The updated hot hatch gets a stronger body, extra cooling, upgraded sound system, and more supply in Japan without raising prices
A few days after news of the upcoming GRMN slipped out, attention turned to the latest version of the GR Corolla. Toyota’s hot hatch has received a set of updates in its home market, including a stiffer body, improved cooling for the engine, and an upgraded sound system. Just as importantly, the company promised to increase supply without touching the price tag.
More Structural Adhesive And Better Cooling
The evolved 2026 GR Corolla builds directly on lessons learned from the Super Taikyu Series, reflecting Akio Toyoda’s belief that motorsport is the ideal test bed for better road cars. To that end, engineers applied an extra 13.9 meters (45.6 feet) of structural adhesive, bringing the total to 32.7 meters (107.3 feet). This was concentrated around the front body, floor, and rear wheelhouse, tightening up the chassis without adding significant weight.
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According to Toyota, rigidity is important for stable driving on “overseas circuits” where the vertical and lateral G forces are stronger compared to “domestic circuits” – obviously referring to the Nurburgring. Cooling also received attention, with a new duct mounted on the secondary intake designed to stabilize engine temperatures during sustained high-load driving. The aim is simple, to let drivers enjoy the car at its full potential for longer stints on track.
Sharper Cabin Acoustics
Inside, the optional JBL premium audio system has been refined with the addition of a subwoofer in the boot, increasing the speaker count to nine. All cars fitted with JBL now also feature an updated Active Sound Control (ASC) system as standard.
The ASC has been tuned to filter out harsh engine noises while offering three selectable sound patterns and volume levels tied to drive modes. It can enhance acceleration and gear changes with more characterful tones, even simulating the bubbling overrun effect when lifting off the throttle. Those who prefer silence need not worry, as the system defaults to off and can be switched off at any time.
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There are no changes under the hood, with the turbo 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine generating the same 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. Power is transmitted to all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic.
Software Update For Existing Owners
Toyota is also working on an upgrade for existing GR Corolla owners who bought their vehicles before the 2024 improvements. New software will unlock an extra 30 Nm (22 lb-ft) of torque, matching the newer models. Furthermore, new settings for the GR-Four system alter the power distribution between the front and rear axles depending on the selected drive mode. The upgrade will roll out in spring 2026, with pricing set to be announced at a later date.
Same Pricing, Increased Supply
Orders for the updated GR Corolla are already open in Japan, with first deliveries scheduled for November. Prices are unchanged, with the manual version listed at ¥5,680,000 ($38,500) and the automatic at ¥5,980,000 ($40,600).
More: How Toyota Plans To Keep The GR Celica And Supra From Overlapping
Unlike previous model years when sales of the GR Corolla in Japan were handled by lottery, the updated model will be offered in greater numbers. The boost in supply comes from an added production line in the UK dedicated to serving export markets.
As for North America, Toyota is expected to unveil the upgraded 2026 GR Corolla in the coming weeks. According to an earlier teaser, it will gain revised aero, extra torque, and further chassis tuning.
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Thanos Pappas, a product design engineer by trade, has been wading through automotive journalism for… Read full bio

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