The Corolla name is making a comeback to the rally world after a 25-year hiatus. Toyota GAZOO Racing revealed the new GR Corolla Rally Concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon.
The last time Toyota officially competed with the Corolla in the World Rally Championship was in 1999, a season that ended with the manufacturer’s championship title. After that, Toyota withdrew from the WRC.
The GR Corolla made its public debut in a demonstration run. While Toyota’s top executive Akio Toyoda was initially expected to drive the car, his son, Daisuke Toyoda, ultimately took the wheel, thrilling the crowd with impressive doughnuts in the new rally car.
Check out the video of the Toyota GR Corolla Rally Concept debut below!
Toyota did not disclose detailed specifications for the GR Corolla Rally Concept, but it is believed to be designed primarily for national rally championships.
For the past few years, Toyota has competed in the WRC with the GR Yaris Rally1 car. Last year, the Japanese manufacturer introduced the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, which Sami Pajari used to win the WRC2 championship.
The 2025 WRC season kicks off next week with the iconic Rally Monte Carlo. Toyota will field Rally1 cars for Kalle Rovanperä, Elfyn Evans, Takamoto Katsuta, Sami Pajari, and Sebastien Ogier in the season opener.
