The GR Lineup Heats Up with New Direct Automatic Transmission Option on Toyota’s GR Corolla

>> Toyota GAZOO Racing Adds Direct Automatic Transmission to GR Corolla
>> New Premium Plus Grade Now Available
>> 2025 GR Corolla Provides More Engine Torque at 295 lb.-ft.
>> Launch Control Adopted to Help Enable Powerful Acceleration
>> Suspension Enhancements Add Stability When Cornering
>> Redesigned Front Bumper to Improve Cooling and Aerodynamics
>> Complimentary 1-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 1, 2024) – The GR Corolla has expanded the fun quotient. Now both hardcore enthusiasts who enjoy the thrill of a manual transmission and those who’d rather focus on the handling can enjoy the thrill of sports car driving with the new addition of the 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) with paddle shifters.

Shortly after the GR Corolla's 2022 reveal, Akio Toyoda (MORIZO) challenged his team to innovate further. This led to the first GR Corolla with the new DAT, emphasizing Toyota GAZOO Racing's commitment to better cars. Tested on rigorous tracks like Fuji International Speedway by rally and racing drivers, the GR Corolla's engine torque increased from 273 lb.-ft. to 295 lb.-ft. The suspension components and tuning were also enhanced, ensuring impressive performance.

Exterior changes include a redesigned front bumper for optional cooling components while maintaining aerodynamics. Inside, new dark sporty trim finishes and switches create a pleasing tactile feel. New GR Corolla models will arrive at Toyota dealerships this Winter, with additional details and pricing to be announced later this year.

GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission
The 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) offers quick shifting and optimal gear selection for sports car enthusiasts. Unlike the GR Supra and GR86, which rely on vehicle behavior for gear shifting, the DAT's software senses the driver's brake and accelerator inputs, anticipating optimal gear shifts and mimicking professional driving.

This allows drivers to focus more on acceleration, braking, and steering, enabling even non-professional drivers to drive faster on tracks. It opens up sports driving to a wider range of enthusiasts.

The Toyota GR team optimized the DAT's gear ratios and shift points using circuit and rally courses, similar to the 6MT, ensuring maximum engine power and torque delivery. The eight-speed transmission also enhances highway driving by optimizing RPMs at cruising speeds.

The GR Corolla features four drive modes: Sport, Normal, ECO, and Custom. The DAT is specifically tuned for the Sport mode, tested globally on race circuits to ensure thrilling performance and maximize driving potential.

High Power and Dynamic Traction
For 2025, all GR Corolla models feature the turbocharged G16E-GTS 1.6-liter 3-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. An automatic transmission fluid cooler is standard, with an optional sub-radiator for greater cooling on the Premium grade and standard on the new Premium Plus Grade.

Tested on the Fuji International Speedway, the GR team added rebound springs to enhance traction during hard cornering and improved the rear coils and stabilizers for better ground contact. The raised trailing arm mounting point reduces rear squat during acceleration, enhancing drive force response and stability.

The GR-FOUR All-Wheel-Drive system optimizes traction and control, allowing drivers to select Normal, Gravel, or Track AWD modes to adjust front/rear torque distribution. Front and rear Torsen® Limited-Slip Differentials are standard, improving cornering performance and grip. Launch control* is also introduced for DAT models for powerful acceleration off the line.

*Launch Control is not intended for use on public roads or for repeated short interval use. See Owner’s Manual for limitations.

Hot Hatch Good Looks
The 2025 GR Corolla features a redesigned front bumper for improved cooling and aerodynamic balance, accommodating a radiator, intercooler, brake ducts, and options for a sub-radiator and automatic transmission fluid cooler. Enhanced brake ducts and an air curtain construction improve airflow and handling stability, while the new sub-radiator option extends engine cooling performance.

The GR Corolla will be available in three grades: Core, Premium, and the new Premium Plus. It’s built on the TNGA-C platform with a low center of gravity, featuring 18-inch wheels and Michelin® Pilot Sport® 4 tires. The Premium Plus grade includes a carbon fiber roof, vented bulge hood, and matte black wheels.

Exterior color options are Black, Ice Cap, Heavy Metal**, and Supersonic Red.

**Premium Paint Color

Impressive Connected Technology
The GR Corolla features an eight-inch digital gauge cluster behind the steering wheel and an eight-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen in the center. The system supports sight, touch, and voice commands through Intelligent Assistant, allowing you to control navigation, audio, and climate functions with simple phrases like “Hey Toyota.”

Drive Connect provides cloud-based navigation with real-time updates, Google POI data, and supports wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. It also offers dual Bluetooth® connectivity and, with a Wi-Fi Connect subscription, turns the vehicle into an AT&T Hotspot* for up to five devices. Integrated Streaming links Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle.

Additional Connected Services include a Safety Connect*** trial with Emergency Assistance, Roadside Assistance, Collision Notification, and Stolen Vehicle Locator, and a Service Connect* trial with Vehicle Health Reports and Maintenance Alerts. All grades come with a 1-year Remote Connect*** trial for remote door unlock, vehicle status notifications, guest driver monitoring, and remote start on DAT models.

***4G Network-dependent.

Safety & Tech
The GR Corolla comes with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) standard. This safety suite includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Warns you of potential collisions and can automatically apply the brakes if needed.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Keeps a set distance from the car ahead on the highway and adjusts speed as needed.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Alerts you if you drift out of your lane and can gently steer you back in.
- Lane Tracing Assist: Helps keep your car centered in its lane when cruise control is active.
- Road Sign Assist: Recognizes road signs like speed limits and displays them on the dashboard.
- Automatic High Beams: Automatically switches between high and low beams based on oncoming traffic and vehicle lights.

For more details, visit [Toyota.com/safety-sense](http://Toyota.com/safety-sense).

Three Grades Ready for the Road
The 2025 GR Corolla is available in three grades:

Core Grade includes:
- GR logoed fabric sport seats
- Functional aero vents
- 18-inch cast alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires
- Sports-tuned suspension
- Aggressive front and rear bumpers
- Brake cooling ducts
- Active noise and sound control
- GR-FOUR stamped side rockers and wide-fender flares
- Front and rear Torsen® Limited Slip Differentials
- Available in Ice Cap, Black, and Supersonic Red

Premium Grade adds to the Core features:
- GR logoed Brin Naub® suede-trimmed seats with gray stitching
- JBL® Premium Audio with 8 speakers
- Qi-compatible wireless charger
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Heated steering wheel and front seats
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Gloss-black front grille and rear bumper lower cover
- Available in Ice Cap, Heavy Metal*, Black, and Supersonic Red

Premium Plus Grade includes all Premium features plus:
- Forged carbon fiber roof
- Bulge hood with functional gloss black air vents
- Sub-radiator
- Matte black wheels
- Head-Up Display
- GR logoed Brin Naub suede-trimmed seats with red stitching

Complimentary 1-year NASA Membership: Includes one free High Performance Driving Event (HPDE) and discounts on NASA events. Membership and HPDE expire one year from purchase.

Warranty and ToyotaCare:
- 36-month/36,000-mile basic warranty
- 60-month powertrain warranty
- Corrosion warranty with no mileage limit
- ToyotaCare covers factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles

SOURCE: TOYOTA NEWSROOM

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