TOYOTA’S UPGRADED RANGE OF GAZOO Racing performance vehicles is now on sale in Australia, with improved performance, handling and styling for the GR Corolla and GR Yaris hatchbacks and the GR86 coupe.
Joining the recently announced upgrades for the flagship GR Supra coupe, the updated models build on the exciting GR formula that takes the learnings and experience of motorsport participation and applies them to high-performance road cars.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the upgraded GR range would expand the appeal of Toyota’s performance products to a wider audience and deliver on the style, driving dynamics and performance they demand.
“When the GR brand launched in Australia five years ago with the GR Supra, it gave Toyota the opportunity to use its extensive learnings from motorsport experience and create exciting road-going cars,” Mr Hanley said.
“Since then, the GR Yaris, second-generation GR86 and GR Corolla have expanded the appeal of the GAZOO Racing family, offering enthusiasts exhilarating performance and driving engagement that belies the price tag of the vehicle.”
Since its launch in March 2023, the GR Corolla has been available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, however it is now available to order with a new close-ratio eight-speed automatic transmission tuned for sports driving.
The GR Corolla is offered in a single, highly specified GTS variant priced from $67,990 plus on-road costs for the manual, while the new eight-speed automatic grade is priced from $70,490.
The eight-speed auto offers a wider spread of gear ratios than the manual.
With four drive modes, including Sport mode which has been developed on circuits across the world, it delivers ultra-responsive shift times and makes the most of the turbo-charged engine’s prodigious power and torque.
Manual shift mode, actuated through either steering wheel paddles or the shift lever, allows the driver to rapidly choose their own gear, while launch start control provides instant performance off the line.
To help retain stable transmission fluid temperatures, cooling fins have been added to parts of the transmission case which are susceptible to higher temperatures, ensuring the automatic transmission is able to repeatedly withstand hard use.
Automatic variants also benefit from the inclusion of adaptive cruise control and parking support brake with object and vehicle detection.
Along with the transmission upgrade, all new GR Corollas benefit from increased output for the dynamic and responsive 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, with peak torque increased from 370Nm to 400Nm from 3250-4600rpm. Peak power output remains at 221kW.
Power on all variants is channelled to all four wheels with a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system with a centre Torsen limited-slip differential providing three selectable front/rear torque splits.
The GR Corolla also gains new functional styling upgrades, with a wider front grille designed with openings to cool the brake ducts, sub radiator and automatic transmission fluid cooler, to enhance performance under high loads.
The outer edges of the front bumper channel air out of the grille through ducts which prevent airflow disturbance along the side of the vehicle, improving aerodynamic performance.
Various weight-saving measures including a new front suspension member and a carbon-fibre roof, which is now standard on the GR Corolla, result in a 13kg overall weight reduction.
Other new features include Active Noise Control to reduce unwanted engine noises, and an updated Toyota multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Pricing has also been announced for the upgraded GR Yaris hot hatch, which gains more power and torque and a redesigned interior and has delighted enthusiasts with its raucous performance and rally-inspired handling since its launch in 2020.
The upgraded manual GR Yaris is now on sale, with an eight-speed automatic transmission option set to arrive in Australian showrooms in mid-2025.
Available in either GT or top-spec GTS guise, the upgraded GR Yaris range opens from $55,490 plus on-road costs for the GT manual and $57,990 for the automatic. The flagship GTS is priced from $60,490 for the manual and $62,990 for the auto.
The GTS replaces the former flagship Rallye in the GR Yaris lineup, carrying over high-performance features including its lightweight forged 18-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport rubber, a Torsen limited-slip differential, high-performance suspension and the newly added sub radiator and intercooler spray button for high-performance driving.
Like its larger sibling, the new GR Yaris also turns up the wick with improved performance for the 1.6-litre turbo-charged three-cylinder engine, boosting overall output by 21kW/30Nm to match the GR Corolla’s 221kW/400Nm figure.
Extensive upgrades have been applied to the GR Yaris, with mechanical changes including a new ‘Gravel’ drive mode providing near-even front/rear torque distribution for optimal grip on slippery surfaces.
The GR Yaris also features a new, wider front integrated lower grille design providing enhanced cooling ability and improved aerodynamics.
Inside, the GR Yaris gains its largest visual upgrade with a motorsport-inspired cockpit design which wraps around the driver, tilting by 15 degrees to aid operability and reduce eye movement for the driver.
The driver’s hip point has been lowered by 25mm to provide better driving feedback, which has in turn liberated an extra 37.5mm of headroom, making it easier to drive with a helmet on.
The multimedia system has been upgraded with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for the 8.0-inch touchscreen display, while the driver benefits from a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Two USB-C ports have been added in place of the single USB-A outlet; one on the centre dashboard and one for the front passenger above the glovebox.
All GR Yaris variants gain the upgraded Toyota Safety Sense suite of active features which now includes front and rear parking sensors with rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitor, safe exit assist and tyre pressure warning.
A new Liquid Mercury metallic paint hue has been added to the GR Yaris’ five-colour palette, joining Glacier White, Frosted White (GTS only), Tarmac Black and Feverish Red.
Automatic variants will also exclusively be available with adaptive cruise control and front and rear parking support brake.
Toyota’s nimble and lightweight 174kW/250Nm 2.4-litre GR86 rear-drive coupe has also been upgraded and is now on sale for $43,240 plus on-roads for the entry-level GT and $45,390 for the highly specified GTS, for both the six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
A special Limited Edition grade is also now on sale for $49,600 and stands out from the rest of the GR86 range with its exclusive Forest Shadow exterior colour, bronze 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels and black and tan upholstery.
Based on the GTS with Dynamic Performance Pack, the Limited Edition enhances performance along with looks thanks to the fitment of ZF Sachs sports dampers and upgraded red Brembo brake calipers.
The entire GR86 range benefits from upgrades to driveability based on feedback from professional drivers, including retuned shock absorbers and electric power steering to improve handling response and feedback.
The GR86’s optional six-speed automatic transmission has been revised to allow for downshifts at higher rpm, while the 2.4-litre engine features a revised throttle map for greater response and linearity, and improved shock response by eliminating the engine’s ignition delay control.
GR Corolla pricing
| GTS manual | $67,990 |
| GTS automatic | $70,490 |
Options: Premium paint: $575
GR Yaris pricing
| GT manual | $55,490 |
| GT automatic | $57,990 |
| GTS manual | $60,490 |
| GTS automatic | $62,990 |
Options: Premium paint: $575
GR86 pricing
| GT | $43,240 |
| GTS | $45,390 |
| Limited Edition | $49,600 |
Options: Dynamic Performance Pack (GTS only): $2200
Premium paint: $575
All prices plus on road costs