Toyota GR Corolla Morizo Debuts With More Power, Lesser Weight

Toyota has wasted little time in rolling out yet another limited-run variant of the GR Corolla. While the hot hatch debuted earlier in April with a limited run Circuit Edition, the Japanese carmaker has now revealed an even more track-focused Morizo edition. Compared to the debut variants, the GR Corolla Morizo is a stripped-down, more powerful version of the hot hatchback with the Morizo name coming from Toyota's CEO Akio Toyoda who uses the name Morizo when racing. At first glance, the Morizo looks similar to the Circuit Edition that was revealed earlier in the year just minus the prominent rear spoiler. There are however quite a few notable changes inside the cabin and under the skin.

The Morizo Edition gets tweaks to the suspension, gearing, differentials and engine to enhance performance on the track.

Under that 5 door bodyshell is a two-seater hot hatchback with the rear seat deleted in the interest of saving weight. Further weight reduction measures include no provision for speakers or window winding mechanisms on the rear doors while even the rear wiper and washer have been deleted. Also like on the Circuit Edition the Morizo gets a forged carbon fibre roof. The limited-run edition also rides on wider Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres wrapped around new 18-inch forged wheels.

While still a 5-door hatchback, the Morizo Edition lacks a rear seat to save weight.

The Morizo Edition gets its own unique suspension tune with new monotube shock absorbers along with additional floor braces and a rear strut brace to enhance rigidity. The gearing too is unique to the GR Corolla Morizo with closer spaced ratios and shorter differentials gears to help boost acceleration. The engine itself is still the familiar turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine from the standard GR Corolla though torque has been bumped up to 400 Nm from 370 Nm. Power is sent to all-four wheels via Toyota's GR-Four all-wheel-drive system with drivers able to adjust the power split 30-70, 50-50, and 60-40 front-to-rear.

Up front, it gets all the usual trimmings from the regular GR Corolla

Stopping power comes from ventilated discs at all four corners with 4 piston callipers up front and 2 piston callipers at the rear.

Toyota has said that it will only be making 200 GR Corolla Morizo Editions.