Toyota seems to be preparing a GR Corolla

Toyota was categorical: the GR Yaris marketed in other markets will never see a North American route. But the manufacturer had however spoken to us of a possibility of installing its mechanics in another vehicle sold here. Several rumors had been circulating online for some time about the introduction of a GR Corolla high performance. If we trust the recent publication of Toyota on its Instagram account, this model will indeed see the light of day.

Toyota has been extremely discreet in this post, as only a keen eye can detect the multiple clues that have been inserted into the interior image of a regular Toyota Corolla. Indeed, it is a simple dashboard of the popular Japanese compact equipped with a CVT. There is nothing exciting about it.

However, it was the mention “Keep them guessing…” that aroused the interest of several Internet users. And it wasn’t long before specialist forums like GR Corolla Forum dissect the image and reveal the clues to us. Here they are :

Inside the instrumentation, to the right of the speedometer, the clock displays G: 16. This is a reference to the code name of the turbocharged engine of the GR Yaris (G16E-GTS) , a 3-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. In other markets, this engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

The second clue is on the air conditioning display where you can see the numbers 2, then 68, a direct reference to the power of the engine in question.

Then, just above the climate controls, the navigation system displays a road called GR Four. This term refers to the all-wheel drive of the GR Yaris which is equipped with Torsen-type limited-slip differentials as well as an electronically controlled center differential.

Finally, the most obvious clue: the camouflaged prototype of a GR Corolla in the background, at the far right of the image through the window on the passenger side. It’s pretty clear thank you!

Toyota hasn’t said anything else about the arrival of its sporty compact, but it’s obvious, when you look at this post, that it does indeed intend to sell it here by next year. With this model, Toyota will have in its hands a strong weapon to attack a new range of small high-performance cars such as the Volkswagen Golf R, the Honda Civic Type R, the Subaru WRX STI and the Hyundai Elantra N.