GR Corolla TC: Toyota’s Tiny Terror on the Track

Toyota continues to flex its muscles in the world of motorsport with the unveiling of the Toyota GR Corolla TC, a race car built on the bones of the highly praised GR Corolla hot hatchback. Slotting between the GR86 Cup car and the Supra GT4 in Toyota’s motorsports portfolio, the GR Corolla TC is designed for those looking to take their racing ambitions to the next level. Whether it’s professional competition or grassroots racing, Toyota’s latest track-focused machine delivers the performance upgrades necessary to dominate the circuit.

A Strong Lineage in Motorsport

Toyota has an illustrious presence in motorsport, actively competing in premier global series such as Formula 1 (through its new partnership with Haas), NASCAR, and the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. At the same time, Toyota supports racing at the grassroots level with efforts like the single-make GR Cup series for the GR86 sports car. The addition of the GR Corolla TC strengthens Toyota's commitment to both top-tier and accessible racing.

This new race car was recently revealed at a media event held at the GR Garage in Mooresville, North Carolina. The GR Corolla TC promises to be an exciting new challenger for the TC America series organized by SRO, merging the best of the GR Corolla production model with Toyota's cutting-edge racing technology.

Built for Racing: The 2025 GR Corolla TC

The GR Corolla TC is derived from the production GR Corolla, which comes equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, and GR-Four all-wheel-drive system. In its street-legal version, this engine pumps out an impressive 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. While Toyota has yet to reveal the exact power specifications for the track-specific version, it is expected that the GR Corolla TC will retain similar performance figures with potential tweaks to fine-tune its capabilities for the racetrack.

Key Performance Upgrades

To ensure that the GR Corolla TC is race-ready, Toyota’s Gazoo Racing motorsports division has equipped it with numerous enhancements designed to improve handling, braking, and safety under the most demanding conditions:

• Braking System: One of the most critical upgrades is the high-performance Alcon brake system, featuring six-piston front calipers and two-piston rear calipers. This robust braking package ensures excellent stopping power, allowing drivers to push the car to its limits without compromising control.
• Suspension Setup: The suspension has also been heavily revised, with custom MacPherson struts designed by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division and dual-adjustable shocks from JRi. These improvements provide optimal stability and responsiveness, giving the GR Corolla TC the ability to tackle sharp corners and varied track conditions.
• Aerodynamics: Aerodynamic performance is another area of focus, with the car sporting a sizable rear wing, rear diffuser, and front splitter. These components work together to improve downforce and reduce drag, helping the GR Corolla TC stay planted on the track at high speeds.
• Bosch Motorsports Electronics: Toyota has integrated a Bosch Motorsports electronics system to manage critical functions such as the drivetrain, power distribution, and ABS. This advanced system ensures precise control over the car's performance and responsiveness, allowing drivers to extract the maximum potential from the vehicle.

Race-Ready Interior and Safety Features

On the inside, the GR Corolla TC is built to meet the rigorous safety standards expected of any modern race car. The cabin features an FIA-approved roll cage that provides maximum protection in the event of an accident. Additionally, the car is fitted with an OMP fiberglass racing seat equipped with a six-point harness to keep the driver securely in place during high-speed maneuvers. For added safety, an OMP electronically activated fire-extinguishing system has also been installed.

Competing in the TC America Series

The GR Corolla TC is set to debut in the TC America series, a highly anticipated racing series for 2025 that combines the former TCX and TC classes into a single competitive field. This gives the GR Corolla TC a broad range of rivals, and Toyota expects it to make a strong impression in this racing category. Toyota has yet to release full specifications or pricing for the GR Corolla TC, but more details are expected to follow soon.

A Key Player in Toyota's Expanding Motorsports Program

Toyota’s introduction of the GR Corolla TC highlights its ongoing commitment to expanding its presence across various motorsport disciplines. By positioning the GR Corolla TC between the GR86 Cup racer and the Supra GT4, Toyota offers a clear progression for drivers and teams looking to advance their skills and ambitions. Whether it’s on the global stage with Formula 1 or NASCAR or in more accessible series like the TC America, Toyota’s motorsports lineup offers something for everyone.

The GR Corolla TC promises to be a powerful, versatile, and exhilarating addition to Toyota’s race-ready fleet. With its race-proven engineering, top-tier performance upgrades, and dedication to safety, the GR Corolla TC is poised to make waves in the motorsports world when it hits the track in 2025.

The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla TC is more than just a track-tuned version of the popular GR Corolla. It is a testament to Toyota’s deep-rooted commitment to performance, racing, and motorsport excellence. From its Alcon brakes and custom suspension to its Bosch Motorsports electronics and FIA-approved roll cage, the GR Corolla TC is purpose-built for the rigors of racing. Whether you’re a professional team or an aspiring grassroots racer, the GR Corolla TC is positioned to offer an exciting, competitive edge when it makes its debut in the TC America series. With more details yet to come, Toyota fans and motorsport enthusiasts alike will be eagerly awaiting the full specifications of this exciting new race car.