One of the most unexpected and highly entertaining rides we’ve experienced this decade is Toyota’s GR Corolla. Well, it’s better than ever for 2025.

The biggest change is an all-new GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission. This eight-speed auto was designed with track performance in mind and adds a Launch Control feature. The six-speed manual remains the standard transmission and gets updated with stiffer clutch operation. All-wheel drive remains standard too, as are locking front and rear diffs.

The DAT requires a transmission cooler, so Toyota has opened the front fascia a little bit for better airflow, helping with engine and brake cooling as well. Same 300-horsepower 1.6-liter I3 engine, but it gets a torque increase from 273 to 295 lb-ft. We got our Quick Spin First Drive opportunity at Charlotte Motor Speedway. On both the road course and oval sections, the GR Corolla’s short but wide platform remained stiff and stable, with tremendous amounts of grip; and as for that new automatic transmission…

BRIAN ROBINSON: “While it’s not a true dual-clutch or sequential manual, you’d be hard pressed to know it; shifts are very quick, it lets you have full control while you’re out on the track. The shifters, they’re not the biggest, uh, but they feel good in your hands and work well. It all reminds me of the Lexus IS-F eight-speed they had a while back, it’s a really great transmission and it sure beats having a CVT.”

2025 Toyota GR Corollas are available now, with base pricing around $39,000; the DAT, a $2,000 option.

And we’ll have more Quick Spins…soon!