Executive Order

TOYOTA'S HOME-BREWED HOT HATCH IS A 300-HP BONUS TO DRIVING ENTHUSIASTS CALLED THE GR COROLLA. WE WANT ONE.

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In lacking a grossly oversized rear wing, Toyota's new GR Corolla almost looks reserved at first glance. But keen eyes partial to small and fun driver's cars will quickly peg it as no ordinary Corolla far from it. With flared nostrils, a tornado of an inline-three, and bulging fenders that make it 2.3 inches wider than its lesser kin, this hot hatchback is the clearest manifestation yet of Toyota president Akio Toyoda's vision to inject more excitement into his company's products.

Developed by Toyota's performance and motorsports arm, Gazoo Racing, and built in a dedicated area of the company's factory in Motomachi, Japan, the GR Corolla is a rally car-inspired thoroughbred that in top-range Morizo spec even bares the Toyota boss's nickname [see "Triple Overtime," page 74]. Drop into the familiar Corolla interior and you'll find soft, enveloping sport seats and a satisfyingly precise short-throw shifter for the six-speed manual, the only transmission offered. The configurable 12.3inch gauge display eschews zany animations for easy readability, with the gear-selection indicator taking center stage. The pedals are spaced a bit far apart for easy heel-and-toeing, but the auto rev-matching feature (which can be turned off) works better than most Nikes will.