The GR Yarolla is a 90s hatchback that embodies the spirit of a GR Yaris | Carscoops

      A modest 90s Corolla conceals the heart of a contemporary rally car, boasting 300 hp, AWD, and a sleeper appearance that could surprise sports cars.

      Recently, JP Performance has combined an E110 Corolla body with the complete platform of a GR Yaris.

      This unique project features 300 hp, AWD, and GR technology, making it a genuine sleeper.

      Visual enhancements include flared fenders, aerodynamic components, and a modern rally-inspired interior.

      The E110 generation of the Toyota Corolla hatchback may have served as the foundation for a championship-winning WRC rally vehicle, but its road versions never really entered the hot hatch category.

      German tuner JP Performance GmbH has repurposed the iconic '90s Corolla design by integrating it with the engine and components of the modern Toyota GR Yaris, resulting in a distinct one-off that merges classic aesthetics with impressive performance.

      The unconventional reverse restomod process began by removing the original body of the Corolla, followed by the addition of a deeper bumper with a splitter, a rear wing, and wide fenders. Notably, the 2,461 mm (96.9 inches) wheelbase of the Corolla E110 is slightly shorter than the GR Yaris’s 2,560 mm (100.8 inches) wheelbase, while being considerably wider.

      As indicated by its rally-style dashboard and angular center console, the project utilizes the chassis, drivetrain, and interior from a refreshed GR Yaris. At its heart, it contains the standard hot hatch’s turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine, delivering 300 hp (224 kW / 305 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque straight from the factory. The power is directed to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission and Toyota’s rally-inspired GR-Four AWD system.

      Performance That Reflects The WRC Era

      This power output is comparable to the 2.0-liter engine used in the Toyota Corolla WRC driven by Carlos Sainz and Didier Auriol during the 1998 and 1999 seasons. In contrast, the most powerful version of the road-going E110 Corolla hatchback was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 109 hp (81 kW / 110 PS).

      Fortunately, the updated hatchback is built on the latest TNGA chassis, which is significantly stiffer than the original. Additionally, it features a GR-tuned suspension and larger brakes, which should enhance its handling and driving dynamics.

      JP Performance has shared videos on YouTube in German, but through automatic translation, we learned they have more updates planned for the “Yarolla.” The build will soon receive a new set of Compromotive alloy wheels and a KW V4 Clubsport suspension to lower its ride height. Moreover, the tuner intends to add an intercooler kit and a Milltek exhaust to the engine.

      Interestingly, JP Performance is pursuing a TÜV certificate for this model to classify it as a one-off custom vehicle. It remains uncertain whether they plan to sell it once completed, but it’s likely that many Toyota GR enthusiasts would be keen to own this remarkable hot hatch that fuses 1990s design with 2020s performance.

      One-Off Street Legal Status?

      One of the most ambitious goals of the project is JP Performance’s aim to secure TÜV certification, enabling the “Yarolla” to be legally registered and driven on the roads of Germany and Europe as a unique custom build. Whether they will sell it or add it to their collection is yet to be determined.

      What is clear is that fans of Toyota GR and hot hatch enthusiasts alike will be captivated by this blend of retro appeal and modern rally car performance. This creation makes us wish that Toyota had taken on this project themselves.