The Toyota GR Corolla is arguably the most anticipated hot hatch set to arrive in the USA, mainly because the market was snubbed for the highly acclaimed GR Yaris. Over the past few months, we have been handed a series of cheeky teasers relating to the new performance car, but there is still very little technical information available on it.
Key reports suggest that we can expect it to use the same 1.6-liter turbo three-cylinder found in the GR Yaris with the option of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. It has also been stated that a 300 horsepower output will be delivered to all four wheels. This drivetrain will benefit from the front, rear, and center Torsen limited-slip differential to aid the car is getting a bit sideways. But we now have an idea of when it might launch.
In a YouTube video by Driven District that has subsequently been removed from the video platform, we see a leaked dealer guide from a New York region dealer showing product planning for the year ahead. The leaked document states that the plan is for the car to hit the floor by as soon as October this year. On the flip side of this report is a sales plan that details the region is aiming for a sale figure of only 90 units.
Considering this information is sourced from a dealer report, it can be subject to change, depending on several factors, including the ongoing supply chain crisis which is affecting the stock of the semiconductor chips needed to put cars together.
A recent report also hinted that a rally-spec model would be included in the range. This special trim will be sold without the rear seat for those that want to get the hatch closer to the curb weight of the smaller GR Yaris. Very little information is available regarding the design but based on the obscure teasers that we have been handed, we can tell that it'll feature a series of performance-minded panels such as an aggressive bumper with additional air intakes.
The latest teaser issued by Toyota USA's Instagram account showed us a snippet of the rear which highlights a dark finish for the window surrounds, shark fin antenna, and rear bumper extension. Considering that the Corolla Hatchback is only available in a five-door configuration, we can assume that this hot hatch will stray away from the GR Yaris's three-door appearance.