Extra-Hardcore 2026 Toyota GR Corolla Boosts Torque and Removes Rear Seats

Extra-Hardcore 2026 Toyota GR Corolla Boosts Torque and Removes Rear Seats

      Toyota

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      Toyota shared three small announcements from the Grand Prix of Long Beach that caught our attention. The 2026 GR86 will be available in yellow, a Final Edition version of the Supra has been confirmed for the U.S. market, and most notably, a new variant of the GR Corolla is on the way. While details are limited, there are grounds for some educated speculation.

      In a press release ahead of the Formula Drift event at Long Beach, Toyota released images of a camouflaged GR Corolla featuring new venting and interesting aerodynamics, alongside a large new spoiler, corroborating some spy shots we've seen from track testing. Currently, Toyota states that the car is, "Born on the track, this vehicle is expected to have improved aerodynamic performance, a bump in torque, and unique tuning."

      The car is being labeled as a “development vehicle” still undergoing tuning "to prepare for Akio Toyoda’s final test drive." However, sharp-eyed fans in a GR Corolla Facebook group who attended the reveal captured some images revealing two additional details: it appears to lack a back seat, and I’m fairly certain there's a GRMN badge hidden under the camouflage.

      Toyota

      It's worth noting that the Pilot Sport Cup tires are not typically found on a standard GR Corolla. Toyota has consistently enhanced the G’rolla since its launch, even introducing an automatic transmission that reportedly performs well. It seems we're witnessing a more advanced version of the hardcore Morizo Edition, potentially representing the last extreme variant before there are significant changes to the car’s design or its discontinuation.

      GR stands for Gazoo Racing, Toyota's performance brand. In contrast, GRMN denotes the most extreme variants—models that haven't yet appeared in the U.S. market. The added letters stand for “Meister of Nürburgring,” indicating that it will be the most rigid and aggressive iteration of the respective car that Toyota produces. The GRMN Yaris serves as an example of such a vehicle.

      Expect lightweight construction, minimal sound insulation, maximum grip, and precise input tuning prioritizing performance over comfort. Remarkably, Toyota seems to believe there's still additional torque to be extracted from the already potent 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, which currently delivers 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque—a remarkable output for its size.

      The U.S. Final Edition Supra is shown on the left, compared to the more exciting international version.

      The Supra mentioned earlier represents the coupe’s final offering for U.S. customers, although it’s not as thrilling as the version available in Europe and Japan. The international “A90 Final Edition” boasts an upgraded version of BMW’s B58 inline-six, producing 429 hp, which is a significant increase from the standard 382 hp. It also features enhanced aerodynamics, including a swan neck rear wing, canards, and a hood vent absent on the U.S. model.

      We contacted Toyota to inquire about these discrepancies, and a representative provided the following statement: “Vehicle introduction plans by country are determined after considering various factors such as customer requests, road conditions, and regulations in each country. After assessing various global considerations, it was decided that the A90 Final Edition will be available only in Japan and Europe.”

      Toyota GR86 Yuzu Edition.

      The yellow GR86 is dubbed the Yuzu Edition and includes new dampers and brakes along with the unique color. It appears to have similar specifications to the Subaru BRZ tS, making it an appealing option for those seeking a Toyobaru with a bit more edge without the need for modifications or aftermarket components.

      Have you seen any privately tuned GR Corollas that you prefer? Feel free to reach us at [email protected].

      Updated 11:55 a.m. Eastern: Added Toyota’s statement regarding the reasons behind the differences between the U.S. MkV Final Edition Supra and the overseas A90 Final Edition Supra.

Extra-Hardcore 2026 Toyota GR Corolla Boosts Torque and Removes Rear Seats Extra-Hardcore 2026 Toyota GR Corolla Boosts Torque and Removes Rear Seats Extra-Hardcore 2026 Toyota GR Corolla Boosts Torque and Removes Rear Seats Extra-Hardcore 2026 Toyota GR Corolla Boosts Torque and Removes Rear Seats Extra-Hardcore 2026 Toyota GR Corolla Boosts Torque and Removes Rear Seats Extra-Hardcore 2026 Toyota GR Corolla Boosts Torque and Removes Rear Seats Extra-Hardcore 2026 Toyota GR Corolla Boosts Torque and Removes Rear Seats Extra-Hardcore 2026 Toyota GR Corolla Boosts Torque and Removes Rear Seats Extra-Hardcore 2026 Toyota GR Corolla Boosts Torque and Removes Rear Seats

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Extra-Hardcore 2026 Toyota GR Corolla Boosts Torque and Removes Rear Seats

This "development vehicle" resembles the long-awaited GRMN variant that was spotted testing at the Nurburgring, and appears even more aggressive than the limited Morizo Edition.