The two-seat Corolla that costs a bomb

0 0 June 23, 2023 Edit this post

Imagine paying $80,000 for a Corolla and finding it doesn't have a back seat.

That's the big ask for Toyota's leaner, meaner GR Corolla Morizo Edition, only 25 of which will be offered for sale here in Australia.

Toyota says it has taken performance to a whole new level with the arrival of the strictly limited Morizo Edition, an even more focused version of the acclaimed GR Corolla.

The removal of the rear seats represent just one of the many weight-saving measures applied, reducing the kerb weight of the car by 30kg.

And, get this, the eight-speaker JBL audio system has been changed to a two-speaker setup, also to save weight.

Native satellite navigation functionality has been removed.

The 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine has been tuned to produce an extra 30Nm of torque, bringing the maximum to 400Nm between 3250 and 4600 rpm.

Power remains unchanged at 221kW at 6500 rpm.

Engineers have also re-calibrated the close-ratio six-speed manual, with different ratios first and third gear, allowing for the engine power band to be used more efficiently.

The final gear ratio has also been configured to optimise drive torque.

High-strength gear material has been adopted to improve durability, with the first, third, fourth, fifth and final drive gears gaining shock treatment to enhance shock torque strength.

The spring inside the synchroniser has also been strengthened to improve shift performance during sports driving.

Monotube shock absorbers have been adopted further improving roll rigidity and responsiveness of the MacPherson strut front and double-wishbone rear suspension.

Grip has been enhanced with sticky 245/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber, wrapped around 10-spoke, 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels.

The words Toyota Gazoo Racing are engraved on the outer edge of the rim, with the "R" finished in red for a special visual touch.

Building on the rigid and lightweight TNGA-C platform, Morizo Edition adds further structural reinforcements to provide the stiffest possible underpinnings.

Compared to the GTS on which it is based, an extra 3334mm of structural adhesive has been applied throughout the body, representing a 6082mm increase over the standard.

Inside the cabin two new braces bolster structural reinforcement, with a suspension tower brace between the rear wheels joined by a new floor brace in place of the rear seats.

Morizo Edition adds a number of race-inspired touches to assist in high-speed driving and cornering.

The standard mixed-material seats in the GTS have been swapped out with race buckets upholstered in Brin Naub perforated suede, featuring extra side and seat-base bolstering to maximise occupant grip and stability during performance driving.

Suede has been applied to the steering wheel, manual parking brake and shift boot for strong grip, with alumite red metal accents applied to the steering wheel centre marker and shifter.

Red stitching also appears on the seats, steering wheel, shifter and parking brake for an extra-sporty touch.

Along with the core Frosted White pearl and Tarmac Black metallic exterior paint colours, a new Matte Steel hue has been introduced exclusively for the Morizo Edition.

Keen observers will also notice the front intercooler on the Morizo has been emblazoned with a 'GR-FOUR' emblem for a subtle but dynamic touch.

Morizo Edition is priced from $77,800 plus on-road costs. Premium paint adds $575, while the exclusive Matte Steel colour is $2500 extra.

It's covered by a 5-year, unlimited kilometre warranty that extends to seven years on engine and driveline, with capped-price servicing for the first three years/60,000km (whichever comes first).

Each six-month/10,000km service costs $300.