GR Corolla first ride

[OkieSnuffBox]

Yeah, I've read how the fanbois don't seem to care to pay the ADM.

[86Zed]

Originally Posted by Clark_Kent

I was able to secure an allocation for MSRP last month and the car arrived at the dealership last week, delivered to me today. I don't want to hijack the GR Corolla thread with CTR stuff so here's a link to my post:

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...&postcount=183

Rad car and the best color combo currently, enjoy!

[86Zed]

Been away from the forums a bit, however I have put 1,700 miles on my GR Corolla since purchase and still an incredibly capable and fun car to drive. Put in half a day at a local small track (tight and twisty), so much grip I do wish it was easier to rotate and step out intentionally. This is running 50/50, Sport, TC Off with stock Michelin Pilot Sport 4.

I was able to run it around in the snow a few days out of necessity, did OK on summer tires which is really saying something. Cannot wait to get a dedicate winter set for it.

Most days it is just running the kiddos to/from daycare with adequate space back there to do so. No, this is not a sedan masquerading as a hot-hatch (a la FK9 Civic Type R), decent amount of compromise required but a very potent package.

[Clark_Kent]

Originally Posted by 86Zed

Been away from the forums a bit, however I have put 1,700 miles on my GR Corolla since purchase and still an incredibly capable and fun car to drive. Put in half a day at a local small track (tight and twisty), so much grip I do wish it was easier to rotate and step out intentionally. This is running 50/50, Sport, TC Off with stock Michelin Pilot Sport 4.

I was able to run it around in the snow a few days out of necessity, did OK on summer tires which is really saying something. Cannot wait to get a dedicate winter set for it.

Most days it is just running the kiddos to/from daycare with adequate space back there to do so. No, this is not a sedan masquerading as a hot-hatch (a la FK9 Civic Type R), decent amount of compromise required but a very potent package.

Thanks for sharing. The utility of these hot hatches is so amazing especially given the price point.

I recall seeing a couple YouTube videos in the last few months where a couple GR Corollas experienced overheating on the track. I haven't really followed up since. Were those isolated occurrences or is this an item that owners who track their cars will need to care for? If the latter, what's the solve?

[86Zed]

Originally Posted by Clark_Kent

I recall seeing a couple YouTube videos in the last few months where a couple GR Corollas experienced overheating on the track. I haven't really followed up since. Were those isolated occurrences or is this an item that owners who track their cars will need to care for? If the latter, what's the solve?

It seems to be a situation shared with the GR Yaris and experienced by a decent number of media outlets and plenty of individual owners. The exact circumstances are never quite identical (AWD mode [60/40, 50/50, 70,30], TC ON/OFF, ambient temps, tires, track style, driving style).There is a temperature sensor in the clutch housing that's in front of the rear diff causing issues.

There is a real concern with how close to the rear differential and temperature sensor (clutch housing) the exhaust routes and any subsequent cooling in that region. This leaves the option for shielding, cooling ducting, or improved routing via an aftermarket setup. I would certainly hope Toyota chimes in with their assessment as well.

Ambient temps were <55F during my track day and sessions fairly quick at ~15 mins on a short track. I ran 50/50, TC OFF, sport mode (GR calls it expert ) and experienced no issues. Will get it out on a faster more demanding track soon enough.

[FrostyDC4]

Originally Posted by 86Zed

Been away from the forums a bit, however I have put 1,700 miles on my GR Corolla since purchase and still an incredibly capable and fun car to drive. Put in half a day at a local small track (tight and twisty), so much grip I do wish it was easier to rotate and step out intentionally. This is running 50/50, Sport, TC Off with stock Michelin Pilot Sport 4.

I was able to run it around in the snow a few days out of necessity, did OK on summer tires which is really saying something. Cannot wait to get a dedicate winter set for it.

Most days it is just running the kiddos to/from daycare with adequate space back there to do so. No, this is not a sedan masquerading as a hot-hatch (a la FK9 Civic Type R), decent amount of compromise required but a very potent package.

How is rear seat space/headroom for 2+ kiddos or adults?

[86Zed]

Originally Posted by FrostyDC4

How is rear seat space/headroom for 2+ kiddos or adults?

It can fit the rear facing infant setup, passenger seat a bit further forward than my wife would like (neither of us is over 6ft tall). Front facing booster space much more livable.

The rear seat is certainly usable and not terrible like a 2+2, at the same time this would not be the car for a lengthy road trip.

[Donatello.]

Cloth seats in a $40k car? lol

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by Donatello.

Cloth seats in a $40k car? lol

For someone who thinks this car sucks so much, you sure keep coming back.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by Donatello.

Cloth seats in a $40k car? lol

Funny, I’d have gladly paid extra to get cloth in my car. Very few modern cars have leather that resembles anything from a cow anyway.

[Clark_Kent]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

For someone who thinks this car sucks so much, you sure keep coming back.

It's a quasi troll. Resist the urge to feed him treats.

[86Zed]

The Circuit Edition has a more nicely trimmed interior, and a nice $5K+ premium sticker for it. Kids are tough on cars. The goal here was to experience something fun and have one car in the fleet without German parts pricing

[z335is]

Test drove a CTR, Golf R, Corolla GR Core and Elantra N over the last several weeks. I liked them all, but the Corolla was at best 3rd in that order.

The interior is comically bad, I mean Daewoo Lanos level bad. The one I test drove had 7 miles on it and the door panels were already scratched to hell since they are just monolithic slabs of cheap plastic. The seats are cloth buckets ripped out of a base Corolla. I could go on and on.

The car drove well, but the three cylinder was just too thrashy for my taste. It always felt like it was struggling. I get the gimmick, but a 4 cyclinder would have been much better here.

At the end of the day, I'd go Golf R > CTR > Corolla GR > Elantra N with the first two being leagues above the latter two.

Again, not trying to offend anyone, all are great cars, just figured I'd lend my opinion since I was able to get seat time in them all.

[M3AN_F8IGHTY]

got to poke around one of these, very cool hatch

[maxdriver]

Well I snagged a Circuit in Heavy Metal last week….love this little beast! It’s an absolute riot to drive. I was #2 on a dealer’s list for more than a year. They got a Core model earlier in the year and the second, the Circuit that I bought, came in this month. I was told there are still 45 names on the list….!

Before I am asked….i got it for MSRP. Only add on were all weather mats and $599.00 doc fee. Roughly 45K out the door (no sales tax).

[86Zed]

Originally Posted by maxdriver

Well I snagged a Circuit in Heavy Metal last week….love this little beast! It’s an absolute riot to drive.

Congrats, what a great color!

I did my complimentary NASA HPDE at Ozarks International Raceway this past week - what a track and the car is such a weapon out of the box.

[Clark_Kent]

Originally Posted by 86Zed

Congrats, what a great color!

I did my complimentary NASA HPDE at Ozarks International Raceway this past week - what a track and the car is such a weapon out of the box.

Love it! Any long(er) term impressions you can share?

[86Zed]

Originally Posted by Clark_Kent

Love it! Any long(er) term impressions you can share?

Sure. 3,600 miles on the car to date with a mix of commute, road trip, autocross, and track.

My TLDR impression is that this car is as near to a homologation special as one can get in 2023 south of $50K. It has a lot of character and makes the driver smile on the regular, while being able to do the commute/groceries/road trip. It does not shine in those realms though, as cabin noise can be loud (Corolla), a small gas tank, and buzzy exhaust under 2000rpm. There are number of cars for sale with very low miles. I would say 1) a bit rougher and less civil for daily use than some really like and 2) values remain high, people cashing out into a higher level trim or other platform

Shift feel is rather bolt-action with little play and requires deliberate motion versus the gold-standard Honda or Porsche shifter. The clutch feel is light and something I am not a hug fan of - this seems to be the standard in all cars recently. It is forgiving and the car is equipped with rev matching should you choose to use it (I have never once turned it on). Electronic steering is not the greatest system I have encountered, improves a bit with sport mode.

I was able to road trip the car 600 miles each way for a track event and it was very comfortable using the radar cruise control and lane assist. No pain from the seats which I have gotten from my Z4M and Miata. Cabin noise can be a bit loud and the interior design and materials are fairly barebones. Car could use an armrest...

On track the stock brakes (DOT4 fluid) were strong, predictable, and without fade. Held up to three 25 min sessions in 85F ambient temps without breaking a sweat. Chassis is fairly rigid and the setup has an awful lot of grip even on the stock tires. It is not as playful as a RWD platform and I do miss that at times.

In black the car is rather unassuming and blends in with traffic akin to a regular Corolla - it only draws attention from fellow enthusiasts. We like its small size and nimble handling, makes every day a little less boring and the kiddos enjoy the turbo blowoff noises! I am eager to see how it performs this coming winter season.

[maxdriver]

I am impressed with the exhaust sound, especially at startup; much more of a deep, but far from obnoxious, tone compared to the typical 2.0 4 banger. Heel and toe is too much work for me, so I use the rev match all the time and love it.

Totally agree on the gearbox. It’s very good, but not as stellar as Honda. I have much experience with Honda manuals, but limited Porsche experience so I can’t comment on that comparison.

I have only had it for a week, not even through the break-in stage, but I am absolutely enjoying driving this. The ride is firm, but far from harsh. This is a third car for me and I think of it as a two seater, as the second row is down, with a practical hatchback area. Looking forward to bringing this to redline in the near future!

[Clark_Kent]

86Zed Excellent write up! The GR Corolla sounds about as fun as it looks. I appreciate your candor in celebrating where the car shines but also calling out its shortcomings. You don't get that often from owners. People tend to shout the accomplishments and whisper the failures, almost as if to justify the purchase. I've never driven one but I'm glad Toyota decided to make it. The more options for us enthusiasts, the better. Continue to enjoy it in good health.

[BMWsully]

Originally Posted by z335is

Test drove a CTR, Golf R, Corolla GR Core and Elantra N over the last several weeks. I liked them all, but the Corolla was at best 3rd in that order.

The interior is comically bad, I mean Daewoo Lanos level bad. The one I test drove had 7 miles on it and the door panels were already scratched to hell since they are just monolithic slabs of cheap plastic. The seats are cloth buckets ripped out of a base Corolla. I could go on and on.

The car drove well, but the three cylinder was just too thrashy for my taste. It always felt like it was struggling. I get the gimmick, but a 4 cyclinder would have been much better here.

At the end of the day, I'd go Golf R > CTR > Corolla GR > Elantra N with the first two being leagues above the latter two.

Again, not trying to offend anyone, all are great cars, just figured I'd lend my opinion since I was able to get seat time in them all.

Similar experience here. I really liked the GR, but there's a few shortcomings that puts it well behind the CTR and Golf R IMO. I would easily take it over the Elantra N though, I was not a fan of that at all.

*Also it was a Core with performance pack that I test drove. Very curious if the Circuit or Morizo would move the needle there (I'm sure they would)

[86Zed]

Image of my car from the free GR NASA HPDE at Ozarks International Raceway



Continues to be a strange vehicle that nobody can purchase, nobody drives, and most owners want to sell or flip.