TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Launches GR Corolla Sales Efforts with Lotteries in Japan
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) commenced its sales efforts today for the Japanese-market trim levels of the new GR Corolla―the GR Corolla RZ and GR Corolla RZ "MORIZO Edition" (GR Corolla Morizo Edition)*1―with purchasing lotteries that run to December 19 for GR Corolla RZ and December 18 for GR Corolla Morizo Edition. Sales of both models are slated to start in early 2023.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Launches GR Corolla Sales Efforts with Lotteries in Japan
When the GR Corolla RZ was unveiled on June 1, TGR announced that the model would go on sale through Toyota vehicle dealers throughout Japan. However, continuing COVID-19 infections and the semiconductor shortage prompted a switch to an online purchasing lottery for an initial 500 units, with additional sales to be considered while monitoring the production situation. For the GR Corolla Morizo Edition, which is a two-seater model with enhanced driving performance, purchasing lottery applications for 70 units can be made at GR Garage locations nationwide*2.
The GR Corolla was developed by putting into practice the concept of making ever-better motorsports-bred cars, emphasizing honing cars to win races and making them commercially available. TGR will continue to evolve the GR Corolla by reflecting the knowledge that it gains in its continued participation in motorsports.
Development background
The Corolla is a model loved by many for its driving performance, as demonstrated through such achievements as the TE25 Corolla earning Toyota Motor Corporation’s (Toyota’s) first World Rally Championship victory*3 in 1973, followed by the Corolla Levin’s win in the 1,000 Lakes Rally*4 in 1975.
The development of the GR Corolla sprang forth from the strong desire of Toyota President Akio Toyoda, a.k.a. Morizo, to “absolutely not turn the Corolla, which is loved by many customers, into a commodity” and to “bring back a Corolla that captivates our customers”.
Development method
Putting into practice the concept of making ever-better motorsports-bred cars, emphasizing honing cars to win races and making them commercially available
Comprehensively reforging the vehicle in the extreme environment of racing by participating in the Super Taikyu Series using a Corolla*5 equipped with a hydrogen engine
Driving on all kinds of roads beyond the breaking point for comprehensive honing by diverse drivers, including Toyota Master Driver Morizo, racing driver Hiroaki Ishiura, All Japan Rally Championship winner Norihiko Katsuta, and in-house evaluators, thoroughly detecting shortcomings, and employing continuous improvement
