In the November 2023 issue of Car and Driver, it reported that Toyota’s plant in Motomachi, Japan, has an exclusive procedure for generating the GR Corolla and GR Yaris. These high-performance sedans reroute onto a turntable, eliminating the urge to spin your idler. This process minimizes asymmetry in the suspension bearings, improving the accuracy of final chassis adjustments. It’s impressive to see so much attention to detail from a major manufacturer for these race-inspired driver cars.
The GR Corolla, unveiled in the 2023 design year, was created through Toyota’s motorsports and functionality division, Gazoo Racing. With all-wheel drive, a 300-horsepower turbocharged inline-three engine, and a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission, this compact sports car is a larger edition of the GR Yaris, used in the World Rally Championship. The GR Corolla garnered critical acclaim and won the 10Best award, cementing its position as one of Toyota’s top-capacity machines. The GR Corolla and GR Yaris are produced in the same plant that once manufactured the Lexus LFA.
The Gazoo Racing factory has a production of only 49 GR Corollas, 8 GR Yaris and 4 track-focused GRMN Yaris models. This low-volume operation requires a maximum point of specialization. GR workstations are arranged in semi-permanent cells, combining several production steps into one. Electrical equipment is used instead of compressed air to lift and locate heavier subassemblies, reducing load and complexity. Autonomous tugs help send partial vehicles from one station to another, replacing bulky conveyor systems. Workers manually check the functionality of the machines and push the bodies onto carts.
The GR Corolla’s design is bolstered with additional adhesives and spot welds than its mass-produced siblings. The frame is assembled on a single template, which adjusts its tolerances. The suspension mounting elements are scanned and measured, allowing individual parts to be matched. with complementary variants. This attention to detail is influenced by the design strategies of Gazoo’s race cars. Toyota president Akio Toyoda insists on the importance of making GR models suitable for the race track as soon as they leave the showroom.
The progression of the GR Corolla involved engineers operating like a race team, overcoming demanding situations in combination and speeding up the process. The purpose of creating a car that not only performs, but also brings joy to the driver. The chassis parts of the GR Corolla are painstakingly measured and combined to achieve an optimal balance. The power of the brake calipers is tested and engaged accordingly. Bolt gap alignment and wheel angle deviations are more accurate than traditional Toyota models.
The GR Corolla’s refinement process included testing on Toyota’s outdoor test floor in Nagoya. The driving course organized at the facility helped the GR team fine-tune the car’s performance. The chassis took it a step further and more power was extracted from the 1. 6-liter turbocharged engine. Three-cylinder engine. The production process of the GR Corolla consists of combining the tread parts with the painted bodies. Unlike popular models, GR models have their bodies lowered onto constant supports, creating a more powerful connection and cutting the strain on the car’s skeletons. .
Gazoo Racing plans to continue building long-lasting GR models with the same point of attention to detail. Former GR boss Koji Sato, who is now Toyota’s CEO, promises that the GR philosophy will be maintained. The GR Corolla will also continue to be developed, with motive power commentary being analyzed. Gazoo Racing will offer high-performance spare parts and help its cars in their lifecycle. Although electric models may join the GR diversity in the long run, they provide demanding situations in terms of improving your driving characteristics.
The term “Gazoo” comes from a photocentric online page of Toyota used cars in the 1990s. It evolved to mean “garage,” representing a position in which engineers analyze the main points of a car.
Assembled GR Corollas go through intense motorsport-inspired verification steps. Weighted bags are added to simulate passengers and fuel, ensuring an exact guiding feel. The alignment of the rear axle is checked and adjusted before any adjustments are made to the front axle. Brake pedal Tension and progress are checked, and additional chassis and suspension measurements are followed. If the numbers exceed the tolerance, new parts are installed and the completion procedure begins again. Only after passing those tests is the car tested and ready for shipment.
The GR Corolla is not only the dream car for many, but also a testament to the learnings of the Gazoo team. Toyota’s engineers learned how to break barriers and break down car development, thanks to the change in attitude brought about by Akio Toyoda. The result is the GR Corolla and GR Yaris, which embody the spirit of automotive manufacturing.
In terms of engine, the GR Corolla and GR Yaris are powered by a turbocharged three-cylinder engine that produces three hundred horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The engine is assembled with performance-oriented attention, adding weight to match the model. Aluminum pistons. This 1. 6-liter three-cylinder chose for its favorable torque curve and reduced exhaust pressure compared to an inline four. It is eligible for the WRC2 category and a guest race car that meets Rally2 specifications is currently in development. .
Toyota’s Shimoyama Technical Center played a vital role in the progression of the GR Corolla. The facility, located near the city of Toyota, features a variety of control tracks, plus a country road driving course fostered through the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The course is challenging, with steep inclines and hairpin bends, allowing chassis engineers to fine-tune the car’s performance. Safety measures, such as the reinforcement of protective barriers, have been implemented for drivers and the environment.
Delivery of Baidu and Geely self-driving cars begins
Toyota bZ4X Review
The Ford Ka gets a new SUV-inspired variant
Baidu and Geely Begin Delivering Autonomous Electric Vehicles, Challenging Tesla’s Model Y
Potential $1. 8 billion loss of profit for Tesla
Electric cars are cheaper than classic cars
Uber Eats and Zoomo Team Up for Cutting-Edge Electric Moped Project
Delivery of Baidu and Geely self-driving cars begins
Toyota bZ4X Review
The Ford Ka gets a new SUV-inspired variant
Baidu and Geely Begin Delivering Autonomous Electric Vehicles, Challenging Tesla’s Model Y
Potential $1. 8 billion loss of profit for Tesla
Electric cars are cheaper than classic cars
Uber Eats and Zoomo Team Up for Cutting-Edge Electric Moped Project