Toyota & Haas Launch GR Corolla TC for American Touring Cars

While this news may have dominated motorsport discussions, another exciting development unfolded in North Carolina: the reveal of the new Toyota GR Corolla TC racecar. Although it may not have the same global impact, this new touring car underscores Toyota's unwavering commitment to competitive motorsport across various platforms.

A Step Towards Touring Car Dominance

The GR Corolla TC is designed to compete in the 2024 TC America Series, a single-class touring car championship where it will face off against the likes of the Honda Civic Type R and Mini Cooper JCW. However, unlike a traditional factory team entry, Toyota is offering the GR Corolla TC to race teams and privateers, allowing them to bring the car to the track. This initiative marks another strategic move to solidify Toyota's presence in regional motorsport, and the unveiling coincided with the official renaming of its racing division to Toyota Gazoo Racing North America (TGRNA).

The Technical Highlights of the GR Corolla TC

One of the most exciting aspects of the GR Corolla TC is its drivetrain. It retains the GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system, making it the first AWD car in the competition—a significant advantage over its front-wheel-drive competitors. The racecar is built on a foundation closely related to the road-legal GR Corolla, featuring a 1.6-liter, three-cylinder engine, albeit with a race-specific Bosch ECU for optimized performance. Additionally, it is equipped with a new eight-speed automatic transmission and a custom control unit to enhance its racing capabilities.

To handle the demands of racing, Toyota has made significant upgrades, including:

Enhanced drivetrain cooling

Custom-built MacPherson struts

JRi dual-adjustable dampers

Six-piston Alcon brakes

Race-tuned ABS for precise control

Fixed-ratio Torsen differentials

These modifications aim to provide superior handling, braking, and performance, setting the GR Corolla TC apart in the TC America Series.

Stripped-Down Interior for a Pure Racing Experience

Inside the GR Corolla TC, the focus is purely on performance. Most of the interior trim has been removed to accommodate an FIA-approved roll cage and an OMP fiberglass race seat, ensuring driver safety while keeping the car lightweight. The setup also includes a racing-specific steering wheel with paddle shifters, although the standard gear lever and much of the original dashboard remain.

Mike Norem, manager of Toyota's customer racing department, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “The opportunity to take the GR Corolla and make it a track-ready racecar with the team here at TGRNA was an exciting project to tackle. We knew that the GR Corolla was the ideal platform for this series and would provide the perfect opportunity for our team to continue to grow the GR sports car ladder in the United States.”

The Future of the GR Corolla: A Road-Legal Variant?

Speculation is growing about a possible road-legal version of the GR Corolla TC hitting European markets. Although nothing has been confirmed, the idea has been circulating in enthusiast circles and could signify Toyota's ambitions to expand its touring car success beyond North America. If these rumors hold true, it would bring the GR Corolla's racing spirit to everyday drivers, blending track-proven performance with street-legal practicality.

Ready to Compete and Capture the Enthusiast Market

With its robust build, powerful drivetrain, and racing-focused upgrades, the Toyota GR Corolla TC is set to become a formidable competitor in the TC America Series. While the car is primarily aimed at professional teams, Toyota hopes to attract track day enthusiasts willing to invest in a high-performance touring car experience.

The GR Corolla TC embodies Toyota's passion for motorsport and innovation, ensuring that even as the brand explores partnerships and new racing categories, it remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of performance engineering.