Keeping it as close to a showroom model as possible, some bits and pieces on the GR Corolla tackling the 2024 GR Cup season have been adapted or modified for safety regulations and track abuse. Here is a comprehensive list of what it takes to make the all-wheel drive hot hatch a fully-fledged race car.
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With the national calendar for the Toyota GR Cup kicking off in exactly a week at the Mother City’s Killarney circuit, here is a look at exactly what has changed from these race-ready models from a standard GR Corolla model you can find on the showroom floor. The current generation serves as the first to be imparted with Gazoo Racing’s expertise and while it is the undeniable pick of the crop for petrolheads, Toyota also offers the hatchback in more affordable trims like the XR, Hybrid XS and Hybrid XR priced under R577 600. These models make use of a four-cylinder in either 2.0-litre or 1.8-litre guise and deliver 126 kW and 203 N.m for the standard ICE derivative while the hybrids are both endowed with a total of 103 kW and 163 N.m. Down on power and torque, the hybrid is capable of 4.0 L/100 km while the 2.0 XR fares at 6.0 L/100 km. A key difference between the full-fat model and the aforementioned hatchbacks is that the GR Corolla employs an all-wheel-drive system motivated by a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder motor, one that will win in every comparative category save for fuel consumption.
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That is because the GR Corolla has been built from the offset as a hardcore version of its standard counterpart. In a nutshell, this means it receives lowered suspension, 120 mm ride height as opposed to 130 mm in the 2.0 XR and 150 mm in the Hybrids, upgraded brakes and suspension and a configurable all-wheel drive rotary dial. This means that the 6-speed manual with iMT (intelligent shifting) delivers power and torque to the GR Four all-wheel drive system in either Normal mode (60/40 split front to back), Track mode (50/50 split front to back) or Sport mode (30/70 split front to back). The battery has also been rerouted to the boot to free up space in the engine bay and help with weight distribution at the compromise of storage volume. With a completely different powertrain, capable of 221 kW and 370 N.m from factory, there are also noticeable changes to the exterior of the potent hot hatch. For starters, the GR Corolla, available in either Core or Circuit Edition, features revised front and rear bumpers and side skirts to seamlessly integrate into the widened fenders. This has the standard model dwarfing somewhat in dimension, with the GR Corolla measuring in at 4 407 mm in length, 1 851 mm in width and 1 479 mm in height while the standard version comes in at 4 375 mm in length, 1 790 mm in width and 1 460 mm in height. The wheelbase has remained unchanged at 2 640 mm but all of the mechanical components within the widened wheel arches are different. Larger discs and GR brake calipers help with stopping power while stiffer suspension promise a more precise driving experience.
Within the hierarchy of the GR Corolla products, buyers can opt for the Core and Circuit editions, priced between R849 400 and R911 400. So, what is the R62 000 difference between the two? Continuing with the exterior, the Core features matte black plastic bits on the front and rear end and omits the addition of a bulged bonnet and air scoops. The Circuit edition features an exposed forged carbon fibre roof and rear spoiler too but the most significant update is the inclusion of a front and rear limited-slip differential, which translates to more cornering agility and grip.
Related: Review: Toyota GR Corolla GR-Four Circuit – CPS 2024
The GR Corolla that will take to the GR Cup…
To compete under Motorsport South Africa regulations, six Circuit models were chosen to be converted into fully-fledged race cars courtesy of Zwartkops-based Fast Developments. The intake and exhaust have been upgraded which, according to an altitude-based dyno has resulted in an increase of 10 kW and 20 N.m. Coping with these upgrades are a Powerbrake big brake upgrade and Ferodo Track spec pads which are aided by brake venting while the stance has been further enhanced with lowering springs. To cope with the continual abuse on track and several race laps, the GR Corolla has also been fitted with a diff cooler. Apart from the black GR livery, not much has changed on the exterior but the model now sits on Dunlop Direzza semi-slick tyres which should last longer than a race weekend which comprises several practice sessions, a qualification round and the race.
Inside, the dashboard, driver’s display and infotainment system remain however the front row of seats has been replaced by a single OMP racing seat and a five-point safety harness. Moving further back, what was once a practical but fun five-door hatchback has had the rear seats, boot lining, insulation and trim stripped out in favour of a full bolt-in roll cage – safety first. While the scaffolding adds some kilos, it likely cancels out the removed furniture and further stiffens the chassis, optimal for track use.
Keen to keep the GR Cup cars as close to showroom specification as possible, the changes imparted by Toyota Gazoo Racing here is focused on driver safety and track endurance. The GR Cup will take to the track for the first time at the Extreme Festival Killarney Raceway on the 16th of March.