When Toyota announced the GR Corolla Morizo edition, most enthusiasts focused on the big changes. Increased torque (22 lb.-ft. more than the Core and Circuit editions). Less weight (106 pounds, estimated). Of course, the lack of rear seats. (Sorry kids, you’ll have to find another way to get home.)
However, look closer at the details and you’ll see how Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) squeezed even more out of its existing GR Corollas for a car named in honor of Toyota’s president and GR Master Driver.
[Where did the GR Corolla Morizo get its name?]
Weight Savings
They say the last 10 pounds are the hardest to lose. That holds true for cars as well.
To achieve an estimated 100-plus pounds of weight savings, engineers focused on the details. Sure, they threw out the rear seats–and increased cargo space, which the company says can hold up to four spare tires–but there are more pounds to shed.
They removed the rear windshield wiper and motor. No rear speakers and window regulators, either. Electronics for modern-day conveniences, which you don’t need at the track, add a surprising amount of weight.
Power in the Right Places
The Morizo receives the same engine–a turbocharged, 1.6-liter, three-cylinder G16E-GTS–as the other GR Corollas. It also puts out the same horsepower at 300. However, Toyota engineers retuned the engine to increase torque.
Yes, the car comes with a stick, but with an Morizo-exclusive, close-ratio, six-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT) with rev-matching engineered to accommodate high torque levels. (Don’t worry, despite that name, it still has a clutch pedal).
Engineers changed the transmission’s gear ratios, differential gear ratio and engine tuning to support sustained acceleration at peak torque, too. Peak torque comes in at 3250-4600 rpm, rather than 3000-5500 rpm in the other GR Corollas.
Other Differences
The Morizo wears Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, with 10mm more of tread width than its GR Corolla siblings. The rubber mounts…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Grassroots Motorsports Online Articles…