The Upcoming Toyota GR Corolla May Not Sound as You Anticipate | Carscoops

      A new 2.0-liter turbo engine may signal the end of the GR Corolla's distinctive three-cylinder engine.

      Recent reports indicate that the next Toyota GR Corolla might abandon its three-cylinder configuration in favor of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that offers 33 percent more power. This same engine may also be used in future GR Celica and Supra models.

      The Toyota GR Corolla possesses numerous features that appeal to car enthusiasts, including its turbocharged three-cylinder engine. This engine has a displacement of just 1.6 liters, yet it produces an impressive 300 horsepower.

      According to new information, Toyota is planning to equip its next-generation hot hatch with an updated engine that would add a cylinder and increase power by 100 horsepower.

      The decision aligns with the news surrounding the brand's forthcoming four-cylinder turbo engine, which is expected to be utilized in various future models. While some models have been confirmed, the new Celica and Supra remain unannounced.

      At the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, Toyota revealed additional details about its performance direction. Alongside an exciting new Corolla concept, the brand introduced a lineup of new engines, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that seems like a logical fit for the next GR Corolla whenever it arrives.

      Motortrend reported that Takashi Uehara, Toyota’s powertrain chief, mentioned that the 2.0-liter engine could produce “up to roughly 400 horsepower” while providing greater refinement and lower production expenses compared to the current three-cylinder engine in the GR Corolla.

      He also recognized the difficulties linked with the three-cylinder engine, noting that engineers have had to implement special dampers and countermeasures to manage vibrations, which complicates and increases costs. In contrast, the new four-cylinder engine was designed to be compact and efficient without those compromises.

      All signs point to the likelihood of a transition to a more conventional four-cylinder engine. Being fundamentally a mainstream brand, Toyota's GR Corolla stands out precisely because it seems almost superfluous; if it hadn’t been produced, few would have protested.

      This situation raises questions about whether Toyota will produce another generation of the GR Corolla. Fortunately, indications suggest they will. Executives at the event reiterated their dedication to performance and internal combustion under the guidance of Akio Toyoda.

      Chief Technology Officer Hiroki Nakajima even stated that Toyota “should manufacture engines until the very end,” suggesting a commitment to maintaining engine production, even if it involves using carbon-neutral fuels.