Toyota has unveiled an all-new high-performance car, the 2026 GRMN Corolla, which is described as the pinnacle of GR Corolla performance.

The car builds on the GR Corolla to offer an even more track-focused hot hatch.

Canadians will be happy to know the GRMN Corolla is coming to North America, though Canadian market details such as price and availability date haven’t been provided.

The GRMN picks up numerous upgrades over the GR Corolla, including more carbon fibre, more engine torque, more aero enhancements, more of everything really, except weight.

The gearheads at Toyota and Toyota’s Gazoo Racing who created the GRMN worked to shed weight. The result is a car that is about 30 kilograms lighter than the car it’s based on, coming in with a curb weight of 1,460 kilograms.

One of the weight reduction methods was to strip out the rear seats, essentially turning this four-door car into a two-seater.

If that doesn’t sound practical, the intention of this car is not to be practical. The GRMN was built with a track focus.

Nürburgring and Super Taikyu knowledge

Toyota chair Akio Toyoda (nicknamed Morizo), who is considered the company’s master driver, said that “if it bears the GRMN name, it must be able to run the Nürburgring properly.”

Nürburgring refers to the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany, one of the most challenging tracks in the world.

The team behind the GRMN Corolla put the car through extensive testing at the track, where, Toyota said, flaws are exposed.

The team also utilized learnings from participation in Japan’s Super Taikyu endurance racing series.

The automaker said the Gazoo Racing team also pushed the car to its limits through various simulations.

Powertrain

The GRMN uses the same engine that powers the GR Corolla, but with a torque increase.

The three-cylnder turbocharged engine produces the same 300 hp as in the GR, while torque rises by 7 lb.-ft. to 302 lb.-ft.

Toyota said the increased torque arrives in the 4,000 to 6,000 rpm range, which is crucial for accelerating out of corners.

The car has the GR-Four all-wheel-drive drivetrain and is exclusively available with a six-speed manual transmission.

The car rides on 18-inch, 10-spoke, matte-bronze forged aluminum wheels wearing Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, which are grippier than the rubber on the GR.

Other enhancements

The car also picks up exclusive power steering and tuning, exclusive four-wheel-drive control tuning, a close-ratio transmission, sub-radiator and intercooler spray.

Exterior elements

The exterior of the GRMN Corolla picks up the following unique elements:

• Carbon-fibre engine hood
• Carbon-fibre front fenders
• Carbon-fibre front side spoilers
• Carbon-fibre rear wing (with angle adjustment mechanism)
• Wheels (matte bronze with GR logo)
• Dark Toyota emblem (front and rear)
• GRMN exclusive emblem (front and rear)
• Available in Zero Gravity and Gravel exterior body color

Interior updates

The interior of the car gets the following unique elements:

• GRMN semi-bucket seats
• GRMN-exclusive serial number plate
• Instrument panel with Morizo’s signature (with carbon ornamentation)
• Instrument panel and front pillar trim in brushed metal finish
• Flocked instrument panel and front pillars
• Two-seater exclusive
• Cast iron black paint

Toyota Canada said the car will go on sale here later this year. For updates, visit the Toyota Canada website.

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