While some may find the GR Corolla to be virtually perfect, Toyota has given the Toyota GR Corolla an update with “partial improvements” that mainly surround the handling aspect of the performance hatchback. Interestingly, these improvements are a result of the lessons learnt by Toyota from participating in the Super Taikyu series.
Essentially, the “partial improvements” and updates are:
- “Improved sense of directness in driving operations” by improving bolt fastening rigidity
- Improved Stability
- A new Cyan Metallic Colour limited to 50 units only with exclusive black & blue interior
Announced in Japan, 550 units of the updated GR Corolla will be made available for purchase, albeit via a lottery application system. The system is in effect due to the current semiconductor shortage (which is easing). Lottery applications will be accepted online from August 23 to September 11, 2023. Sales are scheduled to start in the fall of this year.
As for the driving improvements to the car, Toyota has essentially added rib shapes to the bolt flanges for the front suspension member and the steering gearbox. As for the rear suspension, bolts with wider heads have been utilized. According to Toyota “Response to steering operation and straight running stability have been improved, and the sense of unity with the car has evolved”.
RELATED: Toyota to increase production of GR Corolla – citing strong demand, protect buyers from high markups
To improve the GR Corolla’s stability, a very slight tweak has been made to the front bumper ducts which channel air to the wheel wells. According to Toyota it has “optimized the airflow in the wheelhouse and improved the steering stability”. This change is so visually subtle that you would barely notice it at first glance.
Overall, the partial improvements to the GR Corolla seem like something that can be done to existing GR Corolla units as well as the parts can be swapped out. No performance enhancements are listed for the “Partially improved” update so it still sports the same G16E-GTS 1.6-litre inline-3 turbocharged engine that makes 304 hp (metric) at 6,500 rpm and 370 Nm at 3,000-5,550 rpm. The 6-speed manual transmission is retained.
In Malaysia, the GR Corolla (not partially improved) was launched together with the manual Supra and the GR86 earlier in February this year. The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla fetches a price of RM355,000.
RELATED: 2023 Toyota GR Corolla launched in Malaysia, RM355k 6-speed manual hot hatch
GALLERY
