Toyota turns GR Corolla into rally car concept

Toyota has turned its highly anticipated GR Corolla up a notch at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas by kitting it out in full rally gear, previewing the aftermarket tuning potential of the model.

Earlier this year, Toyota debuted a hotted up version of its ever so popular hatchback which features the GR Yaris’ turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine and an all-wheel drive system. Such a specification makes the car the perfect candidate to go rallying.

The GR Corolla Rally Concept is based on the Circuit Edition model and features 3-inch wide fender flares made from steel with openings to exhaust dirty air from the wheel arches, a carbon composite front splitter and side skirts, and a custom fabricated carbon fibre rear wing.

Airflow has also increased into the custom oil and transmission coolers which now sit behind the driver and passenger with the rear quarter windows now acting as air ducts.

It wouldn’t be a rally car without a set of OZ Racing wheels which the concept wears on all four corners. The 17-inch units are wrapped in winter-spec Continental tyres while the concept features TEIN Gravel Rally coilover suspension.

The standard four-piston brake calipers have been retained but the design team added a second set of Wilwood calipers at the rear to aid in braking and turning control on gravel terrain.

A custom MagnaFlow exhaust has also been fitted to the GR Corolla which helps the 223kW motor breathe and sound better.

Much of the interior has been left alone apart from the fitment of a roll cage and spare tyre.

OMP Racing seats also feature alongside a fire suppression system and rally intercom.

While we only get to look from afar, the Toyota GR Corolla Rally Concept is on display at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas from November 1 to 4 alongside other tuned Toyotas.