Why The Toyota GR Corolla MORIZO’s Two Seats Are Better Than Four

A new update on the GR Corolla gives us Toyota’s street-legal racecar with four doors and two seats.

Two months ago, we reported that Toyota planned to release the GR Corolla sometime this fall. While it still seems to be on track, we got an update with not just a new name, but a whole different car. The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla MORIZO Edition was just released by Toyota yesterday in a press release. They shared that it would have more power, better handling, and more fun. The only thing lacking from the other two models is the seats.

For those who do not follow Toyota’s Motor sporting events, Morizo is the code name for Toyota’s CEO who is also their head racecar driver Akio Toyoda. They named this new model after him as a tribute since this is literally a racecar you can drive to work. Let’s take a look at some of the new specs and then we will explain why the 2-seater option is better for this model.

According to the press release, only 200 of these MORIZO Edition GR Corollas will be produced for the 2023 model year. It will come with the same 300hp 3-cylinder engine but the torque will be boosted to 295 instead of the standard 273-pound-feet of torque. Unlike the other models, you get your peak torque at 3250-4600RPM, a significantly high number for a 3-cylinder engine.

Paired with that phenomenal engine is a close-ratio intelligent manual transmission making your shifts feel that much smoother. Now compared with the models that were already released, the MORIZO Edition GR Corolla is going to be about 100lbs lighter. The curb weight itself is 106lbs lighter than the Circuit Edition.

Now, most of that weight is the obvious delete of the rear seats and a carbon-fiber roof. More weight reduction came from having no rear door speakers. You may think that 100lbs is not that big of a difference but if you think of it in physical terms, it’s a pretty major difference. Think of it this way. You are going 60mph and making a pretty big turn. The lighter you are the less likely you are to slide into a wall on a track.

Also, with better performance comes better looks. More badging, Michelle Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires on 18inch wheels, better-tuned suspension, cool shift knob, the whole lot basically. Also, while not mentioned in the press release, the car looks more stanced that the Circuit Edition. It just looks more muscular and just overall bulkier than the other trims.

Here’s the genius with the two seats. Why keep the 2 doors when you are taking out the back seats? Well, we have come up with a few solutions for what to do with that space. First of all, it’s all plastic so that automatically makes it pet friendly. It’s also pretty long so you have to fit at least 3 golf bags lengthwise. While the back seats are gone, you could still technically use that space.

All in all, the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla MORIZO Edition sounds like a very promising sports hatch. I hope that they make more of them and that it hopefully isn’t going to be overpriced (knowing dealers that’ll happen).

What do you think? Do you think the MORIZO Edition sounds promising? Let us know in the comments below.

Harutiun Hareyan is reporting Toyota news at Torque News. His automotive interests and vast experience test-riding new cars give his stories a sense of authenticity and unique insights. Follow Harutiun on Twitter at @HareyanHarutiun for daily Toyota news.