Bringing back the hot hatch: 2023 Toyota GR Corolla

Fulfilling a commitment to offer more thrilling rolling stock, Toyota recently revealed its new 2023 GR Corolla, a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive (AWD) 5-door C-class hot hatchback developed by its Gazoo Racing (GR) performance division. Sharing drivetrain components with the smaller and not-for-U.S.-sale GR Yaris, the sinister-looking compact's sole transmission offering will be a rev-matching 6-speed manual. With only a few front-wheel-drive competitors remaining in the segment, including Honda's Civic Type-R and Hyundai's Veloster N, Toyota provided no pricing, but confirmed the AWD GR Corolla will go on sale in the U.S. later this year.

As Toyota Gazoo Racing's first wholly developed and manufactured model for the North American market, the GR Corolla is propelled by a more-powerful version of the G16E-GTS turbocharged, direct-and-port injected 3-cyl. used in the GR Yaris. In the GR Corolla, the 1.6L delivers 300 hp (224 kW) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) - a 32 hp/24 kW gain compared to the GR Yaris. The 12-valve, DOHC engine features a single-scroll, ball-bearing turbo integrated into the exhaust manifold. It delivers peak torque from 3000-5500 rpm and max hp at 6500 rpm.