The GR Corolla has expanded the fun quotient. Now both hardcore enthusiasts who enjoy the thrill of a manual transmission and those who'd rather focus on the handling can enjoy the thrill of sports car driving with the new addition of the 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) with paddle shifters.

Just shortly after the reveal of the GR Corolla in 2022, MORIZO, Akio Toyoda, challenged his team to think about what's next. Creating ever better cars is in Toyota GAZOO Racing's DNA. MORIZO challenged them to pursue untamed energy, and from there we have the first GR Corolla with the new DAT.

Inspired by track driving, the GR Corolla has been tested by rally and racing drivers on some of the most rigorous courses the world has to offer, including Fuji International Speedway. Through their development efforts, the GR team increased engine torque on the GR Corolla from 273 lb.-ft. to 295 lb.-ft. and enhanced suspension components and tuning resulting in a vehicle that is sure to impress.

Changes have also been made both inside and out to improve the driving experience. On the exterior, the front bumper has been redesigned to accommodate optional cooling components while simultaneously retaining aerodynamic performance. On the inside, there is a new dark sporty vibe due to the new trim finishes on flat surfaces and switches throughout the vehicle to provide a pleasing tactile feel. Customers can expect new GR Corolla models to arrive at Toyota dealerships this Winter. Additional details and pricing will be shared later this year.

The 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) is a sports car enthusiast's dream offering quick shifting performance and optimal gear selection. The DAT control software has been optimized for sporty driving. Different than the GR Supra and GR86 automatic transmissions where gear shifting relies on sensing vehicle behavior, such as deceleration g-force and speed – the DAT's optimized software delicately senses the way the driver steps on the brakes and operates the accelerator. With these inputs, it anticipates when gear shifting is optimal even before changes in vehicle behavior occur, achieving gear selection that reflects the driver's intentions and, thus, leads to shifting that is similar to that of professional drivers.

The DAT also allows drivers to focus more on acceleration/brake and steering maneuvers, so non-professional drivers may be able to drive faster if they decide to hit the track. As a result, it opens up possibilities for a wider range of drivers to enjoy sports driving.

The Toyota GR development team used circuit and rally driving courses as a basis for setting the DAT's close gear ratio. They optimized the shift points of the DAT, giving similar ratios to the 6MT that maximize delivery of engine power and torque to the wheels and enables optimal performance. Even casual highway driving has an energetic feel, due to the eight-speed transmission optimizing RPMs while at cruising speeds.

There are four drive modes on the GR Corolla: Sport, Normal, ECO and Custom. The DAT was tuned specifically for the Sport drive mode. It was tested and driven all over the world, including race circuits to ensure exciting performance and maximize the driving potential.

 

Source: prnewswire.com

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