Toyota has unveiled an updated GR Corolla with an automatic transmission
The hatchback, designed for rally racing and popular among tuners since its release in 2022, didn't appeal to everyone due to the lack of an automatic transmission. The highly acclaimed Toyota GR Corolla, developed for rally competition, has been updated for the 2025 model year and now includes a new option that promises to make it more appealing to a wider audience: an automatic transmission.
The six-speed manual transmission, with which the GR Corolla debuted in 2023, remains standard. However, the 2025 model will also offer an eight-speed transmission developed by Gazoo Racing’s in-house team, known as the Direct Automatic Transmission.
When the updated 2025 GR Corolla arrives at U.S. dealerships this winter, it will feature increased torque, improved suspension, a new top-of-the-line trim level, and a redesigned front bumper for improved cooling and aerodynamics.
The 2025 model will still be powered by a 1.6-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 300 l.s., but its torque has been increased by 30 Nm. Vehicles with an eight-speed automatic transmission will come standard with a transmission fluid cooler for better temperature control and improved performance, and a sub-radiator will be offered on the Premium trim and come standard on the new Premium Plus trim, according to Toyota. To improve handling on the track, engineers added bushings to the GR Corolla’s front and rear suspensions and refined the rear springs and stabilizer bars for better tire grip during dynamic cornering. The hatchback will also be equipped with a launch control system on models with an automatic transmission.
The restyled 2025 GR Corolla will come standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package—the latest suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies—as well as the Toyota Audio multimedia system with an 8-inch touchscreen. Buyers of the 2025 GR Corolla will receive a free one-year membership in the National Auto Racing Association, which includes a one-day high-performance driving event and discounts on participation in association events.
Pricing for the 2025 GR Corolla has not yet been announced.
