AS EXPECTED, Toyota Australia has launched the track-focused, two seat GR Corolla Morizo Version (ME) however solely 25 will probably be obtainable all of that are possible offered – probably to speculators.
It’s priced from $77,800 plus on-road prices, a whopping $15,500 over the “lesser” GR Corolla GTS.
Matte paint provides an additional $2500 to the ME worth bringing the new hatch up over the $80k mark up towards VW’s AWD Golf R twentieth from $74,990 and the front-wheel drive Honda Civic Kind R from $72,600, each +ORC.
Embrace some two-door sports activities automobiles within the cash combine and you’re looking on the Nissan Z Proto from $80,700 +ORC and Toyota’s personal, far more highly effective, GR Supra from $87,000 +ORC. Even BMW’s 1-Sequence M135i xDrive hatch with extra energy and torque is in there from $76,600 +ORC.
Complicated issues a tad is a Circuit Version GR Corolla simply launched within the US in a particular Flame Blue color that’s primarily based on the ME with extra engineering tweaks, aero enhancements together with flat underbody panels, higher tyres, ducting for further brake and engine cooling and new options inside.
Toyota USA is additional forward of the sport asserting on the identical time the Trueno GR86 with sports activities dampers and Brembo brakes and a forty fiveth Anniversary GR Supra with particular options.
Down Below, the ME follows the restricted version GR Corolla that lobbed again in February that has been snapped up by keen efficiency automobile consumers. It offers a extra centered observe prepared calibration and as talked about, loses the again seat and different package for much less weight.
So, what do you get for the additional dosh?
Enhancements over the GR Corolla GTS begin with the 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that has been retuned (extra enhance) to provide an additional 30Nm of torque, to a most of 400Nm from 3250-4600rpm however peak energy stays the identical with 221kW obtainable at 6500rpm.
To modulate the supply of all these Newtons, Gazoo engineers recalibrated the close-ratio six-speed “clever” handbook transmission with altered gear ratios for the primary and third gear, permitting for the engine energy band for use extra effectively. The ultimate gear ratio has additionally been revised up.
Gearbox sturdiness is augmented by means of using excessive energy materials with the primary, third, fourth, fifth and last drive gears gaining shock remedy to boost shock torque energy. The synchroniser spring has additionally been strengthened to enhance shifting efficiency throughout sports activities driving.
Monotube shock absorbers have been fitted to the ME to stiffen roll rigidity and responsiveness of the MacPherson strut entrance and double-wishbone rear suspension. Sticky 245/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres wrap 10-spoke, 18-inch BBS cast alloy wheels. The ME provides additional structural reinforcements to supply the stiffest potential underpinnings.
In comparison with the GTS, an additional 3334mm of structural adhesive has been utilized all through the ME’s physique. Two new braces within the cabin present structural reinforcement with a suspension tower brace between the rear wheels joined by a brand new ground brace instead of the rear seats. The ME cumulatively sheds 30kg in contrast with the GTS.
Eradicating the rear seats alone reduces its weight by greater than 10kg with additional weight financial savings by means of the deletion of assorted damping and silencing supplies and the rear wiper and motor. The BBS wheels additionally assist lower weight.
Additional weigh financial savings are made by becoming a plastic strengthened carbon fibre roof yielding a 2.5kg saving additionally reducing the automobile’s centre of gravity. Extra weight is eliminated by deleting the steering wheel heater, parking sensors and wi-fi charger, together with downgrading the local weather management to single-zone.
A variety of race-inspired inside touches are aimed toward facilitating high-speed driving and cornering. The seats have been modified for race bucket seats upholstered in a perforated suede and have further facet and seat-base bolstering to maximise occupant grip and stability throughout efficiency driving.
Equally, the wheel has a suede cowl for higher grip with different contact factors just like the gear knob and hand brake lever equally grip optimised and color highlighted.
The Morizo Version shares the GR GTS’s 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system supporting wi-fi Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto and is paired with a color head-up show and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
The JBL audio system drops from an eight-speaker system to 2 and native satnav eliminated to avoid wasting weight, however Toyota Linked Companies is obtainable as normal, offering enhanced security and comfort options due to an inbuilt Information Communication Module constructed into the automobile.
A complete suite of Toyota Security Sense lively security applied sciences are included on the Morizo Version, carrying over all of the options of the GTS aside from parking sensors.
Color availability contains the core Frosted White pearl and Tarmac Black metallic together with a brand new Matte Metal hue. A variety of Gazoo Racing and GR-4 badges adorn the Morizo Version which has the identical five-year / unlimited-kilometre guarantee and capped-price servicing provisions because the backyard selection Corolla.
Toyota Australia Vice President Gross sales, Advertising and marketing and Franchise Operations, Sean Hanley, mentioned the Morizo Version supplied much more enchantment for GR Corolla followers eager to push the automobile to its limits.
“The GR Corolla Morizo Version is the results of our engineers’ need to create a automobile that pushes the boundaries of sizzling hatch efficiency,” mentioned Mr Hanley.
“Each improve on the Morizo Version has been launched with a view to improve dynamism, cut back lap instances and lift the heart beat of driving lovers, as is the case for all Toyota Gazoo Racing merchandise.
“And with simply 25 models allotted to the Australian market, curiosity in Toyota’s newest efficiency automobile providing is certain to be sky-high.”
2023 GR Corolla pricing*:
GTS | $62,300 |
Morizo Version | $77,800 |
*Pricing excludes on-road prices.
