It’s not the most powerful hot hatchback out there, nor does it have the grip and traction of an all-wheel-drive model such as the Mercedes-AMG A 45 4Matic. It doesn’t even look all that interesting when compared to the Honda Civic Type R. But what the Hyundai i30 N is, without a shadow of a doubt, is fun! Lots of fun, both in the twisties and in a straight line.
The input of Albert Biermann has something to do with it, as does the platform of the i30 and 2.0 T-GDI with up to 275 horsepower in this application. But Toyota is feeling left out. Adding insult to injury, even the Camry and Avalon are available with TRD enhancements.
Based on the Toyota New Global Platform, the Corolla Hatchback is the perfect candidate for the go-faster treatment. But TRD will step aside this time around, leaving Gazoo Racing to develop the hot hatchback that’s understood to bear the name Corolla GR.
Tetsuya Tada, the chief engineer behind the 86 and Supra, had a chat with CarSales.com.au about the Corolla GR. Even though it hasn’t been confirmed for production, the official told the Australian motoring publication that such a car is under consideration.
"We have lots of requests from different countries, so it's really challenging to decide on the order [of future performance cars]." When questioned about the hype surrounding the i30 N, Tada-san said that Hyundai isn’t alone on this bandwagon. “Other car brands are doing it too, so we are researching this, and we have to create the [right] brand strategy.”
Laugh all you want, but it appears the beancounters have the last word on the matter. The cautionary tone used by the chief engineer also suggests the Corolla GR won’t happen too soon, but it definitely will at some point in the future.
Other reports on the hot hatchback suggest the Corolla GR would go hybrid, serving as a nod to the Le Mans-winning prototype racing car. On the other hand, don’t forget a hybrid hypercar is coming in 2020 with design and powertrain solutions from the TS050 Hybrid.
Based on the Toyota New Global Platform, the Corolla Hatchback is the perfect candidate for the go-faster treatment. But TRD will step aside this time around, leaving Gazoo Racing to develop the hot hatchback that’s understood to bear the name Corolla GR.
Tetsuya Tada, the chief engineer behind the 86 and Supra, had a chat with CarSales.com.au about the Corolla GR. Even though it hasn’t been confirmed for production, the official told the Australian motoring publication that such a car is under consideration.
"We have lots of requests from different countries, so it's really challenging to decide on the order [of future performance cars]." When questioned about the hype surrounding the i30 N, Tada-san said that Hyundai isn’t alone on this bandwagon. “Other car brands are doing it too, so we are researching this, and we have to create the [right] brand strategy.”
Laugh all you want, but it appears the beancounters have the last word on the matter. The cautionary tone used by the chief engineer also suggests the Corolla GR won’t happen too soon, but it definitely will at some point in the future.
Other reports on the hot hatchback suggest the Corolla GR would go hybrid, serving as a nod to the Le Mans-winning prototype racing car. On the other hand, don’t forget a hybrid hypercar is coming in 2020 with design and powertrain solutions from the TS050 Hybrid.
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