Not everybody can declare to be the champion of the fanatic driver, however Toyota is definitely in with a shout. The picture of unfailingly beige Camrys are effectively and really behind us – Toyotas at the moment are (largely) cool and enjoyable to drive, and even the Prius has been touched by the hand of Akio Toyoda. However the former CEO’s biggest legacy is undoubtedly the success of the Toyota Gazoo Racing banner.
The as soon as underperformer of endurance racing (anybody bear in mind Le Mans 2016?) is now a a number of champion and Le Mans winner, and its success extends to the World Rally Championship too, the place it has received 5 drivers’ titles on the bounce.
Distilling all that racing pedigree right into a industrial product was not the work of a second, however the GR street automotive lineup is now four-strong and contains rally-bred scorching hatches and purpose-built sports activities automobiles. Right here, the brand new GR Corolla joins two of its formidable siblings, the GR Supra and GR86, though sadly the GR Yaris couldn’t make it to the household reunion.
However regardless of, as a result of the GR Corolla takes all one of the best bits from the smaller three-door. Besides right here, its beating coronary heart been dialled as much as 11 – the 1.6 litre G16E-GTS turbocharged three-cylinder engine has been strengthened and fettled with a freer-breathing exhaust, so it now makes 300 PS and 370 Nm of torque.
Additionally shared with the GR Yaris is the GR-4 all-wheel-drive system, the torque cut up of which may be set both to 40:60, 50:50 or 30:70 entrance to rear at a twist of a dial on the centre console. Malaysians are lucky sufficient to obtain the Circuit Version as customary, which provides Torsen entrance and rear limited-slip differentials and a bulging bonnet with useful air vents.
All this implies the GR Corolla shares little along with your uncle’s Corolla sedan. It sits on the identical Toyota New International Structure (TNGA), sure, however makes use of the five-door Corolla hatch – unavailable in Malaysia – as a base. Toyota then added extra welding factors, structural adhesives and bracing to make the GR model tremendous stiff. It additionally swapped the digital parking brake with a mechanical handbrake; the automotive will even disconnect the rear axle so you’ll be able to pull these candy rally-style slides.
The GR86 might have been launched similtaneously the GR Corolla, however its lineage stretches again to 2012 with the unique 86 (a lot farther nonetheless if you happen to embrace the AE86 Corolla Levin/Sprinter Trueno of Preliminary D fame). Like its forebear, the GR86 was developed by Subaru alongside the BRZ and is a back-to-basics sports activities coupé with an engine on the entrance, drive on the rear and 4 seats within the center.
Whereas the essential system has been left effectively alone, the 2 firms have labored to revamp the anaemic 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated flat-four, now punched out to 2.4 litres in FA24D type and producing a wholesome 237 PS (up 29 PS) and 250 Nm (up 38 Nm). The physique shell has additionally been stiffened and lightened utilizing high-strength metal and aluminium physique panels, serving to to make this an much more partaking steer.
The GR Supra is the least modified right here, basically the identical automotive that was revealed again in 2019. As such, it’s a recognized amount by now – constructed by BMW, primarily based on the present Z4 and powered by Munich’s venerable 3.0 litre B58 turbo straight-six, producing 387 PS and 500 Nm. However this swoopy two-seater has not too long ago been refreshed with some eye-catching upgrades.
Firstly, the adaptive suspension has been retuned for a extra snug experience, whereas the electrical energy steering and anti-roll bar bushings have been tweaked to provide you extra suggestions by the rim. However in fact, the largest distinction is the addition of a six-speed guide gearbox for the primary time, Toyota (and BMW) lastly capitulating to the horde of fanatics clamouring for a row-your-own transmission.
Sadly, this specific Supra doesn’t get that – it nonetheless has the (admittedly good) ZF eight-speed computerized. Moderately extra heinously, this GR86 can be an auto, this time Aisin’s anodyne six-speed ‘field. No such points with the GR Corolla, which comes solely with a six-speed guide. It’s that or strolling.
Regardless of being 5 years outdated, the Supra nonetheless appears to be like recent, albeit much less purposeful than the opposite two with its showy curves and numerous faux vents. Against this, the GR86’s design is pure businesslike sports activities automotive, despite the fact that it’s been beefed up and modernised fairly a bit over its predecessor, with a extra aggressive entrance finish, muscly rear haunches and a svelte boot lid spoiler.
The GR Corolla, then again, is pure rally automotive theatre with its gaping air inlets, angular fender flares, solid carbon fibre roof (right here unencumbered by a foolish fake carbon wrap, in contrast to the GR Yaris) and massive rear diffuser with distinctive triple exhausts. The one design cue that ties all three of those automobiles collectively is the darkish gray multi-spoke alloy wheels that measure 19 inches in diameter on the Suptra and 18 inches on the GR Corolla and GR86.
Inside, these three couldn’t be any extra totally different. Cobbled collectively from BMW elements that at the moment are at the least two generations outdated, the Supra appears to be like and feels the least particular inside, despite the fact that it most likely has the highest quality out of all of them. The GR86 continues its no-nonsense aesthetic on the within, punctuated by daring purple trim, some recognisable Subaru switchgear and a brand-new seven-inch digital instrument cluster that mimics the form of the attribute boxer engine.
Being primarily based on a Corolla, the GR model is unmistakably Toyota on the within. However whereas the dashboard will probably be acquainted to those that have sat in a Corolla sedan or Corolla Cross, the new hatch has some notable distinctive options, reminiscent of a drive mode selector and a knob to decide on the GR-4 torque cut up. In fact, there’s additionally no lacking the chunky bucket seats, guide shifter, three pedals and, proper between the seats, a sizeable…handbrake lever (don’t chortle).
By advantage of it having 5 doorways and 5 seats, the GR Corolla is by far probably the most sensible automotive right here, despite the fact that its 213 litre boot is hardly commodious. The GR86 might seat 4, however the rear seats are tiny and its boot is severely compromised by having a spare tyre actually sitting within the center. The GR Supra is a strict two-seater, however with no spare tyre (typical BMW), its boot measures an inexpensive 290 litres.
As anticipated, none of those automobiles come low cost, however the GR86 comes closest to being inexpensive, despite the fact that costs have crept up through the years and now begin at RM295,000. The GR Corolla is up subsequent at RM355,000, whereas the GR Supra is significantly dearer, costing a heady RM645,000. All costs are for the guide variations (as you need to), however which might you purchase? Pontificate within the feedback after the bounce.
GALLERY: Toyota GR Corolla in Malaysia
GALLERY: Toyota GR86 in Malaysia
GALLERY: Toyota GR Supra in Malaysia
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