Toyota continues to ignite the passion of driving enthusiasts with the unveiling of the Gr Corolla Morizo Edition, a track-honed iteration of the already exhilarating GR Corolla hot hatch. Building upon the foundation of the Core and Circuit Editions, the MORIZO Edition amplifies performance through strategic enhancements focused on power, weight reduction, and razor-sharp handling. This limited-production model, named after Toyota’s President and Master Driver Akio “Morizo” Toyoda, is a testament to Toyota Gazoo Racing’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive performance and delivering driving thrills directly from the racetrack to the streets.
The GR Corolla MORIZO Edition isn’t just a trim level; it’s a statement. It’s a machine meticulously crafted for drivers who crave the visceral connection of track driving and demand the utmost from their vehicles. Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) engineers have meticulously dissected the GR Corolla, applying their motorsport expertise to forge a vehicle that embodies the spirit of competition. Let’s delve into the specifics that make the GR Corolla MORIZO Edition a standout in the hot hatch arena.
Enhanced Power and Torque for Track Domination
While maintaining the impressive 300 horsepower figure shared with its GR Corolla siblings, the MORIZO Edition distinguishes itself with a significant torque boost. TGR engineers have expertly tuned the 1.6-liter G16E-GTS turbocharged three-cylinder engine to unleash a formidable 295 lb.-ft. of torque, a notable increase from the 273 lb.-ft. found in the Core and Circuit Editions. This surge in torque is strategically delivered in the mid-to-high RPM range (3250-4600RPM), translating to exhilarating acceleration and responsiveness precisely where track drivers need it most.
Complementing this enhanced power delivery is an exclusive close-ratio intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT). This transmission, coupled with shorter differential gears, ensures that the GR Corolla MORIZO Edition capitalizes on its torque advantage, providing relentless acceleration throughout the power band and optimizing performance for spirited driving and track environments.
Weight Reduction: Stripped Down for Speed
In the pursuit of ultimate track performance, shedding weight is paramount. The GR Corolla MORIZO Edition undergoes a significant diet, tipping the scales at approximately 100 pounds lighter than the GR Corolla Circuit Edition. This impressive weight reduction is achieved through a series of strategic measures, each contributing to enhanced agility and responsiveness.
The most prominent weight-saving measure is the transformation into a focused two-seater, with the removal of the rear seats. Further contributing to the lightweight ethos is the adoption of a forged carbon fiber roof, a feature shared with the Circuit Edition, and the incorporation of lightweight forged wheels. No detail was overlooked in the quest for mass reduction; even the rear door speakers, rear window regulator, and rear wiper blade and motor have been eliminated to shave every possible ounce. This meticulous attention to weight reduction amplifies the GR Corolla MORIZO Edition’s responsiveness and handling prowess.
Precision Handling: Track-Tuned for Corner Carving
The GR Corolla MORIZO Edition is engineered to excel in the corners. To achieve this, TGR engineers have equipped it with wider, high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. These track-focused tires, mounted on 18-inch forged alloy wheels with an exclusive matte black finish and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing logo, provide exceptional grip and control.
Complementing the upgraded tires is a meticulously tuned suspension system featuring red-painted monotube shock absorbers. This unique suspension calibration, specific to the MORIZO Edition, delivers a heightened sense of precision and responsiveness, perfectly suited for the demands of track driving and spirited road carving.
To further enhance handling and rigidity, the GR Corolla MORIZO Edition boasts a strengthened chassis. Two additional floor braces and one extra rear strut brace have been integrated, along with an increase of 349 spot welds and over six meters of structural adhesive compared to the standard Corolla hatch frame. These enhancements result in a significantly stiffer chassis, providing a more direct and communicative connection between driver and machine, crucial for confident track performance. The GR-Four All-Wheel Drive system, with its customizable front-to-rear power settings (30-70, 50-50, and 60-40), remains a cornerstone of the MORIZO Edition’s handling prowess, allowing drivers to fine-tune the car’s behavior to match their preferences and driving conditions. Standard dual limited-slip differentials further optimize traction and cornering grip.
Interior and Exterior: Functional and Race-Inspired
The interior of the GR Corolla MORIZO Edition reflects its track-focused nature with exclusive red and black Ultrasuede and leather sport seating. These high-bolstered seats, complete with harness holes, provide exceptional support during aggressive driving. An Ultrasuede-wrapped steering wheel with a red sightline, shift knob, boot, and parking brake lever further enhance the sporty ambiance.
The removal of the rear seats makes way for two rear braces that span the cabin, providing structural support and emphasizing the car’s track intent. Despite its stripped-down nature, the MORIZO Edition retains the same 12.3-inch digital Multi-Information Display (MID) as other GR Corolla models, along with Toyota’s advanced Multi-Media System and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0).
Externally, the MORIZO Edition distinguishes itself with functional front brake ducts, exclusive to this model. It shares the forged carbon fiber roof, vented bulge hood, and GR-Four stamped side rockers with the Circuit Edition, along with aerodynamic elements such as a flat underfloor and rear lip spoiler. The MORIZO Edition will be available in Windchill Pearl and an exclusive new matte finished Gray, further setting it apart. Production will take place at the GR Factory in Toyota’s Motomachi Plant, with only 200 numbered units slated for the US market in its launch year, emphasizing its exclusivity and collectability.
The Heart of a Champion: G16E-GTS Engine and GR-FOUR AWD
At the core of the GR Corolla MORIZO Edition lies the revolutionary G16E-GTS turbocharged three-cylinder engine. This compact and lightweight powerhouse, displacing 1,618 cubic centimeters, delivers a potent 300 horsepower and the aforementioned 295 lb.-ft. of torque. Motorsport-derived technologies, including multi-oil jet piston cooling, large-diameter exhaust valves, and a part-machined intake port, ensure peak performance and durability. Toyota’s D-4S direct and port fuel injection system optimizes fuel dispersion and efficiency.
The GR-FOUR All-Wheel Drive system, born from Toyota’s rally racing heritage, provides exceptional traction and control. Developed in collaboration with the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team, this system allows drivers to adjust the front-rear torque distribution, tailoring the car’s handling characteristics to various driving scenarios, from daily driving to aggressive track sessions. The inclusion of front and rear Torsen Limited-Slip Differentials (LSD) further enhances cornering prowess and grip.
GR Factory Precision: Built for Performance
The GR Corolla MORIZO Edition, like all GR Corolla models, is meticulously assembled at the dedicated GR Factory within Toyota’s Motomachi Plant – a legendary facility known for producing iconic vehicles like the Lexus LFA and Supra A80. This specialized production line deviates from traditional conveyor systems, employing a cell-based assembly approach with automatic guided vehicles (AGVs). This flexible and manual-intensive method allows for unparalleled precision in body and suspension alignment, ensuring the highest levels of quality and performance. Highly skilled technicians, hand-selected from across Toyota, contribute their expertise to every GR Corolla, reflecting Toyota Gazoo Racing’s commitment to building not just cars, but driving experiences.
Conclusion: The Ultimate GR Corolla Expression
The Toyota GR Corolla MORIZO Edition represents the pinnacle of GR Corolla performance, a track-focused hot hatch engineered without compromise. From its enhanced torque and close-ratio transmission to its drastic weight reduction and track-tuned handling, every aspect of the MORIZO Edition is optimized for driving purists and track day enthusiasts. Limited to just 200 units for the US market in its launch year, this exclusive model embodies the spirit of Toyota Gazoo Racing and delivers an unparalleled driving experience, solidifying its place as a true collector’s item and a benchmark in the hot hatch segment. The GR Corolla MORIZO Edition is more than just a car; it’s a testament to Toyota’s passion for performance and a direct link between the racetrack and the open road.
