The Toyota GR Corolla has been the talk of the town for enthusiasts who crave high-performance, manual-driven hot hatches. Known for its potent turbocharged three-cylinder engine, all-wheel-drive system, and a snappy six-speed manual transmission, the GR Corolla has captured the hearts of driving enthusiasts.
However, the latest reports suggest that Toyota may be looking to expand the GR Corolla’s appeal by introducing an automatic transmission option. In this news post, we will delve into the details of this potential change and explore how it could impact the overall dynamics and accessibility of this coveted performance-oriented hatchback. By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of what the future may hold for the Toyota GR Corolla and its transmission offerings.
According to multiple reports, leaked documents have surfaced that suggest the Toyota GR Corolla could be getting an eight-speed automatic transmission option in the 2025 model year. This information was originally posted on the GR Corolla Forum, where a Canadian order sheet was shared, indicating the addition of a “Premium AT” model with the eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The introduction of an automatic transmission option would not be entirely surprising, as Toyota’s overseas counterpart, the GR Yaris, already offers a similar eight-speed “Direct Automatic Transmission.” In the case of the GR Yaris, the addition of the automatic gearbox only resulted in a 40-pound increase in curb weight, suggesting that the impact on the GR Corolla’s performance and handling characteristics may be minimal.
According to the leaked documents, the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla with the eight-speed automatic transmission is expected to deliver an increased torque output compared to the current manual-only models. The base GR Corolla with the six-speed manual currently produces 273 pound-feet of torque, while the high-performance Morizo edition generates 295 pound-feet.
The leaked information suggests that with the introduction of the automatic variant, the torque output will be standardized at 295 pound-feet across the entire GR Corolla lineup. This increase in torque could potentially provide a more consistent and potent driving experience, regardless of the transmission choice.
One of the key concerns with the addition of an automatic transmission is the potential impact on the GR Corolla’s overall weight and, consequently, its driving dynamics. However, a comparison with the GR Yaris, which shares the same 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, provides some reassurance.
The GR Yaris, when equipped with the eight-speed automatic “Direct Automatic Transmission,” experienced a negligible increase in curb weight of only around 40 pounds. This suggests that the GR Corolla’s transition to an automatic option may not significantly compromise its agility and performance, as the weight penalty is expected to be relatively small.
The addition of an automatic transmission option to the Toyota GR Corolla lineup could significantly expand the appeal of the hot hatch to a broader range of customers. At present, the GR Corolla has been primarily targeted towards enthusiasts who prioritize the engaging experience of a manual gearbox. However, with the introduction of an eight-speed automatic, the GR Corolla could become accessible to a wider demographic, including those who may not be as comfortable or experienced with operating a manual transmission.
This strategic move by Toyota aligns with the broader industry trends, where the demand for automatic transmissions has been steadily increasing. Approximately 83% of new car buyers in the United States opt for an automatic transmission, indicating that there is a sizable market segment that the GR Corolla has yet to fully tap into.
By offering the choice between a manual and an automatic, Toyota can cater to the preferences of a larger pool of potential customers, potentially boosting the GR Corolla’s sales and market share in the highly competitive performance hatchback segment.
According to the reports, the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla with the eight-speed automatic transmission is expected to make its debut sometime before the end of 2024, with the model going on sale in early 2025. This timeline suggests that Toyota is actively working to incorporate the new transmission option into the GR Corolla lineup in a timely manner.
The introduction of the automatic variant is likely a strategic move by Toyota to maintain the GR Corolla’s competitiveness and appeal to a broader range of buyers. With the high-performance hot hatch market becoming increasingly crowded, the availability of an automatic transmission could give the GR Corolla a significant advantage over its rivals, such as the Hyundai Elantra N and the Honda Civic Type R, which currently only offer manual transmissions.
While the introduction of an automatic transmission option for the Toyota GR Corolla may raise concerns among purists about potential performance compromises, the leaked information suggests that Toyota is committed to maintaining the hot hatch’s dynamic capabilities.
According to the reports, the eight-speed automatic transmission being considered for the 2025 GR Corolla is the same unit used in the overseas GR Yaris, which has only added around 40 pounds to the car’s curb weight.
This relatively small weight increase indicates that the GR Corolla’s agility and handling prowess are unlikely to be significantly impacted by the addition of the automatic gearbox. Furthermore, the leaked documents reveal that the torque output will be standardized at 295 pound-feet across the entire lineup, including the automatic variant.
This consistent and potent torque delivery should help the automatic GR Corolla deliver a thrilling driving experience that remains true to the model’s performance-focused heritage. In addition to the introduction of the eight-speed automatic transmission, the leaked documents also suggest that the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla may receive a few other updates and design changes.
According to the information, the entry-level Core trim is set to gain a heated steering wheel and brake cooling ducts, while the mid-level Premium variant will feature a set of 18-inch matte black wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, a head-up display, and a sub-radiator for improved engine cooling. These enhancements indicate that Toyota is not simply adding an automatic transmission to the GR Corolla but is also looking to refine and elevate the overall driving experience across the model range.
The inclusion of features like the head-up display and improved cooling systems suggests that Toyota is committed to ensuring the GR Corolla remains a compelling and well-rounded performance hatchback, even with the addition of an automatic transmission option.
These design and equipment updates, combined with the availability of the eight-speed automatic, could further broaden the GR Corolla’s appeal and make it an even more attractive proposition for a wider range of enthusiasts and buyers seeking a high-performance, yet versatile, daily driver.
Despite the potential addition of an eight-speed automatic transmission, Toyota has indicated that the beloved six-speed manual gearbox will remain the standard offering for the GR Corolla. This decision is a testament to the company’s understanding of the importance of the manual transmission for driving enthusiasts and purists.
The manual GR Corolla, with its precise and engaging shifting experience, has been a key factor in cementing the model’s reputation as a true driver’s car. Approximately 83% of current GR Corolla owners have expressed a strong preference for the manual transmission, underscoring the continued demand for this traditional driving experience.
By keeping the manual as the standard option, Toyota ensures that the GR Corolla will continue to cater to the needs of those who relish the connection between the driver and the machine that only a manual can provide. This commitment to preserving the manual option demonstrates Toyota’s understanding of the GR Corolla’s core customer base and their unwavering passion for the driving dynamics that have made this hot hatch a standout in the segment.
By maintaining the manual as a choice, Toyota is solidifying the GR Corolla’s position as a true enthusiast’s vehicle, appealing to the driving purists who value the tactile and engaging nature of a three-pedal setup. While the manual transmission option will remain a cornerstone of the GR Corolla’s identity, the introduction of an eight-speed automatic variant has the potential to significantly expand the model’s appeal and accessibility.
According to industry data, approximately 83% of new car buyers in the United States opt for an automatic transmission, indicating a sizable market segment that the GR Corolla has yet to fully reach.
By offering the convenience and ease of use of an automatic gearbox, Toyota can attract a wider range of customers, including those who may have been hesitant to consider the GR Corolla due to its manual-only configuration. The automatic option can make the high-performance hatchback more approachable for daily drivers, commuters, and those who may not have the experience or dexterity required to operate a manual transmission.
Furthermore, the leaked information suggests that the automatic GR Corolla will benefit from the same potent 295 pound-feet of torque as the manual variant, ensuring that the performance credentials of the hot hatch remain intact. This, combined with the minimal weight penalty, indicates that Toyota is committed to delivering a driving experience that appeals to a broader audience without compromising the GR Corolla’s inherent dynamic capabilities.
By catering to the needs of both manual enthusiasts and those who prefer the convenience of an automatic, Toyota is positioning the GR Corolla as a more versatile and accessible performance offering, further solidifying its status as a true contender in the highly competitive hot hatch market.
