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Aug 07, 2023

Toyota GR Corolla Rally Concept Debuts At SEMA

It proves the GR Corolla has a lot of potential for aftermarket customization

It proves the GR Corolla has a lot of potential for aftermarket customization

Earlier in 2022, Toyota unveiled the GR Corolla, a small, 300-horsepower hot hatch that finally answered the calls of many enthusiasts. Many have called the GR Corolla the hottest new hatchback of the year, but it seems that it is more than that. At the 2022 SEMA Show, the GR Corolla's potential for aftermarket customization was on full display, as shown by the GR Corolla Rally Concept.

Related: 10 Legendary Performance Cars Outgunned by The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla

Just like the road-going version, the Rally Concept is powered by a 1.6-liter, three-cylinder, port injected turbo, 12-valve, DOHC engine with a single-scroll ball-bearing turbocharger. The engine already delivers an amazing 300 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, so there was no need to work on improving its performance. Toyota added a new custom exhaust system developed in cooperation with MagnaFlow. In combination with a GR high flow air filter, airflow and exhaust performance should be optimized.

The GR Corolla already has a very dynamic look, but the Rally Concept builds on that with a rally car-inspired bodywork that will make it both more aggressive and more aerodynamic. Changes include a massive three-inch fender flare made from 20-gauge steel, a carbon composite front splitter, and a massive custom-fabricated carbon fiber rear wing. Both the front and the rear fenders get huge openings that send more air to the exhaust system.

The car rides on a new set of 17 x 8-inch OZ Racing wheels wrapped in Continental VikingContact 7 tires sized 215/60R17. The new set of wheels hides a new ventilated four-piston brake system and fully adjustable TEIN Gravel Rally coilovers. A special Toyota Gazoo Racing-inspired paintwork by Complete Customs completes the exterior look.

Related: GR Corolla vs GR Yaris Power-To-Weight Ratio Compared

The interior was also modified to suit a rally car, however, the team only modified the elements that really required modification, leaving the rest identical to the road car. For example, the rear seats were removed to make room for the roll cage made from TIG welded 1 3/4-inch x .095 DOM steel and the spare tire. The front seats were replaced with new, OMP® Racing seats and belts, while the six-speed manual shifter had to be relocated to provide optimal driver ergonomics. The concept is also equipped with an OMP Racing fire suppression system, a ZeroNoise® rally intercom system, and a spare tire mount and jack.

Next to the GR Corolla Rally Concept, Toyota is also displaying 12 other special projects at the 2022 SEMA Show, just as a proof of what the company is really capable of.

Alina has been enthusiastic about vehicles her entire life, and even from an early age found herself itching to get behind the wheel. Through high school and college, she could be found reading through whatever car magazines she could get her hands on, and her love for anything with four wheels has grown with each and every passing day. Over the years, Alina has Alina has accumulated so much knowledge about common and obscure cars that she's always able to surprise people with interesting facts and information. These days she spends her time working for Topspeed.com, reading up on the latest news and information, and occasionally hunting down hard-to-find information – something that she enjoys and is passionate about.