Toyota continues to flex its motorsport muscle with the introduction of the GR Corolla TC, a new race car based on the high-performance 300-horsepower GR Corolla hot hatch. Slotting neatly between the GR86 Cup and the Supra GT4 in Toyota’s competitive motorsports lineup, the GR Corolla TC is aimed at enthusiasts who crave race-ready performance with the versatility of a hot hatch.
Unveiled at an exclusive media event at Toyota’s GR Garage in Mooresville, North Carolina, the GR Corolla TC is set to compete in the TC America series. With its impressive upgrades, this car is ready to leave a mark on the track.
Toyota’s GR Corolla TC: A Race-Ready Contender
A Strategic Addition to Toyota’s Motorsports Lineup
Toyota’s involvement in motorsport stretches across multiple platforms, from their Formula 1 partnership with Haas, their participation in NASCAR, and their relentless efforts at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, to more grassroots racing such as the single-make GR Cup series for the GR86 sports car. The introduction of the GR Corolla TC is a calculated move, adding another dimension to Toyota’s motorsport prowess.
The GR Corolla TC will bridge the gap between the GR86 Cup car, which caters to grassroots racers, and the Supra GT4, designed for high-level competition. It aims to cater to those who want to participate in professional racing but with a vehicle that’s still grounded in its production roots.
Performance and Powertrain
The GR Corolla TC begins its life as a standard production GR Corolla, powered by the same 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and utilizing the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system. While the production version delivers 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque for the 2025 model year, Toyota has not yet released specific performance figures for the race-prepped GR Corolla TC.
However, given the car’s track-focused nature, it’s likely that the GR Corolla TC will remain closely aligned with its road-going counterpart in terms of power, while focusing more on handling and durability enhancements.
Key Upgrades for the Track
To ensure that the GR Corolla TC is capable of competing in the TC America series, Toyota has implemented several critical upgrades. These include:
- Braking System: The car receives six-piston front brakes and two-piston rear brakes from Alcon, offering greater stopping power.
- Suspension: Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division has equipped the TC with custom MacPherson struts and dual-adjustable shocks from JRi, delivering more precise handling on the track.
- Electronics: A Bosch Motorsports electronics system manages the drivetrain, ABS, and power distribution to ensure peak performance.
Inside the cabin, the race car is outfitted with an FIA-approved roll cage, an OMP fiberglass seat with a six-point harness, and an OMP electronically activated fire-extinguishing system for safety. The exterior has also been enhanced with a range of aerodynamic improvements, including a rear wing, a rear diffuser, and a front splitter, all designed to optimize airflow and downforce.
Ready for Competition in the TC America Series
The GR Corolla TC is being prepped for the 2025 TC America series, a newly combined competition that merges the TCX and TC classes into a single field. With these changes, the series promises an exciting and competitive environment for a variety of race-prepped vehicles, and the GR Corolla TC will be among the top contenders.
Additional specifications and pricing for the GR Corolla TC are expected to be announced soon, as Toyota gears up for its motorsport expansion.
Conclusion: Toyota’s Next Big Player on the Track
The unveiling of the GR Corolla TC is yet another demonstration of Toyota’s commitment to motorsports at all levels, from grassroots racing to international competitions. By slotting the GR Corolla TC between the GR86 Cup and Supra GT4, Toyota ensures that its motorsport fans have a wide array of options to get involved in professional racing.
With its robust upgrades and strong pedigree, the GR Corolla TC is set to carve out its place in the TC America series, continuing Toyota’s tradition of racing excellence. Racing enthusiasts should keep an eye out for more details on this thrilling new addition to the track.