Enthusiasts are buzzing about Toyota’s future plans, especially with whispers of iconic models like the Celica making a comeback and a complete redesign on the horizon for the Toyota Corolla. This naturally leads to a burning question for performance car aficionados: will the next generation Corolla spawn an even more potent GR Corolla, possibly fueled by a turbo inline-four engine? Toyota’s commitment to internal combustion engines is clear, and rumors suggest the revived Toyota Celica could boast a newly developed 2.0-liter, turbocharged, inline-four engine, potentially delivering a заводской (factory) 400 horsepower.
Meanwhile, Toyota continues to leverage its compact yet feisty turbocharged three-cylinder engine across various models. However, the latest buzz from Japan surrounding the Corolla redesign points towards new hybrid powertrains, potentially combining a smaller combustion engine with a larger battery and more powerful electric motors for enhanced efficiency.
What Future for the GR Corolla’s Engine?
While the initial run of the Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition was limited, the standard GR Corolla is expected to continue gracing us with its presence, at least until the redesigned Corolla arrives around 2027. It seems unlikely Toyota will discontinue the GR Corolla line with the new model launch, opening up two intriguing possibilities for its powerplant:
1. Evolution of the Current Turbo Three-Cylinder: More Power on Tap
Toyota recently demonstrated a masterclass in model facelifts with the GR Yaris redesign. This rally-bred hot hatch, sharing the G16E-GTS engine with the GR Corolla, received comprehensive enhancements – aerodynamics, cooling, and reliability were all improved. Crucially, the 1.6-liter, turbo-three engine also gained a power bump, now producing 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This means the updated GR Yaris now matches the GR Corolla’s horsepower figure, while surpassing it in torque.
The revised GR Yaris also introduced an optional eight-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter. This addition could very well make its way into a refreshed Toyota GR Corolla. Japanese automakers are known for their meticulous approach to updates, focusing on subtle yet impactful improvements. In terms of power, a facelifted GR Corolla could realistically mirror the output of the new GR Yaris, maintaining the existing engine architecture.
2. A Bold Leap: Embracing a Turbocharged Inline-Four Engine
While perhaps less probable, Toyota might surprise enthusiasts by installing its newly developed 2.0-liter, turbo-four engine in the next-generation GR Corolla. The rumored 400-horsepower output might be reserved for Toyota’s higher-performance models like the upcoming Celica and potentially a future MR-2, positioning them in a different performance bracket. It’s important to note that this is speculative, and several factors suggest Toyota might not opt for this engine in the GR Corolla.
For the standard Corolla models, Toyota appears to be heading towards engine downsizing, making a larger engine for the GR Corolla seem counterintuitive to the overall strategy. Furthermore, a Corolla hot hatch with a potent 2.0-liter turbo could potentially cannibalize sales from models like the Celica, which is expected to return as a coupe. The competitive landscape of the hot hatch segment also plays a role. Around 300 horsepower is becoming the norm, and the current GR Corolla already sits comfortably in this range.
Would a Toyota GR Corolla equipped with this new 2.0-liter turbo-four engine be a dream come true for performance enthusiasts? While Toyota’s direction remains to be seen, one thing is clear: the GR Corolla is unlikely to embrace hybridization. The future powertrain of this exciting hot hatch is a topic ripe for speculation and anticipation among automotive fans worldwide.
