The GR Corolla is inspired by rally racing cars. (Toyota)
That’s the same horsepower per liter as the 1,500 horsepower, quad-turbocharged sixteen-cylinder in the $3 million Bugatti Chiron supercar produces.
The entry-level GR Corolla Core starts at $36,995, which makes it the most expensive Corolla, but a pretty good performance deal that comes with a lot more than its little engine that could.
The GR Corolla has sports seats and a leather steering wheel. (Toyota)
It allows you to choose the torque split between the front and rear wheels, with selections of 60/40, 50/50 and 30/70 available to deliver exactly the handling feel you’re looking for.
A set of Torsen limited slip differentials aimed at maximizing traction during high-speed cornering driving is available for $1,180 and a worthwhile option if you plan to take the GR Corolla to the track.
The Morizo Edition gets additional performance upgrades. (Toyota)
That is unless you opt for the special Morizo Edition, which removes the rear seats in the name of weight reduction, turning the GR Corolla into a two-passenger four-door. It also gets a 22 lb-ft torque boost and is equipped with several lightweight carbon fiber body panels plus an updated suspension and brakes for $51,420, for those who need their hot hatchbacks on fire.
The Circuit Edition features carbon fiber body panels. (Toyota)
They’re all capable of accelerating to 60 mph in about five seconds after just a tick of turbo lag when you slam the gas pedal. The pedals are perfectly placed for dancing between the gas, brake and clutch, while the shifter is right where your hand falls from the steering wheel and operates with bolt-action accuracy.
The GR Corolla's engine breathes through three exhausts. (Toyota)
The steering is quick and responsive enough that you might find yourself darting around if you sneeze hard enough. The GR Corolla does come with the latest Toyota Safety Sense package of electronic driver aids, however, which includes a lane-centering adaptive cruise control. There’s also a feature that can sense when the car has entered a curve and automatically slow down to an appropriate speed, accelerating out of it on the other side. This can be turned off, of course.
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I tried the car out on a gravel road to see how big of a difference the all-wheel-drive system adjustments make, and they are noticeable. Left in the default 60/40 setting, the car will understeer or push out of a turn under power, while 30/70 makes it very easy to swing the tail around.
The GR Corolla doesn’t have many direct competitors in the U.S., with the Subaru WRX and Volkswagen Golf R really the only ones, and its smaller and a rawer proposition than both. The Honda Civic Type-R might also be cross-shopped, but is only available with front-wheel-drive.
Regardless of how popular it turns out to be, the GR Corolla won’t be adding much to the Corolla’s record sales tally. There are only 6,600 available this year including 1,500 Circuits and 200 Morizos.
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It’s definitely not a run-of-the-mill Corolla, and I don’t think anyone who buys one wants it to be.
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2023 Toyota GR Corolla
Base price: $36,995
As tested: $40,159
Type: 5-passenger, 4-door all-wheel-drive hatchback.
Engine: Turbocharged 1.6-liter 3-cylinder
Power: 300 hp, 273 lb-ft torque
Transmission: 6-speed manual
MPG: 21 city/28 hwy
Gary Gastelu is Fox News Digital's automotive editor.