{"id":4274,"date":"2025-09-30T01:25:36","date_gmt":"2025-09-30T01:25:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/?p=4274"},"modified":"2025-09-30T01:25:40","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T01:25:40","slug":"c3009008-heavysaurus-prove-you-re-never-too-old-to-rock-out_part2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/?p=4274","title":{"rendered":"C3009008 Heavysaurus prove you re never too old to rock out_part2"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/video.php?height=476&#038;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F100088633698345%2Fvideos%2F1503658097504046%2F&#038;show_text=true&#038;width=476&#038;t=0\" width=\"476\" height=\"591\" style=\"border:none;overflow:hidden\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowFullScreen=\"true\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2026 Toyota GR Corolla First Drive: Slightly Sharper Handling, Same Rowdy Fun<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The upgrades for this year aren\u2019t huge, but they make the widebody GR hatchback a better track car.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.motortrend.com\/staff\/bob-hernandez\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bob Hernandez<\/a>Writer<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ManufacturerPhotographerSep 25, 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.motortrend.com\/reviews\/2026-toyota-gr-corolla-first-drive-review\/photos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a class=\"group\/card block w-full text-left @container\" href=\"https:\/\/www.motortrend.com\/reviews\/2026-toyota-gr-corolla-first-drive-review\/photos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.motortrend.com\/files\/68d478280038900002fa8e38\/2026-toyota-gr-corolla-premiumplus-gray-310-side-action.jpg?w=768&amp;width=768&amp;q=75&amp;format=webp\" alt=\"2026 Toyota GR Corolla PremiumPlus gray 310 side action\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.motortrend.com\/cars\/toyota\/corolla\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The engaging Toyota GR Corolla<\/a>&nbsp;has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most exciting hot hatches money can buy. Every time we get behind the wheel of one, it reminds us why. From our&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.motortrend.com\/reviews\/2023-toyota-gr-corolla-first-drive-review\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">first moments of seat time<\/a>, we\u2019ve praised the Toyota\u2019s rowdy three-cylinder turbo engine, rally-bred all-wheel drive, and playful chassis. It\u2019s not just fun to drive\u2014it\u2019s a car that begs to be driven hard, delivering thrills that punch well above its price point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">0:00 \/ 20:12<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For 2026, Toyota isn\u2019t reinventing the GR Corolla so much as refining it. The fundamentals that made us fall for it\u2014raw character, agility, and everyday usability\u2014are still there. What\u2019s new are subtle performance enhancements aimed at keeping it fresh in a competitive market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Improved Reflexes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The change most hardcore drivers will notice is the additional structural adhesive that\u2019s been applied to the front and rear of the GR Corolla\u2019s body. Toyota says it increases the car\u2019s chassis rigidity, which in turn allows the front MacPherson strut and rear double-wishbone suspension to work more effectively\u2014after all, the suspension can\u2019t do its job (namely, keep the car planted) if the chassis flexes too much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We felt the difference most when exiting Sonoma Raceway\u2019s high-speed corners, where the hatch now feels slightly more composed and a touch less twitchy than in previous model years. At Toyota\u2019s 2026 GR Corolla media drive, the automaker smartly offered us laps in a 2023 model for context, as well as a 2024 variant featuring some of the recent chassis upgrades applied to the 2025 model\u2014dampers, the rear stabilizer bar, and revised rear geometry\u2014alongside the fully updated 2026 car. (Toyota also made the point that owners of 2024 models can upgrade their cars with the newer 2025 hardware.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The structural updates are subtle yet noticeable. The 2026 GR seemed to require fewer steering corrections, letting us carry more speed through corners, brake a skosh later, and get on the throttle a hair sooner. We felt more confident hustling the car through sections like Sonoma\u2019s challenging esses and wide-arcing Turn 9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.motortrend.com\/reviews\/2026-toyota-gr-corolla-first-drive-review\/photos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a class=\"group\/card block w-full text-left @container\" href=\"https:\/\/www.motortrend.com\/reviews\/2026-toyota-gr-corolla-first-drive-review\/photos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.motortrend.com\/files\/68d4786cc8828f0002677234\/2026-toyota-gr-corolla-premium-plus-at-supersonicred-228.jpg?w=768&amp;width=768&amp;q=75&amp;format=webp\" alt=\"2026 Toyota GR Corolla Premium Plus AT SupersonicRed 228\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bulges for Everyone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Less obvious are the improvements to airflow around the engine compartment. A second intake duct now helps channel static air away from the high-strung turbo-three powerplant, while the bulge hood\u2014standard on every GR Corolla this year\u2014vents hot air through two openings, further aiding thermal management. These supplement cooling updates from 2025, specifically the new front bumper vents and available heat exchangers for improved engine and automatic transmission cooling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As we racked up more laps in the GR Corolla at Sonoma, we were reminded why we love this thing\u2014it feels so connected and engaging. Its standard all-wheel-drive system, sharp suspension, and precise steering make you feel ever more confident and controlled as you attack the track, and this year\u2019s updates further enhance the experience. Whether we\u2019re shifting the standard six-speed manual or using the paddles of its eight-speed automatic, the acceleration is quick and gear changes snappy. It remains the kind of car that\u2019s thrilling to push hard on a challenging circuit like Sonoma or along a twisty canyon road, yet it\u2019s still approachable enough for everyday driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The GR Corolla isn\u2019t without drawbacks\u2014but in some ways that\u2019s part of its charm. The ride is undeniably stiff, which some drivers will love more than others. The distinctive engine has a narrow peak powerband, and the cabin lets in plenty of sound, from tire noise to the tractorlike engine note to its attention-grabbing blow-off valve. And nothing in this year\u2019s update addresses our previous gripes about the tendency for the car\u2019s brakes to overheat during hard use or the lack of pedal spacing for traditional heel-toe manual shifting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.motortrend.com\/reviews\/2026-toyota-gr-corolla-first-drive-review\/photos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a class=\"group\/card block w-full text-left @container\" href=\"https:\/\/www.motortrend.com\/reviews\/2026-toyota-gr-corolla-first-drive-review\/photos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.motortrend.com\/files\/68d4789daa39b80002b684f4\/2026-toyota-gr-corolla-premium-plus-at-supersonicred-014.jpg?w=768&amp;width=768&amp;q=75&amp;format=webp\" alt=\"2026 Toyota GR Corolla Premium Plus AT SupersonicRed 014\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Performance Vibes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also charming to many but maybe off-putting to some are the GR Corolla\u2019s exaggerated body panels and vents that lend it an aggressive and purposeful stance. It succeeds in conveying speed and capability, even if it won\u2019t appeal to those seeking a more restrained look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The cabin goes unchanged, as well, which means it remains functional and appropriately sporty though not particularly refined. The basics are solid: The sport seats are well bolstered and supportive, higher trims bring Alcantara and heated elements, and the digital driver display is clear and legible, even at speed. Small touches\u2014such as red stitching, GR logos, and metal pedal covers\u2014help amp up the cabin&#8217;s performance vibe. In higher trims, the upgrades go a long way toward making the car feel special compared to the standard Corolla hatchback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The switchgear layout is simple and driver-oriented, but many surfaces are hard plastic, and the dark color scheme feels plain. Storage solutions are limited, too. There\u2019s still no center armrest, rear legroom is tight, and overall space trails larger competitors&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.motortrend.com\/reviews\/2025-toyota-gr-corolla-vs-2025-volkswagen-golf-r-comparison-test-review\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">like the Golf R<\/a>. Plus, its small 8.0-inch infotainment interface looks like a holdover from the early days of touchscreens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.motortrend.com\/reviews\/2026-toyota-gr-corolla-first-drive-review\/photos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a class=\"group\/card block w-full text-left @container\" href=\"https:\/\/www.motortrend.com\/reviews\/2026-toyota-gr-corolla-first-drive-review\/photos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.motortrend.com\/files\/68d478f1c8828f0002677235\/2026-toyota-gr-corolla-premiumplus-gray-008-rear-three-quarter-high.jpg?w=768&amp;width=768&amp;q=75&amp;format=webp\" alt=\"2026 Toyota GR Corolla PremiumPlus gray 008 rear three quarter high\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Base Model, More Affordable Top Spec<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also new to the GR Corolla lineup for 2026 is a revamped trim walk. Last year\u2019s Core and Premium models have been discontinued, while the Premium Plus carries on as the top-spec model. The new entry-level variant is called the GR Corolla Base. Pricing edges upward only a smidge, too, increasing $760 for the base model and just $150 for the top grade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the end, the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla is still very much the same car that won us over in the first place\u2014rowdy, raw, and ridiculously fun to drive. The tweaks to its rigidity and cooling make it a little sharper and more durable, but they don\u2019t erase its rough edges. The ride is stiff, the cabin is noisy, and the interior lacks the polish of its rivals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yet those very compromises are part of its core identity, reminding us that this isn\u2019t a hot hatch engineered to please everyone. It\u2019s built for the enthusiast who values character and connection above comfort and refinement\u2014and in that role, the GR Corolla continues to shine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.motortrend.com\/reviews\/2026-toyota-gr-corolla-first-drive-review\/photos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a class=\"group\/card block w-full text-left @container\" href=\"https:\/\/www.motortrend.com\/reviews\/2026-toyota-gr-corolla-first-drive-review\/photos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.motortrend.com\/files\/68d4795ddefe680002073e23\/2026-toyota-gr-corolla-premiumplus-gray-011-front-three-quarter-high.jpg?w=768&amp;width=768&amp;q=75&amp;format=webp\" alt=\"2026 Toyota GR Corolla PremiumPlus gray 011 front three quarter high\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td colspan=\"2\"><strong>2026 Toyota GR Corolla Specifications&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>BASE PRICE<\/td><td>$41,115<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>LAYOUT<\/td><td>Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door hatchback<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>ENGINE<\/td><td>1.6L\/300-hp\/295-lb-ft turbocharged DOHC 12-valve I-3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>TRANSMISSIONS<\/td><td>6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>CURB WEIGHT<\/td><td>3,296\u20133,360 lb (mfr)&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>WHEELBASE<\/td><td>103.9 in<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>L x W x H<\/td><td>173.6 x 72.8 x 58.2 in<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>0\u201360 MPH<\/td><td>5.1 sec&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>EPA CITY\/HWY\/COMB FUEL ECON<\/td><td>21\/28\/24 mpg (6MT est); 19\/27\/22 mpg (8AT est)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>EPA RANGE, COMB<\/td><td>317 miles (6MT); 290 miles (8AT)&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>ON SALE<\/td><td>Fall 2025<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>2026 Toyota GR Corolla First Drive: Slightly Sharper Handling, Same Rowdy Fun The upgrades for this year aren\u2019t huge, but they make the widebody GR hatchback a better track car.Bob HernandezWriter ManufacturerPhotographerSep 25, 2025 The engaging Toyota GR Corolla&nbsp;has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most exciting hot hatches money can buy. Every [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4275,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4274","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4274","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4274"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4274\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4276,"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4274\/revisions\/4276"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4275"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4274"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4274"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gottanlent.vansonnguyen.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4274"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}