Toyota has ripped the covers off the new GRMN Corolla, its most focused hot hatch yet. Weighing 40kg less than the standard GR Corolla thanks to carbon fibre exterior panels and the removal of rear seats, but with more torque than the standard car, revised suspension, new bucket seats and a whole multitude of suede trim on the inside, the GRMN has been confirmed for Australian sales in limited numbers in 2027.

Likely to be the most expensive Corolla ever sold in Australia, the new limited edition extreme hot hatch uses the brand’s celebrated GRMN (‘Gazoo Racing tuned by the Meister of Nürburgring’) badging. The name gives a clue to the new model’s development, which was largely conducted at the legendary German track.

On the outside, the GRMN Corolla is even more aggressive to look at than the standard GR Corolla thanks to extensive use of carbon fibre in the bonnet and front wheel arches – which feature additional vents – plus carbon fibre front side spoilers and an adjustable carbon fibre rear spoiler.

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Matte bronze 18-inch forged alloy wheels, GRMN badging and new matte black or matte khaki paint options complete the exterior transformation.

Inside are new bucket seats trimmed in red and black upholstery with GR branding, as well as carbon fibre trim pieces, red and black suede trimmings, and the signature of Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda’s racing alias Morizo on the dashboard.

Like the GR Corolla Morizo Edition from 2023, the GRMN eschews a rear seat – making it a strict two-seater – replaced by a strut brace.

On the performance side, the 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine makes the same 221kW as the standard GR Corolla, but its torque has been uprated slightly from 400Nm to 408Nm. That, in combination with the 40kg weight loss to around 1450kg, means that it should be even quicker than the standard GR Corolla.

In a further win for enthusiasts, unlike the standard GR Corolla that offers an optional eight-speed automatic transmission, the GRMN is six-speed manual-only.

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Other driving changes include a manual intercooler spray function, revised suspension with new monotube shock absorbers, 10mm-wider Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres and even changes to the steering and all-wheel drive system.

Prices for the GRMN Corolla are yet to be announced, but given the scope of its upgrades and the standard GR Corolla’s $67,000 plus on-road costs pricing, we’re expecting it to land at above $80,000.

The Toyota GRMN Corolla will go on sale in Australia sometime in 2027, with local pricing and specifications yet to be announced.