The new 2023 Toyota GR Corolla offers 300 hp and all-wheel drive

As gas prices blow past $4 a gallon nationally, and $6 a gallon in California, you might think automotive performance has peaked. If that’s your perspective stop reading right now, because Toyota just unveiled its most powerful and advanced compact car yet, with performance specs that will blow you (and likely much of the competition) away.

Exterior enhancements include 18-inch wheels and an aluminum hood and fenders

The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla offers a spec sheet that reads like an old-school performance enthusiast’s wish list. 300 horsepower? Check. Manual transmission? Check. Rear-biased all-wheel drive, with torque vectoring and limited-slip differentials? Check. A sub-3,300 pound curb weight, and a roughly 1:10 power-to-weight ratio? Check.

The 1.6-liter, 3-cylinder engine features a single turbo and direct fuel injection

What’s more compelling about the 2023 GR Corolla is how it achieves these old-school performance figures with the latest advanced technology. Its 300-horsepower comes from a tiny 1.6-liter, 3-cylinder engine using a single turbocharger and direct injection. Despite its diminutive size the engine offers 273 pound-feet of torque and offers maximum torque between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm, with peak horsepower hitting at an easily-accessible 6,500 rpm.

Flared fenders house a wider rear track below a roof spoiler

This power is delivered through a rev-matching 6-speed manual transmission, with no automatic transmission offered. From there the power travels to all four wheels, with front-to-rear torque distribution defaulting to 60:40, but is easily switched to 50:50, or even a 30:70 rear bias setting, through a dash-mounted dial. Available front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials increase cornering grip.

The GR Corolla comes in two trims, the Circuit Edition (shown) and the Core Grade

Structural enhancements include body stiffening through the use of added weld points and structural adhesives, plus a performance-tuned MacPherson strut front suspension and double wishbone, multilink rear suspension. Standard 18-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, sized 235/40, and fixed-caliper disc brakes squeezing ventilated rotors, complete the chassis upgrades.

Interior upgrades include sport seats and a short-throw 6-speed shifter

Additional performance and appearance upgrades, like a carbon roof (it’s forged rather than a woven carbon fiber design, but just as light), aluminum hood and doors, vented upper and lower body panels, and a roof-mounted rear spoiler separate the GR from standard Corollas. The interior features aggressively-bolstered leather front seats, a short-throw shifter, contrast stitching, an upgraded gauge cluster, and a 12.3-inch central display screen.

The Core Grade trim doesn't include some elements that come standard on the Circuit Edition

Not all of these features are included in both versions of the 2023 GR Corolla. The base, or “Core Grade” trim, doesn’t include the forged carbon roof panel, locking differentials, red brake calipers, heated leather front seats with contrast stitching or heated steering wheel. Those all come standard on the “Circuit Edition” version of the GR Corolla, along with an upgraded JBL audio system.

The GR Corolla's AWD system can be set to a 30:70 rear bias to create rear-wheel-drive-like dynamics

Toyota also includes its Safety Sense 3.0 system and dynamic radar cruise control as standard on all GR models. This means every GR Corolla has lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, road sign assist, rear seat reminder, and hill start assist.

The matte black carbon forged roof lowers the GR Corolla's center of gravity

A one-year subscription to Toyota Safety Connect, with roadside assistance, stolen vehicle locator and automatic collision notification, is included in the GR Corolla’s price — which hasn’t been release yet, but will be later this when Toyota’s hot hatch goes on sale.

A three-piece muffler leads to triple brushed stainless steel exhaust tips

For Toyota to release a car like the GR Corolla, especially right now, says a lot about the brand’s continued commitment to performance and driving enjoyment. Credit company leader Akio Toyoda, who stated a desire to add passion and emotion to Toyota’s line up years ago, and has followed through with everything from the GR Yaris to the Lexus LC 500 in recent years.

The GR Corolla enters a competitive segment, but should more than hold its own

The GR Corolla’s specs suggest it will be a serious rival to established players like the Honda Civic Type R, Subaru WRX, and Volkswagen Golf R. We look forward to confirming this prediction as soon as possible.