A few months ago, Toyota launched an automatic transmission version of the GR Yaris, and now it seems the GR Corolla is set to follow the same trend.
According to an alleged vehicle ordering guide posted on the GR Corolla Forum, the 2025 model will be offered with an eight-speed automatic transmission in Canada. It will be limited to the Premium trim, and the document suggests the gearbox will be accompanied by steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Besides the new automatic transmission, the document suggests the turbocharged 1.6-liter, three-cylinder engine will have an increased torque output. This is where things get a little suspect, as the document claims the output will be increased from 272 lb-ft (368 Nm) to 295 lb-ft (400 Nm). While the six-speed manual transmission remains standard on Core and Premium models, adding an automatic transmission will open up the GR Corolla to a wider market of buyers.
The GR Corolla automatic version will slot in above the base, manual-only Core, which will reportedly gain a heated steering wheel and brake cooling ducts, but miss out on the Premium’s head-up display, dual-zone climate control, matte black wheels, carbon-fibre roof, bonnet bulge, suede seats, and red stitching. All models will reportedly receive a “revised front bumper design.”.