Two years after its initial release, the Toyota GR Corolla continues to redefine what enthusiasts expect from the Japanese automaker. More than just a hot hatchback, the GR Corolla signaled a significant shift for Toyota, proving its commitment to building exciting, performance-oriented vehicles. While the standard Corolla built its legacy on affordability, reliability, and fuel efficiency, it wasn’t known for thrilling driving dynamics – until the GR Corolla arrived.
The GR Corolla took the humble Corolla hatchback and injected it with raw performance, transforming it into a true driving machine. This project, fueled by passion, was championed by Toyota’s then President and CEO, Akio Toyoda. To further celebrate this achievement and Toyoda’s vision, Toyota unveiled the Gr Corolla Morizo Edition, an even more focused, track-ready variant. This limited-production model is so exclusive that many may never even encounter one in person.
This article delves into the essence of the Morizo Edition, exploring the influence of Akio Toyoda, the enhancements that distinguish it from the standard GR Corolla, and why it’s become such a coveted hot hatch.
Akio Toyoda’s Passion: The Driving Force Behind Morizo
Akio Toyoda’s impact on Toyota is undeniable. As the great-grandson of the company’s founder, he has held numerous roles within the organization, culminating in his leadership as CEO starting in 2009. He took the helm during a tumultuous period for Toyota, navigating the aftermath of the global recession and significant product recalls. Toyoda recognized that Toyota needed to move beyond simply chasing sales volume and reconnect with the passion for building cars that excite drivers.
Toyoda, also known by his racing alias “Morizo Kinoshita,” is a dedicated racer himself. He understood the need for Toyota to inject more soul and driving enjoyment into its vehicles. While Toyota would continue to offer practical and reliable models, Toyoda’s vision pushed for performance cars that could stir emotions. This shift began with models like the GR86 (originally Scion FR-S in the US) and the TRD Pro off-road series, but Toyoda yearned for something even more compact and thrilling.
This desire led to the GR Yaris, a rally-inspired hot hatch launched in 2020, which, sadly, was not available in the US. Toyoda was deeply involved in its development, even serving as a test driver. The overwhelming enthusiasm for the GR Yaris demonstrated the pent-up demand for exciting Toyotas. Responding to this, Toyota introduced the GR Corolla to the global market in 2022. As a tribute to Toyoda’s pivotal role in this performance renaissance, the GR Corolla Morizo Edition was created, solidifying his legacy within the company and the automotive world.
Morizo Edition: Elevating the GR Corolla Experience
The Toyota GR Corolla lineup initially offered three trims: Core, Circuit Edition, and the range-topping Morizo Edition. All shared the core performance DNA: all-wheel drive, a six-speed manual transmission, and a potent 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. While all GR Corollas boast 300 horsepower, the Morizo Edition distinguishes itself with 295 lb-ft of torque, a bump from the 273 lb-ft in the other trims, offering enhanced responsiveness and acceleration.
As Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-at-Large at Carbuzz, notes: “That little three-pot engine is a superstar, delivering responsive power and a pleasant buzzy exhaust note…the GR Corolla doesn’t have any synthetic engine noise pumped into the cabin; it’s all real.” He also praised the manual transmission for its “positive engagement levels and a short throw,” making it ideal for track driving.
However, the Morizo Edition is more than just a torque increase. Toyota stripped down the car to amplify its track focus. The rear seats were removed entirely, along with rear speakers, window motors, and even the rear wiper, demonstrating a serious commitment to weight reduction. A forged carbon fiber roof and lightweight forged wheels further contributed to shedding 84 pounds compared to the Circuit Edition.
Beyond weight savings, the Morizo Edition received performance-focused upgrades to the suspension, transmission, and tires. The six-speed manual transmission features closer gear ratios, optimizing acceleration and maximizing the increased torque. The Morizo is equipped with high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, providing superior grip on track. To enhance chassis rigidity, Toyota added extra floor braces and a rear strut brace, along with 349 additional spot welds and increased structural adhesive, ensuring exceptional handling and responsiveness during high-speed cornering.
| Feature | Toyota GR Corolla Morizo Edition |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6-liter three-cylinder turbocharged |
| Horsepower | 300 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual with close ratios |
| Tires | Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 |
| Suspension | Track-tuned springs and dampers |
| Rear Seats | Removed |
Visually, the Morizo Edition is subtly differentiated with trim-specific brake ducts, unique badging, and a red and black interior. However, its exclusivity is most apparent in details like the serialized plaque and the Morizo-exclusive matte gray paint, signaling to discerning enthusiasts that this is indeed one of the ultra-rare “1 of just 200 in the US” examples.
The Rarity and Allure of the GR Corolla Morizo
Acquiring a GR Corolla Morizo Edition when new was a challenge. With a starting MSRP of $50,995, finding one at that price was difficult due to limited availability and high demand. Only 200 units were allocated for the US market, making it an instant collector’s item. The situation was even more competitive in Japan, Toyota’s home market, where only 70 units were available, and prospective buyers often had to enter lotteries just for the chance to purchase one.
Jared Rosenholtz, Automotive Journalist at Carbuzz, offered his expert opinion:
“Though it’s far less livable as a daily driver, the Morizo Edition might be the best hot hatchback we’ve ever driven. It serves as proof that Toyota is still capable of building a world-class driver’s car, and if you can snag one of the 200 units that will be built for the 2023 model year, we can’t recommend it highly enough.”
The limited production and high desirability often led to significant dealer markups, a common issue with sought-after, limited-edition performance vehicles. Despite the challenges, the GR Corolla Morizo Edition remains incredibly desirable for driving purists and collectors alike.
The GR Corolla Morizo in Today’s Market
While Toyota has expanded the GR Corolla lineup, enhancing torque across all models and even introducing an automatic transmission option, the Morizo Edition retains its special status. It stands as the ultimate expression of the GR Corolla’s performance potential. Despite no longer being in production, the Morizo’s value remains strong in the used market.
Used examples of the GR Corolla Morizo Edition typically trade around their original MSRP of $50,000 on platforms like Bring A Trailer and Cars & Bids. This stable pricing indicates the model’s enduring appeal and limited depreciation, a testament to its desirability and collectibility. Potential buyers should ensure any used Morizo hasn’t been excessively tracked to avoid potential maintenance issues.
The Toyota GR Corolla Morizo Edition is more than just a hot hatch; it’s a symbol of Toyota’s renewed commitment to performance and driver engagement under Akio Toyoda’s leadership. It embodies the spirit of a car built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, and its existence promises a continued focus on exciting, driver-centric vehicles from Toyota in the years to come.
Sources: Toyota, BringATrailer.com
