Valuable Upgrades Across Toyota's GAZOO Racing Lineup

Valuable Upgrades Across Toyota's GAZOO Racing Lineup

Toyota has launched its upgraded range of GAZOO Racing performance vehicles, featuring enhanced performance, handling, and styling for the GR Corolla and GR Yaris hatchbacks, as well as the GR86 coupe.

• GR Corolla gains an automatic transmission option, more torque and a restyled front-end
• GR86 offers retuned suspension for improved handling and “Forest Shadow” Limited Edition
• Upgraded GR Yaris delivers more power and torque, redesigned dash and latest generation safety system, with auto transmission to follow in 2025

GR Corolla Upgrades

Initially launched as a manual-exclusive, the GR Corolla is now available to order with a new close-ratio eight-speed automatic transmission tuned for sports driving.

Paddle shifters are included so you can bang through the gears with ultra-responsive shift times in manual mode plus you get launch start control for instant performance off the line.

Toyota has bolstered transmission cooling capabilities with cooling find added to the transmission case to ensure the new auto is able to withstand hard use.

The auto variant now gets convenience features like adaptive cruise control and parking support brake with object and vehicle. Other new convenience features include Active Noise Control and an updated Toyota multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility.

Both transmission options gain a boost in torque to 400Nm while power remains the same at 221kW.

The wider front grille isn't just for looks - it's now practically designed with openings to cool the brake ducts, sub-radiator, and automatic transmission fluid cooler. The outer edges of the front bumper channel air out of the grille through ducts which prevent airflow disturbance along the side of the vehicle, improving aerodynamic performance.

Weight savings have been made with a new front suspension member as well as a carbon-fibre roof now standard just like its baby brother, GR Yaris. These measures result in a 13kg overall weight reduction.

The GR Corolla is offered in a single GTS variant priced from $67,990 (excl. on-road costs) for the manual, while the new eight-speed automatic grade is priced from $70,490 (excl. on-road costs).

GR Yaris Upgrades

The venerable GR Yaris gains a host of upgrades in its first major evolution since its arrival in 2020. The flagship Rallye trim will be replaced with the top-spec GTS trim to align with its other Gazoo Racing siblings, while a new automatic version is set to hit the streets sometime in mid-2025.

Big upgrades under the hood come in the form of a power and torque boost to match the GR Corolla. The GR Yaris now pumps out 221kW of power and 400Nm of torque that's ready to blast the pants of every driver.

The GTS carries over high-performance features including its lightweight forged 18-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport rubber, a Torsen® limited-slip differential, high-performance suspension and the newly added sub-radiator and intercooler spray button for high-performance driving.

Other mechanical upgrades include a new 'Gravel' mode providing near-even front/rear torque distribution for optimal grip on slippery surfaces. Plus, new front grille styling also improves cooling and aerodynamics.

Extensive interior changes have also been made centred around the driver. The upgraded cockpit takes inspiration from motorsports with a design that wraps around the driver, tilted by 15 degrees to aid usability and reduce eye movement. The driver's seat now sits lower to improve the field of vision and driving feedback while also opening up headroom making it easier for helmet-donning, track enthusiasts.

Like the GR Corolla, the GR Yaris also gets a multimedia system upgrade with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility plus a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Two USB-C ports have been added in place of the single USB-A outlet.

All GR Yaris variants gain the upgraded Toyota Safety Sense suite of active features which now includes front and rear parking sensors with rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitor, safe exit assist and tyre pressure warning.

Automatic variants will also exclusively be available with adaptive cruise control and front and rear parking support brake.

Available in either GT or top-spec GTS guise, the upgraded GR Yaris range opens from $55,490 (excl. on-road costs) for the GT manual and $57,990 for the automatic. The flagship GTS is priced from $60,490 for the manual and $62,990 for the auto.

GR86 Upgrades

A special Limited Edition grade of the GR86 coupe is now on sale for $49,600 (excl. on-road costs) and stands out from the rest of the GR86 range with its exclusive Forest Shadow exterior colour, bronze 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels and black and tan upholstery.

Based on the GTS with Dynamic Performance Pack, the Limited Edition enhances performance along with looks thanks to the fitment of ZF Sachs sports dampers and upgraded red Brembo brake callipers.

The entire GR86 range benefits from upgrades to driveability based on feedback from professional drivers, including retuned shock absorbers and electric power steering to improve handling response and feedback.

The GR86’s optional six-speed automatic transmission has been revised to allow for downshifts at higher rpm, while the 2.4-litre engine features a revised throttle map for greater response and linearity, and improved shock response by eliminating the engine’s ignition delay control.

For more information on any of the Gazoo Racing lineup, or if you'd like to organise a test drive of one of these models, get in touch with the team at Motorama Toyota today.