Previous confirmation rumor, Toyota has announced that Corolla GR car will get an automatic transmission for the 2025 model year. The hot hatchback also gets mechanical updates that unlock more torque, suspension upgrades, and a new top trim level.
While the turbo-three continues to come with a standard six-speed transmission, buyers who don’t want to shift gears themselves can order an eight-speed automatic that incorporates what sounds like some pretty advanced technology. Toyota notes that this isn’t the same transmission as the one they put in GR Supra car and in GR86and the software that operates it analyzes the pedal input signals to decide when to shift up or down.
Regardless of the number of pedals, power comes from a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine rated at 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Horsepower remains the same as the 2024 model, but torque is up from 273—an increase that gives the 2025 model Corolla GR suitable for Morizo Edition modelToyota also added front and rear rebound springs to control inside wheel lift, tweaked the rear suspension to improve cornering handling, and raised the rear trailing arm mounting point to reduce rearward squat under hard acceleration.
Every 2025 GR Corolla, regardless of trim or transmission, comes standard with front and rear limited-slip differentials. For 2024, the limited-slip differential is included in the optional Performance Package on the base model and is standard on the Premium and Circuit version model.
Visual changes are also part of the 2025 update, and they’re not just for owners to show the world they have the latest model. Toyota has redesigned the front bumper to improve cooling; it needs to consider the radiator, intercooler, brake New auxiliary radiators and ducts are available for 2025, and a transmission fluid cooler is standard when buyers opt for the eight-speed automatic transmission.
Buyers will have three trim levels to choose from called Core, Premium and Premium Plus. New for 2025, the Premium Plus model sits at the top of the range and includes some of the features previously found on the Limited Edition models. Notably, it comes standard with carbon fiber roof panels, functional vented bonnet and bulges from the Morizo Edition, and flat-bottomed wheels finished in black.
2025 Toyota GR Corolla will hit showrooms in late 2024. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date, and every purchase will include a complimentary one-year membership to the National Sportscar Association and a complimentary one-day performance driving event.
