While the 2023 GR Corolla may have seemed like a consolation prize for North Americans who were denied the GR Yaris, it was good enough for Toyota to offer 500 examples to Japanese customers. And as a new batch is being prepared for the U.S., reports suggest that Japanese buyers will get a handful more for 2024. Last week, Toyota revealed that it would produce another 1,600 examples of the GR Corolla for North American buyers. However, the automaker did not reveal whether the car would return to its home market.
Now, another 550 will be allocated for
Japanese buyers, with an official announcement coming on July 14, and
production starting in September, Magazine X reports. All will be RZ trim
models, meaning that the track-focused, two-seater MORIZO edition will not
return, but some of its goodies may. The special edition car’s Ultrasuede
steering wheel and shift lever will be dealer options for 2024. Meanwhile,
Toyota has learned a few lessons over the course of the last year, and will
apply that knowledge in the new model.
Those modifications include more bolts and
anti-static tape to improve stability. It will also now make the upgraded brake
ducts factory options, not dealer options. In addition, wheel spacers, a rear
spoiler, a mechanical limited slip differential, and a reinforced metal clutch
are all available as GR parts. Along with the MORIZO trim, the Matte Gray paint
that was exclusive to it is also gone. However, Japanese buyers will be treated
to the new Blue Flame paint color. It is the only exterior color that can be
matched with a new black interior with blue stitching, and just 50 examples
will be available.
As with last year, Japanese buyers will
have to apply to win a lottery before they can buy the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla.
If they are selected as one of the lucky 550 customers, prices for the car will
start at 5,250,000 yen (US$ 36,384).
