It hasn’t even arrived and already the hotly-anticipated 2023 Toyota GR Corolla is getting a special-edition trim, while one that’s a little less so is in the works for its coupe sibling.
Named in honour of Toyota president and Gazoo Racing division “master driver” Akio Toyoda, the GR Corolla Morizo Edition is described as a track-oriented version of the hot hatch and ditches its rear seats in the name of weight savings. Peak torque has also been cranked up to 295 lb-ft and hits from 3,250 to 4,600 rpm (the engine makes 273 lb-ft from 3,000 to 5,500 rpm otherwise), while unique transmission and differential ratios are intended to improve responsiveness.
Other upgrades include unique suspension tuning, a pair of rear strut braces, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. It also uses the same carbon-fibre roof panel as the GR Corolla Circuit Edition, but engineers managed to cut another 50 kg (110 lb) or so compared to that version by removing the back seats, the rear power window assemblies and speakers, and the rear wiper and motor. The forged wheels it rides on are also supposed to be lighter, although Toyota didn’t reveal how much weight the 18-inch alloys save.
In spite of the twin braces that span the back half of the interior, Toyota says there’s enough room to fit a set of four tires inside — a key tenet of the Toyota GR86 (née Scion FR-S). Red and black suede seats, steering wheel, shift knob and boot, and e-brake handle round out the interior changes, while unique front brake ducts and matte grey paint set off the exterior styling.
Toyota says production of the 2023 GR Corolla Morizo Edition will be limited to 200 units globally. Subsequent production plans weren’t announced, though the automaker hinted that more could be in the works beyond next year. Pricing and availability for all GR Corolla models will be announced in the coming months.
GR86 Special Edition Coming, Too
Though the fanfare is likely to be far more subdued, the 2023 Toyota GR86 Special Edition — yes, that’s what it’s called — was also announced by the brand in a day packed with Toyota news and announcements. Limited to just 20 units Canada-wide, the coupe comes finished in a bold orange paint with black hash marks on the C-pillars, while the trunk’s duckbill spoiler is black, as are the 18-inch forged alloy wheels.
Most important of all is the Gazoo Racing cat-back exhaust system finished with black chrome tips. Toyota doesn’t mention whether the system improves output from the 2.4L engine under the hood, but it does claim it sounds better — unsurprising, but nonetheless newsworthy.
Pricing for the 2023 GR86 Special Edition has not yet been announced. For reference, the 2022 GR86 Premium — the trim that it’s built on — is $34,490 before freight and tax. Adding the available automatic transmission bumps that to $36,890.
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