Toyota’s GR Corolla and GR Yaris are impressive cars, but their tiny, turbocharged three-cylinder engine has left many wanting more. The automaker is reportedly working on an upgrade for the cars, which could bring hybrid power and a larger four-cylinder engine.
Autocar reported the story, which included comments from a GR engineer. The publication noted that Toyota is working on a hybrid system with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines. The move would help the automaker meet stricter emissions standards without sacrificing performance, though the three-cylinder’s sound has become an integral part of the car’s personality.
Toyota first showed the engine in a mid-engine Yaris prototype at the Tokyo auto show earlier this year. Some expect the automaker to employ the engine in a new MR2 variant, and it’s looking increasingly likely that we’ll see a Celica with the engine at some point.
The GR Corolla’s current engine makes 300 horsepower, thanks to a truckload of turbo boost, but the new four-cylinder could take things much further. Some reports state that the engine’s shorter piston stroke and hybrid assistance could push output as far as 400 horsepower.
Toyota updated the three-cylinder GR Corolla for 2025 with a new eight-speed direct automatic transmission option and more torque. Some configurations also get a sub-radiator for improved cooling performance, and the new Premium Plus trim gets a carbon roof.
[Images: Toyota]
Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.
