Hot Toyota GR Corolla Tears Up The Ring, Is It A GRMN Variant?

Spy photographers recently snapped a mysterious GR Corolla prototype undergoing testing in Europe. While its front end was camouflaged, the only noticeable change was a lack of sensors.

That wasn’t much to go on, but we assumed the vehicle was an early prototype for a facelift or a new special edition. The latter now appears likely as spy photographers have snapped a hotter hatch on the Nürburgring.

More: Mysterious Toyota GR Corolla Spied, May Hint At Facelift Or New Special Edition

While the changes don’t immediately jump out, the model appears to have a unique ventilated hood that is covered by camouflage. The disguise makes it hard to be certain, but there’s no mistaking the new vents located above the front fenders. They’re joined by larger side vents that feature two horizontal strips instead of the seven found on the regular model.

Speaking of the fenders, they appear wider than usual and this suggests the production model could have an increased track. Regardless, the prototype rides on lightweight wheels that are backed up by a high-performance braking system with red calipers.

Baldauf / Carscoops

We can also see a black – possibly carbon fiber – roof as well as a sizable rear wing. The latter is reminiscent of the GR Corolla Circuit Edition, but spy photographers suggested it might be even larger than the wing used on that car.

Little else is known about the model at this point, but it’s been tentatively dubbed the GRMN Corolla. While only time will tell what the prototype really is, the 2025 GR Corolla features an upgraded turbocharged 1.6-liter engine developing 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. That’s an increase of 22 lb-ft (30 Nm) and the three-cylinder can be paired to a new eight-speed automatic transmission as well as the familiar six-speed manual.

SH Proshots / Carscoops