In recent years, Toyota’s race division has become one of the most dominant forces in high-level motorsport, winning the last four runnings of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, taking first or second place in the last four WRC constructors championships, and claiming victory at the latest running of the infamous Dakar Rally. The automaker’s success in racing is largely owed to the company’s president, Akio Toyoda — a master driver with a lengthy record of impressive race wins. To honor Toyoda, Toyota has now unleashed an up-specced, limited edition version of its already track-focused Gazoo Racing-spec Corolla.
Dubbed the GR Corolla MORIZO Edition, the limited-edition hot hatch takes its name from the pseudonym Toyoda uses when competing in motorsport. The MORIZO Edition is built around a reinforced chassis that’s been paired with an upgraded suspension package with a MacPherson-type strut design, circuit-tuned coil springs, monotube shock absorbers, and stabilizer bars up front, and a double-wishbone type multilink system in the rear. The MORIZO Edition also rides on a set of forged wheels shod in sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.
Though the turbocharged and inter-cooled 1.6-liter inline-three G16E-GTS engine at the heart of the LE variant makes the same 300hp as the base model, its torque output has been bumped from 273ft-lbs up to 295ft-lbs. The engine has also received a new close-ratio intelligent six-speed manual transmission with shorter gearing, allowing for better acceleration off the line (albeit at the cost of top speed). Trimmed in Ultrasuede, the interior of the car now features a two-seater setup with a rear-seat delete. Further weight savings come from a forged carbon fiber roof. The car’s braking has also been made more efficient through the use of new front brake ducts.
Limited to only 200 individually-numbered units worldwide, the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla MORIZO Edition is slated for a launch sometime next year. Pricing for the MORIZO Edition will also be revealed in the coming months.
