You Can Soon Buy an Automatic Toyota GR Corolla

Yep, the rumors are true: The Toyota GR Corolla will receive an optional automatic transmission, along with additional torque and a slight styling tweak, as part of a model year ‘25 refresh.

Now, those three-pedal purists need not worry, as the six-speed manual has remained. And even better, the engineers working under Toyota’s Gazoo Racing umbrella have found a way to eke out a little extra twist, rising to 295 lb-ft from the GR Corolla’s turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder, up from 273 lb-ft.

That increase is standard whether that three-banger is mounted onto the six-speed manual or new eight-speed automatic. Fully named the “Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission,” or “DAT,” this eight-speed unit is described as if having some form of precognition, sensing when and how the driver steps on the pedals, thus shifting at optimal times instead of relying solely on vehicle behavior. A close gear ratio design, the DAT is supported by an automatic transmission cooler and has been tuned specifically for the “Sport” drive mode, joined by Normal, ECO and Custom; and the DAT features a launch control system. For further cooling, a sub-radiator is available on Premium grades and standard on the Premium Plus.

The GR Corolla still utilizes the same GR-FOUR all-wheel drive system, capable of distributing torque between a front-rear bias of 60:40, 50:50 or 30:70. Front and rear limited-slip differentials are standard, as is a retuned suspension setting. According to press materials, the GR engineers, during testing at Japan’s Fuji Speedway, decided they still desired more grip under hard cornering; so, rebound springs were fitted front and rear to reduce inner wheel lift, and the real coils and stabilizers were tinkered with to promote better ground contact. A few other changes round out the handling portion of this refresh.

As for aesthetics, the GR Corolla undergoes a relatively minor makeover. The front bumper sees more black trim, now surrounding reworked air channels; the brake ducts, for example, have been improved, creating a more optimal flow. An air curtain design breaks up turbulence around the tires, said to improve handling as well. The interior boasts a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen mounted front and center. A slew of safety features, all part of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, come standard.

The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla will be available in three grades: Core, Premium and, new for 2025, Premium Plus. Although the entry-level Core is already well-equipped, the Premium adds onto it with Brin Naub suede-trimmed seats, heated up front, along with a heated steering wheel; an eight-speaker JBL audio system, joined by a wireless charger; and additional gloss-black trimmings, particularly the front grille and lower rear bumper. The Premium Plus adds onto it with a roof panel forged from carbon fiber, a bulging hood with functional air vents, a head-up display and the aforementioned sub-radiator, just to name a few.

Some of those amenities may sound familiar, as we tested a 2023 GR Corolla Circuit Edition, which came with many of those mentioned. Looking to the future, pricing on the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla is yet to be confirmed; however, we’re sure the beans will be spilled on this hot hatch upgrade as we inch closer towards its arrival this winter.