The Toyota GR Corolla has established itself as a formidable contender in the competitive hot hatch market, boasting an impressive mix of performance and affordability. Equipped with all-wheel drive and a powerful 300-horsepower engine, this dynamic vehicle offers drivers the choice between an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. Priced just under $40,000, this sporty model might be best savored with caution, as the unveiling of the new GR Corolla Touring Car promises to set the stage for even more excitement.
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Significant Shift Ahead for TC America Series in 2025
As it gears up for the 2025 season, the TC America series will undergo a pivotal transformation by merging the TCX and TC classes into a single category. This integration is poised to diversify the competition, allowing a broader spectrum of performance brands to vie for supremacy on the track. Previously, TCX held the title of the top tier, featuring high-performance models like the Honda Type R TCX, while the TC class showcased vehicles akin to the standard Honda Civic Type R.
Toyota GR Corolla TC
Toyota
In the realm of motorsport, Toyota is certainly no stranger. The Japanese automotive giant has a robust presence in NASCAR and Formula One and is set to showcase the GR Corolla as the official pace car at the 2024 NASA National Championships, where it will lead an impressive field of 400 drivers across 25 racing classes.
“For four consecutive years, a GR sports car has had the honor of serving as the pace car for these championships, and we’re thrilled to have the GR Corolla take the lead once again in 2024,” expressed Mike Tripp, Group Vice President of Toyota Marketing.
The GR Corolla TC Elevates Performance Standards
The standard GR Corolla hatchback is powered by a robust 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, available with both an eight-speed automatic and a six-speed manual transmission.
The forthcoming GR Corolla TC model will feature the eight-speed automatic transmission as standard, alongside GR-FOUR all-wheel drive, Alcon six-piston front brakes, and two-piston rear brakes, not to mention a host of aerodynamic enhancements.
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Enhancements continue with custom MacPherson struts, dual-adjustable JRi shocks, and Bosch Motorsport electronics managing the vehicle’s drivetrain, power distribution, and ABS functionalities. In line with its racing pedigree, the GR Corolla TC will also include essential safety features such as a roll cage, an OMP fiberglass seat with a six-point harness, and an electronically activated fire extinguishing system.
“Transforming the GR Corolla into a track-ready racecar with the talented team at TGRNA was an exhilarating project to undertake,” said Mike Norem, the manager of Customer Racing at TGRNA.
The Price of Performance: GR Corolla TC on the Horizon
The anticipated GR Corolla TC will soon be accessible to enthusiasts, although specific details on pricing and availability remain under wraps. Nevertheless, projections based on the current GR Corolla lineup suggest a significant increase for this street-legal race car.
An entry-level Toyota GR Corolla TC currently lists at $38,860, with top-tier models reaching $45,515. Given that a track-ready Civic Type R TCR carries a hefty price tag of $89,900, one could reasonably speculate that the GR Corolla TC could fall within the $80,000 to $95,000 range.
Prospective buyers should also note that acquiring a GR Corolla TC may require possessing a racing license, and there’s a possibility it may not even meet street-legal standards.
Final Thoughts
While hot hatches have never been my personal automotive preference—perhaps due to limited exposure beyond my experience with the 2017 and 2023 Civic—I find the prospect of spending an afternoon on the track with a GR Corolla TC intriguing. Regardless, I look forward to witnessing how the GR Corolla TC performs in the upcoming racing season!
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Source:www.autoblog.com