Corolla Premium Plus.