As we expected, following its introduction on the GR Yaris earlier this year, Toyota is adding the option of an 8-speed automatic transmission to the GR Corolla hot hatch. The new auto comes along with an overall facelift for the 2025 model year GR Corolla that brings more torque, tweaked styling and other new features.
That auto is the big news. Toyota calls it the Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT), and it’s a different unit than what’s found in the GR86 and Supra. Instead of sensing vehicle behavior like speed and deceleration, Toyota says the DAT’s software “delicately senses the way the driver steps on the brakes and operates the accelerator,” so it can “anticipate when gear shifting is optimal even before changes in vehicle behavior occur.” That means its shifting happens the way a professional professional driver might make it happen, so amateurs can focus on steering and brakes. Toyota’s own professional drivers helped with development:
The DAT also allows drivers to focus more on acceleration/brake and steering maneuvers, so non-professional drivers may be able to drive faster if they decide to hit the track. As a result, it opens up possibilities for a wider range of drivers to enjoy sports driving.
The Toyota GR development team used circuit and rally driving courses as a basis for setting the DAT’s close gear ratio. They optimized the shift points of the DAT, giving similar ratios to the 6MT that maximize delivery of engine power and torque to the wheels and enables optimal performance. Even casual highway driving has an energetic feel, due to the eight-speed transmission optimizing RPMs while at cruising speeds.
The GR Corolla’s turbocharged 1.6-liter 3-cylinder engine still puts out 300 horsepower, but torque has been increased from 273 pound-feet to 295, matching the discontinued Morizo Edition. Automatic-equipped cars get a transmission fluid cooler, and a sub-radiator is a new factory-installed option on upper trim levels. New rebound springs at the front and rear “suppress inner wheel lift during energetic dynamic driving,” a tweak that was made after testing at Fuji Speedway. The rear coils and stabilizers have been upgraded for better controllability in corners, and the trailing arm mounting point has been raised to reduce rear squat while accelerating. Front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials are now standard on every GR Corolla, and automatic models get launch control.
Toyota redesigned the front bumper for better aerodynamics and cooling, with larger openings at the corners and air curtains just ahead of the front wheel arches. It looks even better, I think, more like the WRC rally cars the GR Corolla is inspired by. On the inside, Toyota added darker trim finishes, but that’s about it. Automatic models get paddle shifters, of course.
Like last year, the GR Corolla is offered in base Core and fancier Premium trims, with no changes to the feature offerings. But there’s a new Premium Plus trim that includes some features from the previous Circuit and Morizo Editions, as well as other items new to the car. The Premium Plus gets matte black wheels, a forged carbon-fiber roof and a hood bulge with functional air vents, plus the sub radiator that’s optional on the Premium. The Premium Plus also adds a head-up display and suede-trimmed seats with red stitching throughout the interior.
The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla will reach U.S. dealerships this winter, with pricing yet to be announced. Don’t expect it to cost much more than the 2024 model’s $37,195 starting price, with the Premium Plus coming in at around $45,000. Every 2025 GR Corolla will come with a one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA), giving owners one complimentary HPDE and discounts to NASA events.
