2025 GR Corolla Automatic - Big Changes, Big Speed

We drive the new GR Corolla Direct Automatic Transmission hard on track, and do a deep dive interview with the Chief Engineer, Naoyuki Sakamoto.
Toyota implemented big changes for the third production year including an optional automatic, front end changes, suspension upgrades, drivetrain changes and more.

0:00 Intro and background
2:16 Chief Engineer Naoyuki Sakamoto Interview
11:08 Driving impressions - auto, paddles, manual
15:44 Pricing and summary

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[RetroCarsForever]

Really cool that you got to sample all three shifting styles on track (full auto, flappy paddle, and stickshift). I think these are future collectibles, great do-anything cars that will likely last a long time. Didn't realize 40 grand gets you in one...That's cheap these days!

[wellsbengston]

Great review. I have a deposit on a 2025 GR Corolla Premium MT for Early December delivery. This will replace my Focus RS that was totaled when I was rear-ended by an inattentive driver.

[toyotaofnorthcharlotte]

Love this video! Very exciting changes to the GR Corolla!

[abaracskai]

Honestly, this was a no-brainer for this car, however, I still am adamant that this powertrain should also be in the corolla cross, because why not, I know people will buy it.

[mirceamunteanu]

So the transfer case has air ducting to help with cooling, sounds like it still needs a bit more, like a dedicated heat exchanger, tempted to buy one if the local Canadian Toyota are not too greedy next summer

[ArtieMcYardie]

When you have that b roll. Please don’t mute out the driving sounds next time. In general.

[seang]

Why would any normal Joe car guy (not a youtuber) buy this car? I mean, if you drive 85mph and your engine catches fire, Toyota will blame the tires!

[ericmichel]

So they overdrive the rear to increase rear bias, and it still pushes like a poorly setup FWD car, and it overheats the rear diff, now they add a torque converter auto. Boo, booo I say! I don't care how nice of an auto it is, just listening and watching you can see plain as day it is not nearly as snappy as a DCT. Plus torque converters eat HP and this car does not have a lot to spare. I have already seen some 0-60 1/4 mile testing with this auto and it's slower than the manual!
They need to get rid of that stupid rear bias and just tune the suspension so the car will rotate in corners, that will eliminate two major issues. The Focus RS had this same BS setup and it was a problem there as well, at least that car didn't push nearly as bad as this one does in corners. Then put a proper DCT in it, as it is now I am disappointed with this car. So much potential and they are fumbling it.
It pushes in corners and has a torque converter auto, tell me you are making this car for posers over true enthusiasts without actually telling me. This.

[JXiong-zoig]

Don't forget you're being tracked and remember to not drive past 85 mph. lol what a joke NOPE