Pricing for the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla has dropped. But that probably won’t matter much due to the fact that the model will undoubtedly be subjected to horrid dealer markups. Though that issue may be improving as Toyota ramps up production and adds a new trim that’s clearly targeting how most people were already configuring the rally inspired hatchback.
Pricing is only pitching upward by a few hundred bucks. The base Core model is only $200 steeper than last year starting at $37,195 while the Circuit trim tacks on an additional $1,840 to settle in with a starting MSRP of $45,835. All prices include destination, FYI.
Meanwhile, the hardcore and ultra-limited Morizo edition is gone. This places the GR Corolla Circuit at the top of the totem pole and makes room for the new Premium model ($41,015) to be slotted in beneath it.
This is probably a wise decision on Toyota’s part. While the GR Corolla may not be the fastest or most luxurious vehicle in its segment, it remains highly sought after due to its engaging personality and relative rarity. This has resulted in staggering dealer markups made worse by the fact that most enthusiasts weren’t getting everything they wanted from the base model.
With the Morizo being wholly impractical as a do-it-all vehicle and basically impossible to obtain unless you knew someone, everyone who wanted the GR Corolla was in the market for the Circuit trim. But even those ended up being hard to find, forcing buyers into Core models that lacked some of the visual accoutrements (e.g. larger wing, hood vents) and performance upgrades offered on the higher trims.
The biggest issue was the Core lacking front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials. While it probably wouldn’t matter to drivers who never intended on pushing the GR Corolla hard through snow or taking it to their local racetrack, just about everyone still wanted LSDs.
This left loads of customers trying to option Core models with the Performance Package (which adds the differentials) and whatever else was needed to make it more like the Circuit trim from a mechanical standpoint. The new Premium trim is effectively Toyota’s solution to that very problem. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the Circuit everyone is still going to want. But it does add Brin Naub suede-lined seats, everything from the Performance Package, the GR Corolla’s Technology Package (which includes an upgraded JBL sound system), and some of the items from the Cold Weather Package.
It’s not going to be as sexy or desirable as the loaded Circuit and its forged carbon-fiber roof, larger wing, functional hood vents, GR rocker panels, and 18-inch BBS wheel (rather than the standard Enkei set) will undoubtedly ensure juicier resale values. But the Premium makes a good compromise and allows Toyota to make the Circuit a tad more expensive without ruffling a lot of feathers.
The Circuit is for people who don’t want to compromise on anything or plan on keeping the vehicle as a future collectable. The Core is for people who plan on modifying their GR Corolla (more on that later) and/or beating it into submission on a regular basis. That leaves the Premium as the sweet middle ground between the two.
There really isn’t a bad entrant here. All versions of the GR Corolla receive a turbocharged 1.6-liter G16E-GTS inline-three boasting 300 horsepower (at 6,500 RPM) and 273 pound-feet of torque (3,000-5,500 RPM). Despite its comical size, the unit has gotten heaps of praise from enthusiasts. While Toyota elected to leave the powertrain alone for the 2024 model year, it did elect to tweak the steering gear, rear suspension, and battery ground. There are also some changes made to the ducting in the bumpers to improve airflow.
Toyota is hyping up some of the new color options. The Premium trim adds Heavy Metal (gray) while the Circuit now has the exclusive Blue Flame that also supplants the red interior stitching with a matching blue. But the biggest news is actually that Toyota plans on expanding its optional GR performance parts for the model.
While the full list of items won’t be padded out until later this year, the company has said the up-sized rear wing can be added to the Core and Premium trims now. Toyota also plans on offering performance lowering springs and shocks for customers who don’t like the GR Corolla’s rally stance.
With production numbers also poised to come up, it’s all looking like good news. Though we still imagine there will be a few months where you’ll have some strong words for your local dealer. I cannot tell you the number of times I’ve inquired about the price of a GR Corolla only to have to end the conversation by asking “and what are the lives of your family members worth to you?”
Thus far, this hasn’t resulted in a discount. However, Toyota clearly knows what it has to offer here and will likely continue bumping up production until most people will be able to find these at MSRP.
In fact, it’s already possible to find a base Core right at sticker price in some corners of the world. But stores frequently attempt to sweeten the pot with dealer-installed LSDs they’ve priced higher than Toyota had originally pegged Performance Package for — resulting in a vehicle that costs almost as much as the next highest trim. Now you can tell them you’d rather just wait for the Premium and see how they react.
You can also remind them that the Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf R are still available — both of which are more practical and powerful than the Toyota. The Volkswagen remains one of the most comfortable and luxurious entrants in the hot-hatch segment, though it has embraced touchscreen everything in its current generation. Meanwhile, the Honda (which I’ve yet to drive) is supposed to be an absolute monster on track without ditching anything that makes the Civic a compelling commuter car.
The Subaru WRX is also around and still absolutely fit for duty if you like having fun on mixed road surfaces (though I’d upgrade its brakes) and we’re only just scratching the surface. There are a slew of thrilling options at or below the GR Corolla’s MSRP — from V8-powered American muscle to imported hatchbacks sporting turbochargers.
But some of us will continue waiting on Corolla allocations.
“The response to the GR Corolla has been incredible,” said Mike Tripp, Vice President of Toyota Vehicle Marketing and Communications. “This model has captured a passion for driving, and by adding the Premium Grade with standard high-performance components and an upgraded interior, we can give fans even more ways to enjoy this rowdy hot hatch.”
[Images: Toyota]
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from TheTruthAboutCars https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/cars/news-blog/2024-toyota-gr-corolla-pricing-revealed-new-trim-and-performance-parts-44503000?utm_medium=auto&utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=all_full
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