Toyota has recently hinted at the possibility of introducing an automatic transmission variant of the GR Corolla. This comes as a response to customer preferences and sales data indicating a strong demand for automatic-equipped performance cars. Currently, the GR Corolla is celebrated for its six-speed manual transmission, but the lack of an automatic option has somewhat limited its market appeal.
In a recent Australian media briefing, Toyota Gazoo Racing President Tomoya Takahashi acknowledged the potential for an automatic GR Corolla, stating, “If there is customer demand, maybe.” Sales data supports this possibility; in Australia, more than half of the GR Supra and GR86 sales are of the automatic variants. Specifically, 51.5% of Australian GR86 buyers have chosen the automatic transmission, demonstrating a clear preference for automatic options among performance car enthusiasts.
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Adding an automatic transmission to the GR Corolla would likely be a straightforward process. The GR Corolla shares numerous components with the GR Yaris, which Toyota has already equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This transmission, known as the Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission, is fine-tuned for performance driving. It optimizes gearshifting based on vehicle behavior and driver inputs, such as brake and accelerator usage, enhancing the overall driving experience.
The GR Corolla and GR Yaris both utilize a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine, an all-wheel-drive system, and are built on the TNGA platform. This commonality suggests that introducing an automatic transmission to the GR Corolla would be relatively easy from a technical standpoint. While some enthusiasts might resist the idea, many potential buyers who drive in heavy traffic or are not comfortable with manual transmissions would welcome the option of an automatic GR Corolla.
If an automatic GR Corolla were to be introduced, it would join the ranks of the GR Supra and GR86, which offer both manual and automatic transmission options. This move could significantly broaden the GR Corolla’s market appeal, especially in regions like the United States, where the standard Corolla no longer offers a manual transmission due to low demand. As Toyota continues to adapt to customer preferences, the introduction of an automatic GR Corolla seems increasingly likely.
