Toyota Unveils Race-Ready GR Corolla TC, Expanding Motorsport Presence in North America
In a significant move that reinforces Toyota’s commitment to motorsport, Toyota Gazoo Racing North America (TGRNA) has unveiled their latest racing machine – the GR Corolla TC race car. The reveal, which took place at the prestigious GR Garage in Mooresville, North Carolina, marks another milestone in Toyota’s expanding North American motorsport program.
The Evolution of Gazoo Racing: From Digital Showroom to Racing Excellence
The story behind Toyota’s racing division name – Gazoo Racing – has fascinating origins rooted in Japanese digital innovation. The term “Gazoo” derives from the Japanese word “gazo,” meaning “picture” or “image.” This connection dates back nearly two decades when Toyota’s leadership implemented an innovative online system for used car sales through gazoo.com.
What began as a digital marketplace evolved into something much more significant. Toyota’s engineers began associating “gazo” with their vision of garages housing extraordinary vehicles, drawing parallels between the digital car profiles on their website and the physical spaces where automotive excellence was crafted. This natural evolution of meaning perfectly encapsulates Toyota’s journey from digital innovation to racing prominence. Learn how GR differs from TRD here.
GR Corolla TC: Engineering Excellence Meets Racing Innovation
The new GR Corolla TC represents the perfect fusion of Toyota’s production expertise and racing ambitions. Building upon the already impressive GR Corolla platform, this race-ready variant has been specifically engineered to compete in SRO’s TC America series.
Key Technical Specifications:
– Powerful 1.6L 3-cylinder turbocharged engine
– Advanced 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT)
– GR-FOUR All-Wheel-Drive system for optimal track performance
– Alcon braking system featuring 6-piston front and 2-piston rear calipers
– Custom-designed MacPherson struts by TGRNA
– JRi dual-adjustable shocks for precise handling
– Comprehensive aerodynamic enhancements
– State-of-the-art Bosch Motorsport electronics
Safety and Competition Features:
– FIA-approved roll cage
– OMP fiberglass racing seat with six-point harness
– Advanced OMP electronically activated fire suppression system
The launch coincides with exciting changes to the TC America series for 2025, which will merge the former TCX and TC classes into a single, more competitive category. This restructuring creates an ideal platform for the GR Corolla TC to showcase its capabilities against diverse performance brands.
