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Toyota's plans for the upcoming models, including the revival of iconic names like the Toyota Celica, and the full redesign of the Toyota Corolla, got me thinking, will the next generation of the Japanese bestseller bring with it a more powerful GR Corolla? Toyota is ensuring the longevity of the internal combustion engine, and by all accounts, the future Toyota Celica will score a newly developed, 2.0-liter, turbocharged, inline-four engine, capable of 400 horsepower, in factory form.
Meanwhile, Toyota is not done putting its small, but punchy, turbocharged, three-cylinder engine to use in various different models. At the same time, the latest scoops from Japan, revolving around the upcoming Corolla redesign speak of new hybrid powertrains, consisting of a smaller internal combustion engine, but a larger battery, and more powerful electric motors.
What does this mean for the GR Corolla? 
Although the Curcuit Edition of the Toyota GR Corolla was limited to 1,600 units, the standard GR Corolla will carry on at least for another year. There is no indication that Toyota will be discontinuing the GR Corolla even after the fully redesigned model arrives in 2027, so the way I see it, two things could happen:
1. Toyota GR Corolla will keep the same engine but with more power.
Toyota recently schooled the industry in how to properly facelift a model, with the GR Yaris redesign. The rally-bred hot hatch, which shares the G16E-GTS engine with the GR Corolla, was enhanced in every way – aerodynamics, cooling, and reliability. It also got more power from the 1.6-liter, turbo-three engine – 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet. In other words, the 2024 GR Yaris now matches the GR Corolla's power with more torque.
The revised GR Yaris also got an optional, eight-speed automatic with torque converter, so we might also see it on a revised Toyota GR Corolla. Japanese carmakers are known for making subtle changes in all the right places, so in terms of power, a facelifted GR Corolla would, likely, match the power of the new GR Yaris.
2. Toyota will give the next GR Corolla a turbocharged, inline-four engine.
I think this is a less likely scenario, but Toyota might put its newly developed, 2.0-liter, turbo-four engine in the next GR Corolla. The 400-horsepower figure will, likely, be reserved for the higher spectrum of Toyota performance cars like the upcoming Celica, and maybe the future MR-2. Note that this is purely speculation and, to be fair, there are more reasons why Toyota won't use this engine in the GR Corolla.
As far as the regular Corolla goes, Toyota is going the downsizing route, and giving the GR Corolla a bigger engine wouldn't make much sense. At the same time, a Corolla hot hatch with this engine might divert some clients away from models like the Celica, which will, once again, be a coupe. Then, there is the question of the "horsepower wars", which doesn't exclude the hot hatch segment – around 300 horsepower for a hot hatchback is a normal occurrence in our time.
Would you like to see a Toyota GR Corolla with this new, 2.0-liter turbo-four engine? I don't think Toyota would do it, but I also don't think the GR Corolla would ever go hybrid. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
About the author
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image source: 2024 Toyota GR Corolla
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