The model would likely bear the GR moniker. That’d
be one peg lower than the top GRMN label that’s only been applied to the
smaller Yaris to date. It could have even more power, though, if it’s to go up
against the likes of the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the new Hyundai i30 N and the
next Ford Focus ST.
Corolla GR (or Auris GR) would
likely reach the Australian market in around three years, but other markets
might get it even sooner. It could adopt a version of its aforementioned baby
brother’s engine, or another power plant entirely. Either way, you could expect
a stiffened suspension, beefier brakes and enhanced aero to also form part of
the package.
For our part, we can’t help but wonder if an even
hotter GRMN version will follow. With 300 horsepower or so, it’d be just what
Toyota might need to take on the Honda Civic Type R. But we’re getting ahead of
ourselves here. Like, several car-lengths ahead. For now, we’d be happy to see
an Auris/Corolla GR hit the scene, with the full weight of Toyota’s resources
behind it.
After all, it’s been more than a decade since we’ve seen the
automaker compete in the compact hot hatch segment with the 189 HP Corolla
T-Sport, which was produced between 2002-2005, and its supercharged 215 HP TTE
limited edition that was made in 2006 and 2007.
