TOYOTA GR COROLLA GETS 8-SPEED AUTOMATIC

The first chapter of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa’s new GR Cup Hot Seat delivered a memorable debut this past weekend, as Yolanda “Girlie” Lukhele stepped into the pressure cooker of circuit racing at Zwartkops Raceway.

The sim racer, content creator and rookie rally driver joined the GR Cup Media Challenge field for Round 3 of the 2026 season, trading gravel stages for wh

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has expanded the GR Corolla range with the introduction of an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission. Developed to enhance driveability, cooling performance and everyday usability, the new 8-speed Automatic (8AT) variant broadens the GR Corolla’s appeal while preserving the sharp dynamics of its GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged powertrain.

Since its local debut in 2023, the GR Corolla has played an important role in strengthening Toyota’s Gazoo Racing performance portfolio. Launched as part of the GR Power tier, it became the brand’s second compact GR model after the GR Yaris, further reinforcing Toyota’s growing sports car credentials.

Powered by a compact yet highly potent 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine and originally offered exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, the GR Corolla quickly established itself as a formidable contender in the high-performance hot hatch segment.

Enhanced performance and cooling

The expanded GR Corolla range now includes a dedicated 8AT model engineered to thrive under sustained high-load driving conditions. To support this, the automatic variant is equipped with an air-cooled automatic transmission fluid (ATF) cooler, supplemented by an additional sub-radiator positioned behind the front vents. A newly integrated cool-air duct, above the brake duct, further improves airflow management and thermal efficiency.

Aerodynamic efficiency has also been refined through the removal of the front fog lamps, reducing drag and turbulence at the nose. Privacy glass for the rear and back windows enhances passenger comfort while contributing to a cleaner, more purposeful exterior aesthetic.

Across the range, the GR Corolla now features Torsen limited-slip differentials, optimising traction and cornering performance. Rebound springs have been added to both front and rear shock absorbers to reduce inner wheel lift during aggressive driving, while revised rear suspension geometry improves anti-squat behaviour under acceleration.

Additional mechanical enhancements include a higher-capacity cooling fan coupling, upgraded from 330W to 500W, as well as the introduction of a tyre inflation pressure warning system (TPMS).

While Lukhele arrived at the Pretoria circuit with previous rally experience under her belt, the transition to circuit racing presented an entirely new challenge. Zwartkops’ flowing layout, heavy braking zones and close racing demanded immediate adaptation, particularly in a competitive field packed with experienced motoring journalists and broadcasters.