As we know, the Corolla is due for a fully-fledged Gazoo Racing hot hatch variant to follow-up the highly acclaimed GR Yaris. The Toyota Corolla Gazoo Racing project depicted in this video may boast some tech that will make its way to the production model but, the powertrain will not.
As reported by Toyota Times, the Toyota Corolla Gazoo Racing project shown here has been fitted with a hydrogen-powered engine. The Japanese brand’s performance division intends to race this car in a 24-hour endurance race next month.
Behind the wheel of this Toyota Corolla Gazoo Racing project is Hiroaki Ishiura. “It’s not as different [from normal gasoline-powered vehicles] as I had expected. It feels like a normal engine. [If I’m not told anything] I’d probably think that this is one normal engine,” he explains.
Being hydrogen, the engine still uses combustion principles, which is what gives it a unique engine note.
The car pictured in the video only gives us an impression of the rear design where we can see an intricate hatch-mounted spoiler, flared wheel arches housing a set of slick racing tyres and a unique central exhaust system.
A recent report from Japan regarding the road-going Toyota GR Corolla, hinted that the hot hatch would make use of a naturally aspirated 2,0-litre petrol engine mated to a hybrid system which would give it a total power output of 220 kW. Despite being slightly larger, Toyota Gazoo plans to slot this in as the entry-level performance offering beneath the GR Yaris. Although it’ll use a similar all-wheel drive system, the Corolla will be more road-biased where the Yaris was rally-inspired.
The report also noted that the upcoming GR Corolla would boast a wider track and flared wheel arches as depicted on the Toyota Corolla Gazoo Racing project in this video and that it will be made in hatchback and wagon guise. It is expected to be unveiled sometime next year.
