Toyota set to unveil GR Corolla

A major manufacturer will unveil a turbocharged weapon this week, giving enthusiasts an alternative to established hot-rods.

Toyota will unveil its new GR Corolla hot hatch on Friday afternoon, ending months of speculation surrounding the brand’s performance range.

The manufacturer is expected to confirm that the five-door Corolla hatch will be offered with the same engine as the GR Yaris performance car, a 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo motor that delivers 200kW and 370Nm in Toyota’s baby performance car.

Toyota has long-hinted at a hot Corolla, even going racing with the latest model.

It could be tuned to have less – or even more – power in the bigger Corolla.

Toyota’s rally-inspired “GR-Four” all-wheel-drive system is also part of the deal, which is excellent news for fast-car fans lamenting the loss of Subaru’s WRX STI and the Ford Focus RS.

The set-up is a cracker.

The Toyota Yaris GR is expected to donate its hardware to the cause.

It allows drivers to choose between a front, neutral or rear-wheel-drive bias, and electronically releases drive to the back axle when you apply the handbrake, enabling the Yaris to change direction with remarkable speed in motorsport events.

The larger, more practical Corolla should be a hit with performance car fans who need the versatility of an easily-accessed back seat.

Toyota recently finished a YouTube video with the three-cylinder sound – and rear lights – of the GR Corolla.

It might not be much more expensive than the little Yaris, as the compact machine is built with a bespoke body shell and carbon fibre roof that might not feature in the five-door.

The Yaris is also exclusively available with a six-speed manual transmission, but the Corolla has been linked to a new eight-speed auto.

Toyota’s GR Corolla will feature all-wheel drive.

That versatility could help the GR Corolla to record sales in North America, where it will join the Supra and GR 86 coupes in the three-strong performance car line-up.

The manufacturer recently teased American fans with a promotional video for the new GR 86 that featured dimly-lit cameos by the new GR Corolla.

A camouflaged GR Corolla appeared in the background of Toyota USA’s GR 86 video.

Marketing staff shown in the “focus group” ad for Toyota’s performance cars said the Supra and GR 86 should be joined by an additional model in future commercials, as “you do need three cars to do this flying V situation”.

The Corolla will join the new GR 86 and Supra in Toyota showrooms.