Toyota GR Corolla, GR86, and GR Supra MT Lands – RM355K, RM295K, and RM645K Respectively

It’s official folks, the local Toyota GR sportscar range has been ramped up. Earlier today, UMW Toyota Motor officially introduced three full-fledged GR performance models for the local market, those being the new GR Corolla hot-hatch, new second-gen GR86 sports coupe, as the GR Supra manual (MT) variant.

All three were introduced, alongside the new GR Sport-themed Hilux and Corolla Cross, art the Sepang International Circuit(SIC) ahead of the season-opening round of the Gazoo Racing Festival 2023 season. Crucially, the firm is offering all three models with 5-year, unlimited mileage warranties, which ought to offset the steep asking prices each command. Here’s a quick break-down of each.

2023 Toyota GR Corolla – RM355,000

We’ll start with the most exciting offering in this trio, and that is the new Toyota GR Corolla. This hot-hatch picks up where its smaller sibling the GR Yaris left off. It employs a similar 1.6-litre 3-cyl turbocharged mill, albeit with peppier outputs of 300 PS and 370 NM.

mill is primed exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission, and a trick GR-FOUR AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) suite. Like the GR Yaris, the GR Corolla’s GR-FOUR suite is capable of splitting front and rear torque distribution to 60:40, 50:50, and 30:70.

Weighing in at 1,475 KG the GR Corolla’s chassis also features front MacPherson Struts and rear Double Wishbone suspension assemblies with retuned springs, dampers and anti-roll bars that strengthens body rigidity and handling performance. Other key features present include a forged carbon fibre roof, sporty rear spoiler and vented hood, as well as grippy Yokohama Advan tyres shod on 18-inch sports wheels.

Available in three colour scheme options, the GR Corolla is also primed with a 12-inch inch digital Multi-Information Display alongside a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity plus a 6-speaker audio system.

Additionally, the GR Corolla is primed with a bevy of semi-autonomous driver assistance features from the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite. This adds things like Pre-Collision Warning, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Auto High Beam. All of which comes on top of ISOFIX childseat points and and 7 airbags lining the cabin.

Now open for orders, the UMW Toyota has set a base retail price of RM355,000 sans insurance and the optional Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) that costs RM2,000 extra.

GR86 – RM295,000 (MT) / RM305,000 (AT)

Next up comes the second most exciting addition, by which we mean the new second-gen Toyota GR86 lightweight, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sports coupe. The GR86 builds on the success of the previous-gen  86 (GT86) model with extensive improvements in performance, dynamics, technology and styling.

Underneath, the GR86 employs a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated horizontally-opposed (boxer) 4-cyl powerplant that serves up 237 PS and 250 NM. The mill promises linear throttle response and the ability to rev effortlessly to a high RPMs via an optimised D-4S direct and port injection suite. This, in turn, provides greater torque for better mid-range response too.

Crucially, customers can choose between 6-speed manual or automatic transmission options, the latter primed further with steering-mounted paddle shifters. A range of drive modes and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) settings are available, thus allowing drivers to customise performance for road or track use. Up to five different combinations are available, ranging from full support to completely switched off too.

To maximise agility, there’s also a limited-slip differential (LSD) primed in the rear axle. Toyota adds that tuning of the MacPherson strut/double wishbone suspension setup and steering components give sharper agility, which is enhanced further through weight reduction and the chassis’ low centre of gravity. Chassis reinforcements significantly improve torsional and lateral rigidity, while large front and rear ventilated disc brakes promise ample stopping power.

Up to four colour schemes are available. All of which bode well with the GR86’s exterior design hat features cues from the 2000GT and AE86. Other notable bits include dual exhaust pipes, GR badging, black 18-inch alloy wheels, and grippy Michelin Pilot Sport tyres.

On board,  the GR86 houses a cockpit with a simple and ergonomic layout focused on pure driving. Added comfort stems from the presence of premium leather and suede seats that offer 6-way manual adjustment for the driver.

Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are present through the 8-inch touchscreen display, whilst drivers also get a  configurable 7-inch TFT colour LCD display which provides all the information about the car’s operation. There’s even a Track Mode feature designed to provide real-time readouts of important data for circuit driving.

Lastly, The GR86 Active Safety Suite adds pre-crash system, lane departure alert, cruise control (adaptive in the AT) and automatic high beam assist. These, by the way, comes on top of 7 airbags lining the cabin.

So, if you’re keen on pure driving nirvana through rowing your own gears, the new Toyota GR86 MT is priced at RM295,000, whereas its Automatic twin commands a higher RM305,000 figure instead.

GR Supra MT – RM645,000

Last, but certainly not the least, comes the new Toyota GR Supra MT (manual transmission) variant. It joins the line-up alongside its automatic twin, with which it shares the same 3.0-litre straight-six turbo powerplant that serves up 388 PS and 500 NM to the rear wheels.

In addition to adding the option of the manual transmission, further refinements to the steering and suspension characteristics were performed via modifying the stabiliser bushings and retuning the adaptive variable suspension. The chassis control systems have also been recalibrated to improve handling performance and ride comfort.

Besides its 50:50 weight distribution, the GR Supra’s agility is further enhanced with Adaptive Variable Suspension and an Electronically Controlled Limited Slip Differential. Drivers can further customise some settings to extend the performance envelope and reduce intervention of the electronic aids. Also, tasty 19-inch forged alloy wheels are standard, as are 255/35 profile front 275/35 profile rear tyres.

Additionally, there are features like the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Intelligent Parking Sensor with Emergency Braking Function and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Other kit present includes leather upholstery, a Heads-Up Display, electrically-adjustable sports seats, electrochromatic rear-view mirror, and a 12-speaker JBL premium hi-fi audio system.

Available in 8 colour choices, the new Toyota GR Supra MT variant stands as the priciest of this trio, commanding a retail price of RM645,000 sans insurance.

So, which of these three beastly GR Performance models would be your pick towards attaining driving nirvana, then? Hit the comments below with your thoughts…