Toyota Gazoo Racing has transformed an all-wheel drive compact sports car into a genuine racing car. Curtain up for the GR Corolla TC with all-wheel drive for motorsport.
Toyota is thus ensuring that the GR Corolla not only impresses on the road, but also dominates on the racetrack.
A revolution in racing
Actually, all-wheel drive is a rarity in racing. But that is changing with the GR Corolla TC by Toyota Gazoo Racing North America (TGRNA). The new version is based on the well-known road car and promises to conquer the race track thanks to innovative technology. Toyota has a “special agreement” with the SRO Motorsports Group America made for the TC America series responsible is.
Thanks to the collaboration, the GR Corolla TC will compete in a newly combined class from 2025, allowing more flexibility in terms of vehicle design. The basis is the 1,6-liter turbo engine with three cylinders, which is used in the street version. Together with a new 8-speed automatic transmission and the "GR-Four all-wheel drive“ the GR Corolla TC gets a performance that should convince.
But instead of the center differential, a special clutch pack ensures that the power is optimally distributed to the rear wheels. The result is a firm torque split between the front and rear axles, which was specifically homologated for racing.
Precision and control at the highest level
Although many components come from the series, TGRNA has made some important adjustments. For example, the Bosch management system for the engine and ABS, which is specially optimized for racing. Toyota engineers in Japan therefore worked closely with the TGRNA team to ensure that the engine, transmission and all-wheel drive harmonize with the Bosch systems.
The suspension geometry remains similar to that of the series, but the JRi damper are now fully adjustable and provide improved roadholding. The Alcon brakes also provide the necessary braking power to safely brake the GR Corolla TC even at high speeds. And the interior is dominated by a puristic design: an FIA-certified Roll cage, an OMP racing seat, a Bosch Digital Cluster and a special control panel from TGRNA for various vehicle functions can be seen.
And the steering wheel used in the GR Corolla TC is the same one used in Toyota's Supra GT4 It enables precise and direct feedback. In addition, the hot hatch has been equipped with new Aerodynamic components including a powerful rear wing that protrudes from the rear.
A look into the future of motorsport
Next year, the GR Corolla TC in the TC America series. The opponents range from front-wheel drive Honda Civic Type Rs to BMW M2 Rear-wheel drive. So the competition will be tough.
In order to keep the chances fair for everyone, the SRO will balance-of-performance system that ensures that no car has too much of an advantage. Although the price is unknown, it is expected to be more expensive than Toyota's GR86 Cup, which already costs a whopping $132.000. Photo credit / Source: Toyota