Next-Gen Toyota GR Corolla Renderings Imagine a Sharper Hot Hatch

Toyota GR Corolla

The Toyota GR Corolla, a celebrated example of the dwindling breed of internal combustion hot hatches, offers a thrilling driving experience in an SUV-dominated market. With the automotive world increasingly focused on electrification, Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division continues to champion performance, suggesting a strong possibility of a second-generation GR Corolla.

While official information is scarce, digital artist Theottle has created renderings of what the next-generation GR Corolla might look like. These renderings, shared with us, are based on his previous designs for a four-door Corolla sedan and a standard hatchback, incorporating Toyota’s latest design language with sharper lines. Notably, the renderings omit the “hammerhead” headlights seen on some recent Toyota models.

Focusing on the GR Corolla rendering, the design retains the current model’s core philosophy, featuring more aggressive bumpers, enlarged air intakes, wider fenders, and new alloy wheels. Additional enhancements over the standard Corolla hatchback include extra hood vents and functional side gills.

Toyota GR Corolla
Image Credits: Theottle

At the rear, the design is refined with slimmer LED taillights, integrated bumper vents, and a more traditional dual-exit exhaust system, replacing the current model’s distinctive triple-tip setup. A prominent rear wing completes the sporty aesthetic, echoing its World Rally Championship inspiration.

The next-generation Corolla is expected to utilize an updated version of the current platform, with the greenhouse and hardpoints carried over. This approach aligns with Toyota’s strategy for recent models like the redesigned Camry sedan and is likely to be used for upcoming generations of the RAV4 SUV and Hilux pickup.

Toyota GR Corolla
Image Credits: Theottle

The powertrain remains a subject of speculation. Toyota could retain the existing turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine or opt for a new 2.0-liter turbo-four currently in development. This 2.0-liter engine is expected to power future Celica and MR2 revivals, potentially offering between 296 hp and 395 hp in road-going versions.

For comparison, the current GR Corolla’s turbo 1.6-liter three-cylinder produces 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, coupled with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Power is distributed to all four wheels via Toyota’s GR-Four AWD system.

Toyota GR Corolla
Image Credits: Theottle

The current 12th-generation Corolla debuted in 2018, with a 13th-generation model rumored for 2026. However, as the GR Corolla launched more recently in 2022, its update timeline is uncertain. It’s unclear whether Toyota will refresh it alongside the standard model or later to align with other performance models.

Toyota Corolla
Image Credits: Theottle

Spy photos from September 2024 showed lightly camouflaged GR Corolla prototypes undergoing testing in Europe. While these prototypes closely resembled the current model, they could be early test mules, or possibly even a more extreme GRMN variant.

Toyota Corolla
Image Credits: Theottle

While Toyota remains tight-lipped, Gazoo Racing’s recent history suggests that the next GR Corolla will be worth the wait.


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