Toyota GR Corolla to Introduce Automatic Gearbox Option by 2025... Probably

Alex Harrington | Jul 8, 2024

Toyota

We all know how good Toyota is at building a hot hatch. Look at the GR Yaris for example, with its brilliant chassis and potent three cylinder. Now, the Japanese marque is looking to broaden its offering, as the Toyota GR Corolla is reportedly set to take on an automatic transmission. Known for its powerful turbocharged three-cylinder engine that delivers 300 horsepower, coupled with an all-wheel-drive system and a six-speed manual transmission, the GR Corolla has won the hearts of car enthusiasts who favor high-performance, manually-shifted drives.

However, leaked documents, first spotted on the GR Corolla Forum, suggest that Toyota may be introducing a new variant called "Premium AT," equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission by 2025. While the six-speed manual remains the standard on Core and Premium trims, this move may attract buyers who prefer or require automatic transmissions.

The push towards an automatic option does not seem isolated. A comparison with the GR Yaris, which features the same 1.6-liter engine, reveals that it has already incorporated an eight-speed "Direct Automatic Transmission." The GR Yaris experienced an insignificant curb weight increase of about 40 pounds due to this addition, which suggests that the GR Corolla's transition might have a similarly minimal impact on its performance and agility.

In terms of performance, the upcoming automatic transmission is expected to deliver improved torque. At present, the base model with a manual transmission generates 273 pound-feet of torque, while the high-end Morizo edition produces 295 pound-feet. With the introduction of the automatic variant, torque could be standardized at 295 pound-feet for all models, ensuring more consistent performance metrics across the lineup.

The broader market implications of introducing an automatic transmission are significant. By expanding its transmission offerings, Toyota is expected to capture a larger market segment, appealing to those who may have been hesitant to opt for a manually-shifted model.

The rollout of an automatic GR Corolla is rumored to make its debut before the end of the year, with market availability pegged for early 2025. This strategic expansion in the Toyota lineup could spell a significant shift in how enthusiasts and casual drivers alike view the hot hatchback, making it accessible to a broader audience while maintaining the high performance that is synonymous with the GR badge.