Toyota has a status for being a bit boring, however the firm is attempting to alter that by embracing a sportier and extra thrilling lineup.

We’ve already seen the fruits of their labor because the GR86 is an excellent driver’s automotive, whereas the GR Supra can tear issues up on the monitor.

Nevertheless, they’re simply getting began because the 2023 GR Corolla goals to mix thrills with 5 doorways. After one lap on the Eagles Canyon Raceway, it seems the corporate has succeeded.

Additionally Learn: 2023 Toyota GR Corolla Rocks The Rally Boat With 300 HP, AWD, And A 6-Velocity Handbook

We’ll have to attend a bit longer to get behind the wheel ourselves, however the automotive was undeniably spectacular within the arms of an expert racing driver. Whereas they will make just about something look good, the GR Corolla appeared unflappable throughout our temporary experience alongside.

Due to all-wheel drive and a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine creating 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque, the hatch has loads of energy and the traction to take advantage of out of it. On the subject of all-wheel drive, the GR-4 system is adjustable and provides entrance/rear energy splits of 60:40, 50:50, and 30:70. This implies the automotive will be entrance biased, impartial, or rear biased on the twist of a knob.

Whereas that’s a trick occasion characteristic, the all-wheel drive system has different advantages in addition to it helped the hatch to remain remarkably composed even after hopping the curb and heading for the grass. Moreover, the GR-4 system supplies loads of grip and it’s aided by Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires which are wrapped in 18-inch gloss-black wheels.

The latter are backed up by a beefy braking system that options four-piston calipers and 14-inch (356 mm) discs up entrance in addition to 11.7-inch discs (297 mm) and two-piston calipers out again. These are an enormous improve over the usual mannequin’s discs that measure 11.5 inches (292 mm) entrance and 10.5 inches (267 mm) rear. Thus, the GR Corolla has spectacular stopping energy in addition to sufficient endurance to deal with repeated laps. Nevertheless, with dozens of journalists longing for a experience, Toyota needed to escape the leaf blowers to chill issues off between runs.

We’ll have much more to say concerning the GR Corolla sooner or later, however the automotive appears to have a agency however snug experience. It’s additionally price noting that after a day of driving Supras and Lexus LCs, I used to be relieved to seek out the GR Corolla provides loads of headroom even when sporting a helmet. The game seats additionally present supportive bolstering, whereas the three-cylinder engine and triple exhaust have a sporting notice that sounds higher than anticipated.

Image credit: Michael Gauthier for CarScoops