Yahoo Autos 2025 Toyota GR Corolla Gets a Little Less Analog
The GR Corolla is a throwback hot hatch, all about big turbochargers and big smiles. For the past two years, that meant your only transmission option was a six-speed manual. Just as with the updated GR Yaris that we still want here in America, that will change for 2025.
An optional 8-speed transmission, a unit Toyota calls the Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission, will join the GR Corolla lineup for the 2025 model year. Toyota says that the gearbox is optimized to decide when to shift based on gas and brake inputs rather than wider vehicle behavior, making it distinct from the transmission software in the brand's GR86 and Supra. This should lead to a more direct driving experience, bringing some of the car's analog joys to its more automated variants. The transmission also has a relatively close gear ratio, which Toyota says is similar to the ratios used for the six-speed manual car.
Outside of the new transmission offering, the biggest change to the GR Corolla is a solid increase in torque. 2025 model year GR Corollas now put out 295 lb-ft of torque, up from 273 lb-ft of torque produced by outgoing models. Toyota has not shared what exactly led to the torque increase, crediting the change only to the "developmental efforts" of test drivers around the world.
Further performance upgrades come in the form of suspension changes, most notably including new rebound springs meant to keep inner wheels from lifting in corners. The trailing arm mounting point has also been moved further above the ground to reduce squat on acceleration. There are also some visual changes, most notably a new front bumper design and new trim pieces throughout the interior.
Two trim levels, the Core Grade and Premium Grade variants, carry over from the past year. A third, Premium Plus, comes in as an effective successor to the former Morizo trim. Like previous limited-edition trim levels, the Premium Plus variant comes with a forged carbon roof, a bulging vented hood, and matte black wheels. Unlike the Morizo edition, Premium Plus GR Corollas seem to retain their back seat.
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