Toyota GR Corolla Evolution Continues with Automatic Transmission Option

Jul 10, 2024 05:45 AM EDT

CLOSE UP OF TOYOTA EMBLEM — (Photo : PEXELS/ERIK MCLEAN )

Toyota GR Corolla is set to have notable upgrades and options. Reports claimed that leaked dealer documents hinted an eight-speed automatic transmission option is coming with the 2025 model year.

Direct Automatic Transmission for Toyota GR Corolla

Buzz circulated about the giant car manufacturer adding an automatic transmission option for the 2025 GR Corolla. There is also news that all models will receive a torque bump of 295 lb-ft, up from 272 lb-ft in the existing, non-Morizo models.

As per a recent report by Road and Track, leaked dealer-ordering documents on the GR Corolla Forum reveal plans for a "Premium AT" variant featuring an eight-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters. While the manual transmission remains standard on select models, introducing an automatic option aims to broaden the GR Corolla's appeal to a more diverse range of consumers.

Toyota has not provided official confirmation regarding the inclusion of the automatic transmission. A Toyota spokesperson informed Motor1, stating no official statements have been released by Toyota as of now. Nevertheless, the leaked documents subtly suggest a forthcoming debut of the automatic transmission version, potentially coinciding with the anticipated plans for the 2025 model year.

More About Toyota GR Corolla Getting Automatic Transmission

Further buzz on this enhancement was disclosed by The Drive. The revisions were brought to light by a member of the GR Corolla Forum, who posted a snapshot from a document outlining upgrades for the 2025 models in Canada, reportedly sourced from a trusted owners' group on Facebook.

Notable mentions include the introduction of an 8-speed automatic transmission, an increase in peak engine torque, a redesigned front bumper, and the incorporation of a new sub-radiator in Premium-grade vehicles to aid in managing engine temperatures under aggressive driving conditions.

Analogous to its implementation in the GR Yaris, the addition of the sub-radiator likely influenced the need for larger air intakes on that model as well. An additional post supports the previous reports and introduces more potential changes for 2025, focusing on color and trim choices. The famous Blue Flame color in the '24 Circuit Edition models seems absent.

The new automatic transmission is anticipated to appeal to specific buyers and align with Toyota's aim to provide enhanced automatic options for enthusiasts. It appears that the 8-speed transmission will be exclusive to the mid-level Premium specification, bypassing the base Core model, which is expected to retain its manual-only configuration.

This refers to the highly anticipated "Direct Automatic Transmission," a feature that has been a subject of discussion for several years and was recently integrated into the GR Yaris. With a modest weight increase of only 40 pounds on the GR Yaris, this transmission promises exceptional gear-shifting speeds attributed to advanced software and a durable clutch of heat-resistant friction material.

GR Corolla, GR Yaris

AutoGuide highlighted the similarities between the updates made to the GR Corolla and those previously implemented in Europe on the GR Yaris. Recent modifications to the GR Yaris in Europe included a power boost from 268 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque to 300 hp and 295 lb-ft, the availability of upgraded cooling options, enhancements to the suspension, and increased chassis rigidity. Of particular significance was the introduction of the new 8-speed torque-converter automatic known as the "Direct Automatic Transmission" by Toyota.