Spy photographers recently snapped a mysterious GR Corolla prototype undergoing testing in Europe. While its front end was camouflaged, the only noticeable change was a lack of sensors. That wasn’t much to go on, but we assumed the vehicle was an early prototype for a facelift or a new special edition. The latter now appears likely as spy photographers have snapped a hotter hatch on the Nürburgring. While the changes don’t immediately jump out, the model appears to have a unique ventilated hood that is covered by camouflage. The disguise makes it hard to be certain, but there’s no mistaking the new vents located above the front fenders. They’re joined by larger side vents that feature two horizontal strips instead of the seven found on the regular model.
Speaking of the fenders, they appear wider
than usual and this suggests the production model could have an increased
track. Regardless, the prototype rides on lightweight wheels that are backed up
by a high-performance braking system with red calipers.
We can also see a black – possibly carbon
fiber – roof as well as a sizable rear wing. The latter is reminiscent of the
GR Corolla Circuit Edition, but spy photographers suggested it might be even
larger than the wing used on that car.
Little else is known about the model at
this point, but it’s been tentatively dubbed the GRMN Corolla. While only time
will tell what the prototype really is, the 2025 GR Corolla features an
upgraded turbocharged 1.6-liter engine developing 300 hp and 400 Nm of torque. That’s an increase of 30 Nm and the
three-cylinder can be paired to a new eight-speed automatic transmission as
well as the familiar six-speed manual.
