Toyota GR Corolla Returns as Official Pace Car for NASA National Championships

Aug 19, 2023

Inspired by rally cars, and built with high performance driving in mind, the Toyota GR Corolla has built a solid fanbase amidst race fans and performance enthusiasts. A 300-horsepower turbocharged engine, All Wheel Drive aggressive stance, and sporty styling made it one of the most sought after hot hatches. Fans got their first glimpse of the impressive Toyota GR Corolla last year in 2022 at Laguna Seca when it was named official pace car for the 2022 NASA National Championships. This year, the vehicle is delivering an encore performance after being named the pace car for 2023.

For the September 2023 National Championships at the Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pennsylvania, the GR Corolla is sure to be turning heads with the MORIZO Edition. This model features red, white, and black graphics reminiscent of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing color scheme, 300HP, and 295 Lb.-Ft of Torque with Racing Livery used for pacing duties. The GR Corolla will pace more than 250 entrants competing across 25 different classes at the Pitt RAce, a 2.78-mile, 19-turn, natural terrain course known for its challenging layout, elevation changes, and stunning scenery.

As part of an ongoing partnership between Toyota and NASA, every customer who buys a new GR Corolla will automatically be enrolled in a one-year NASA membership, with an included complimentary track day at a NASA High Performance Driving Event. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is continuing the program, first started in 2019, which gives GR Supra owners performance driving experiences with expert instructors. Since then, the program has expanded to include all GR Sports cars, with the GR86 and GR Corolla joining alongside the GR Supra.

Want to learn more about the 2023 GR Corolla? Say no more! We’ve got you covered.

The new 2023 GR COrolla features a three-cylinder turbocharged engine with 300 HP, 273 lb.-ft of torque, and the MORIZIO Edition features 295 lb.-ft of torque. The incredible 1.6 liter engine is mated to Toyota’s rally developed GR-Four AQD System, allowing drivers to select an power distribution option of 60-40, 50-50, or 30-70 to the front and rear wheels. Drivers also have the ability to toggle between four driving modes: ECO, Normal, Sport, or Custom, allowing for adaptability to a wide range of driving styles.

The 2023 GR Corolla is also exclusively equipped with an intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT), and is available in three grades: GR Corolla Core, Circuit Edition, or the ultra-aggressive GR Corolla MORIZO Edition. The MORIZO Edition features specialized enhancements designed by GR Engineers including an exclusive close ratio iMT with shorter gearing, increased chassis rigidity, and an uptick of near 20lb ft of torque from other models. It also is nearly 100lbs lighter in weight than the GR Corolla Circuit Edition thanks to the removal of its rear seat and several other components.