Following the recent debut of the US-spec 2024 Toyota GR Corolla, the company announced similar model year updates for the Japanese market. The highlights are the new Cyan Metallic exterior shade, the improved bolts for various chassis components, and the slightly tweaked front air ducts, which are said to improve the driving experience.
Starting with the new specification, the new Cyan Metallic exterior shade is exclusively combined with black interior upholstery and blue stitching. Toyota will only build 50 examples painted in this shade, joining the existing white, gray, black, and red options. The color is probably identical to the Blue Flame that was introduced in the US-spec GR Corolla last June, and the fact it looks slightly different in the photos is likely due to studio lighting.
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The other model year upgrades – which were also introduced in the US for the 2024 MY – are not visible but prove Toyota Gazoo Racing‘s commitment to continuously improving its products using experience gained in motorsports.
The bolts used to fasten the front suspension member, steering, and gearbox, now have a rib-shaped flange that improves their fastening rigidity. Likewise, the bolts in the rear suspension member got a slightly wider head. According to Toyota engineers, the new bolts result in an improved steering response and stability.
Finally, the air ducts on the front bumper got the slightest redesign in order to optimize airflow to the wheels. This is said to reduce drag while improving steering stability and maneuverability, although we are not sure if the effect would be noticeable to the driver. There is no change on the suspension setup or the turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder petrol engine that still makes 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS) and 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) of torque. Power is transmitted to all four wheels via the 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission and the GR-Four AWD system with front and rear limited-slip differentials.
The Toyota GR Corolla will be available in its home market in a limited number of 550 units for this year, with a price tag of ¥5,250,000 ($35,859). Owners will be selected through a lottery, with the company accepting applications until September 11 and sales starting in the fall of 2023. Toyota also said they might offer additional units of the hot hatch as the semiconductor shortage eases.
