Maximum performance: Toyota presents the 2026 Corolla GRMN

• The new Corolla GRMN represents the pinnacle of performance of the Corolla GR line
• Increased torque and chassis improvements help deliver a more engaging, racetrack-inspired driving experience
• Exclusive aerodynamic and suspension components developed through Super Taikyu competition and Nürburgring testing
• All-wheel drive control was further optimized thanks to extensive development at the Nürburgring

/PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Driving lovers, rejoice: GAZOO Racing (GR) presented the 2026 Corolla GRMN, the ultimate expression of Corolla GR performance. This track-oriented compact utility vehicle has been developed following GR’s philosophy of “making better cars from motorsports”, and has been designed so that drivers can push it to the limit with complete confidence at the Nürburgring, the circuit wheredriving teacher Akio Toyodaalso known as Morizo, began his career behind the wheel.

Born from Morizo’s strong desire to “recover a Corolla that captivates customers”, the Corolla GR has undergone an exhaustive refinement process.

The 2026 Corolla GRMN will be manufactured at Toyota Motor Corporation’s Motomachi plant in Japan, primarily for the North American, Japanese and Australian markets. More information on full model specifications and manufacturer’s suggested retail price will be provided later.

News

The Corolla GRMN represents the ultimate expression of the Corolla GR, designed to deepen the connection between car and driver, and inspire confidence even at the limits of performance. Developed with a unique focus on responsiveness, control and driver engagement, this model seeks a wilder, more instinctive character through increased torque and a series of specific improvements derived directly from motorsport competitions and intense circuit testing.

Its development reflects lessons learned in the Super Taikyu competition series and constant testing at the Nürburgring, where exclusive aerodynamic parts, suspension components and optimized all-wheel drive control were refined to help elevate performance.

Inside, Corolla GRMN maintains that driver-focused philosophy with an evolved cabin that features unique seating and a flock-finished instrument panel, creating a more focused environment designed to help keep your attention fully on the road.

Pushed to the limit to challenge the Nürburgring

Responding to Morizo’s directive that “if it carries the GRMN name, it must be able to race at the Nürburgring properly,” the GR team developed the Corolla GRMN through intensive testing at that circuit. The Nürburgring, often considered the most demanding circuit in the world, reveals vehicle reactions and road changes that are not seen on regular test tracks and brings to light a car’s weak points. The team tuned the vehicle so that, from low speeds to pure racing speeds and even on uneven surfaces, it responded more precisely to the driver’s intentions.

The development of the Corolla GRMN included not only testing at the Nürburgring, but also participation in Japan’s Super Taikyu endurance racing series and extensive verification with the most advanced driving simulators. Unforeseen problems arose from these extensive tests. By pushing the vehicle to its limits, the GR team was able to solve each problem one by one and seek a high level of harmony between the vehicle and the driver, so that the car and its driver can continue to communicate even in extreme situations.

Knowledge gained during the development of the Corolla GRMN was also applied to the evolution of the base Corolla GR. For example, the Corolla GR, announced in September 2025, extended the application of structural adhesive on the body by 45.6 feet to a total of 107.2 feet to strengthen the chassis structure, and was equipped with a cold air duct to reduce intake air temperatures when driving under heavy loads; both measures were born from learnings at the Nürburgring.

Corolla GRMN Key Features

Aerodynamics perfected in Super Taikyu and the Nürburgring

In Super Taikyu series racing and at the Nürburgring, cars race at high speeds and under intense lateral G forces. To maximize performance in such conditions, it is essential to keep all four wheels firmly on the ground.

The Corolla GRMN features exclusively developed aerodynamic performance parts for better road holding. The hood duct, fender ducts, front side spoilers and rear spoiler incorporate racing knowledge proven on the hydrogen-powered Corolla GR competing in the Super Taikyu series.

From comprehensive trial and error in the Super Taikyu series, precision adjustments were made at the Nürburgring. This effort included modifying the angle of the rear spoiler, which features a five-position adjustment mechanism, in 1-degree increments during test drives with professional drivers to verify effectiveness and determine the optimal specification.

Exclusive suspension tuned through development at the Nürburgring

The Corolla GRMN’s suspension uses unique front and rear monotube shock absorbers with internal extension springs to improve inner wheel traction during cornering and enhance high-speed cornering performance.

The Nürburgring track surface includes environments that cause considerable vertical suspension travel, which exceeds that experienced on typical circuits. To ensure high stability that allows safe driving even in such conditions, extensive test runs at the Nürburgring made it easy to optimize the characteristics of the suspension stops. The exclusive shock absorbers were developed by adjusting their stroke down to the millimeter at both the front and rear to achieve optimal balance.

To improve cornering stability and braking performance, high-grip Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires were added.

In addition, the electric power steering (EPS) control program is designed to generate the necessary amount of assist torque even when cornering under high G-forces. The uniquely tuned 4WD control system offers optimal rear torque distribution when driving in a straight line and greater stability at the start of steering turn at extremely high speeds.

Advances in internal combustion inspired by the hydrogen Corolla GR

GR has gained valuable lessons for the evolution of the internal combustion engine by competing in the Super Taikyu series with a Corolla GR powered by a hydrogen engine, as long, high-load endurance races help increase not only the potential of hydrogen technology, but also that of the critical components of the internal combustion engine.

Based on insights from Super Taikyu, the Corolla GRMN’s maximum torque was increased to 302 lb-ft. The development team optimized the engine characteristics of the Corolla GRMN by analyzing the range of engine use during track driving, and focused on increasing torque in the mid-speed range of 4,000 to 4,600 rpm, which is crucial for accelerating out of corners.

The Corolla GRMN includes an intercooler spray system to help maintain stable engine power during continuous full throttle driving, along with the cold air duct added to the 2026 Corolla GR.

Additionally, seeking an even higher level of performance and “indomitable energy that captivates customers”, the Corolla GRMN has no rear seats as part of an effort to achieve comprehensive weight reduction. The power-to-weight ratio was improved by reducing weight by 66 pounds compared to the base vehicle, offering customers an unparalleled driving experience.

Cab designed for greater performance

Beyond driving performance, the cabin is specially designed for the Corolla GRMN. To allow drivers to make the most of the car’s potential, the seats and instrument panel were improved.

The Corolla GRMN features semi-bucket style sports seats upholstered in black and red Brin Naub suede and synthetic leather and combines premium materials with specific lateral support for high-performance driving. Accented with distinctive GR details, the seats reinforce the motorsports-inspired character of this model, while offering a focused, driver-oriented cockpit experience.

The cabin focuses on allowing the driver to concentrate, so it features an instrument panel and front pillar moldings with an exclusive velvet finish. A carbon trim manufactured by the carbon division of Toyota Motor Corporation’s Motomachi plant is installed on the passenger-side instrument panel, and a dash pad bearing Morizo’s signature is included. The door trim and shift knob are trimmed in Alumite Red, and a unique GRMN serial number plate is included.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric of the U.S. for more than 70 years, and is committed to advancing next-generation sustainable mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, as well as our nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs nearly 48,000 people in the United States, who have contributed to the design, engineering and assembly of more than 36 million cars and trucks at our 11 manufacturing plants. In 2025, Toyota’s North Carolina plant began assembling car batteries for electric vehicles.

For more information about Toyota, visitwww.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Media Contact:

Marjorie Owens

[emailprotected]

FUENTE Toyota Motor North America