Toyota Turns Corolla into a Two-Seater Sports Car: New GRMN Version. Toyota has unveiled the GRMN Corolla—an extreme two-seater version of the legendary hatchback. The model features a lightweight body, revised suspension, and a powerful turbocharged engine, but will only be available in the USA, Australia, and Japan.
The GRMN Corolla is the most radical Toyota Corolla in the model's history. The Japanese manufacturer focused on maximum performance: the rear seats were removed from the cabin, leaving only two sport seats, and the car itself became about 40 kilograms lighter compared to the GR Corolla. This approach immediately marks the new car as one made for enthusiasts and the track.
The GRMN Corolla was developed not in a laboratory, but on real racetracks: Toyota engineers drew on their experience in Japan’s Super Taikyu series and testing at the legendary Nürburgring. This enabled precise suspension tuning, with special monotube shock absorbers and reinforced components designed for intensive use.
The GR-Four all-wheel drive system was upgraded: it now distributes torque between the axles more precisely, providing maximum grip or, on the contrary, allowing the driver to feel the pure mechanical control. The electric power steering has also been retuned for better feedback.
Under the hood is the familiar 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine from the GR Corolla, but now with increased torque up to 408 Nm while maintaining the same 300 hp. This should make acceleration even sharper, though official performance data has not yet been released.
The appearance of the GRMN Corolla leaves no doubt about the car's character: aggressive aerodynamic body kit, hood and fender air intakes, a massive adjustable spoiler, widened wheel arches, and gold wheels with wide Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. All these elements highlight its focus on the track and high speeds.
Inside, there are only two bucket seats with pronounced side support, a low seating position, and minimalism: unnecessary elements have been removed, but alcantara details and a sports steering wheel with a “12 o'clock” mark remain. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a race car rather than a typical city hatchback.
As noted by Toyota, the project was implemented under the supervision of Akio Toyoda (Morizo), who personally participates in races and oversees the development of the GR sports division. According to John Pappas, vice president of Toyota Australia, the GRMN Corolla embodies the GR philosophy: a car that feels equally confident on both the track and regular roads.
The price for the new model has not yet been announced, but it is expected to exceed that of the GR Corolla (from $40,000 in the US). However, there is bad news for European buyers: the GRMN Corolla will not officially be available either in Spain or in other European countries. The model will only be sold in Japan, the US, and Australia.
Interest in sporty versions of mass-market models remains consistently high: earlier we reported on why the diesel Volkswagen Tiguan TDI remains a practical choice for families who value comfort and efficiency, despite the general trend toward electrification — you can read more in the article on Tiguan TDI practicality.
The GRMN Corolla is an example of how even the most mainstream cars can receive unique versions for true enthusiasts. European fans can only watch the evolution of the GR lineup and hope for similar projects in the future.
