Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch may offer more power than expected

Rumors surrounding Toyota's upcoming Corolla-based hot hatch are increasing every month.Although the model has yet to be officially announced, the latest round of reports say it will be more powerful than expected.

As we've previously reported, most sources agree that the GRCorolla- which will sit above the rally car GRYaris in the Toyota hot hatch pecking order - will eschew hybrid technology in favor of its smaller sibling high-power three-cylinder engine.According to publication CarSensor, it will be tuned to develop at least 300 horsepower, an increase of more than 32 hp over the GR Yaris.The power squeezed out of the 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder is surprisingly high, far exceeding the output quoted in previous reports.

Toyota will connect the three-cylinder engine to a six-speed manual transmission that will spin the four wheels through a center differential with a multi-plate clutch.Like the Yaris (shown here), the front-to-rear torque distribution will vary depending on the selected drive mode.The default split is 60/40 front/rear; Motion changes it to 30/70, while Track locks it to 50/50.

At launch, only the Corolla's four-door hatchback will get the GR treatment, so enthusiasts waiting for the hot a sedan will be disappointed.Visual modifications will include wider wheels tucked under perforated arches, a larger front air dam that will align the Corolla with the Yaris, and a roof-mounted spoiler.

Interestingly, CarSensor has added a wagon that will join the GR Corolla lineup later in the production run.It will be based on the Corolla station wagon sold in numerous global markets, which will come sooner or later, but it will swap the tightly wound three-cylinder for a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain around the 2.0.liter four-cylinder engine.No specs (including horsepower and transmission options).

Toyota has strongly hinted that a faster version of the Corollawill be brought to market, but has never confirmed that the GR is coming.If the rumors are accurate, we could see the GR Corolla appear in the metal next year, and it will likely hit showrooms in early 2022 as a 2023 model.Prices start at around 4 million yen, which at current exchange rates equates to around $37,000.