Toyota GR Corolla Hot-Hatch Global Debut On April 1

Toyota has long been teasing a performance derivative of the new Corolla hatchback on sale in global markets. Now the carmaker has announced that the new GR Corolla will make its global debut on April 1. Over the past few months, the carmaker has teased its upcoming hot hatchback in a series of teasers even appearing as a camouflaged prototype hidden away in images and videos promoting its Corolla and GR models.

Going by previous teasers it reveals that the GR Corolla appears to be wider than the standard hatchback with the track also expected to be wider. It will also be getting sportier design elements such as new bumpers, prominent side skirts, a roof-mounted rear wing, front fender vents and dual exhausts. The teasers also reveal several GR badges around the car including on the tailgate, fenders and GR-Four (all-wheel drive) emblazoned on the side skirt.

A recent video showcasing the GR86 hinted at the GR Corolla debuting soon

The cosmetic changes though will not be as extreme as in the smaller GR Yaris over the standard Yaris hatch. The GR Yaris was purpose built as a homologation car to go rallying featuring a unique two-door body style.

Expect the cabin too to get sportier touches with a number of GR badged elements being incorporated.

While official engine details are still to be confirmed the new GR Corolla is said to use the same 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol mill as the GR Yaris. Reports suggest that Toyota hid away easter eggs in its previous teasers alluding to the detailing such as ‘G16' referring to the GR Yaris' engine code and the number 268 in reference to the GR Yaris' power output in its home market of Japan. Additionally, Toyota has been already using a race-spec version of the 1.6-litre powerplant in the Corolla in endurance racing.

As with the GR Yaris expect the GR Corolla too to feature a manual gearbox.