[Nemesis]

Just wanted to be sure you guys knew this. I noticed that the JBL system in my wife’s ‘21 xse hatch only mentioned 8 speakers, but that the sedan of the same year mentioned 9 speakers. Apparently it is a little known fact that the hatchbacks DON’T get a subwoofer. The sound is still pretty basey - to the point that I was sure it had one. But wanted to let you guys know in case anyone thought it had one, like myself. Based on what I could find, the subwoofer on the sedan is mounted on the panel that floats behind the rear seats. But the hatch doesn’t have this panel and for some reason they didn’t mount one in the spare tire.

 

[jdm-v35]

I hope it does end up having a sub!

 

[Nemesis]

Me too buddy, but unless it’s something they add to the hatch in ’23 with the new audio I would imagine we won’t. I would watch the ‘23 xse hatch and see if the JBL description changes from 8-speaker to 9-speaker….that would give us some indication if they added a subwoofer for the GR.

Also, when the reviewers lifted the trunk mat up on the GR, there was no room under there as the lower metal floor panel had been raised slightly to accommodate the all wheel drive system. They instead stashed the battery and some tools under there, in the XSE hatch there is more room under there with a spare tire. OR you can option for more room by adding a special package to remove the rear tire, which lowers the back floor by a few inches.

 

[Nemesis]

For anyone that wanted to see both, I’ve pulled the videos below:

2019-‘22 XSE Hatchback lower trunk space here at 4:04:

2023 GR Hatchback lower trunk space here at 5:22 - 5:36

 

[iki4life]

Toyota's JBL system is quite garbage anyway. I'll be changing it out whether I get the circuit JBL or stock core.
I have it on my 2021 sienna.

 

[jdm-v35]

Toyota's JBL system is quite garbage anyway. I'll be changing it out whether I get the circuit JBL or stock core.
I have it on my 2021 sienna.

I wonder if you can change it out? all these new models with stereo integrated into the dash seem impossible to swap out because they are so built in. Not simply buying a dash kit like before.

 

[A91supra]

My Supra has JBL. I have the subwoofer turned way down. I'm not an audio perfectionist so it sounds fine to me.

 

[Taroroot]

Junk But Loud! Itll prob be ok for me, i have no need to push spls or for absolute soundstage accuracy.

 

[DocRoc24]

It's probably going to sound better than an 07 4runner standard package right? Lol, that'll do

 

[Tronic]

My Supra has JBL. I have the subwoofer turned way down. I'm not an audio perfectionist so it sounds fine to me.

Yeah no idea what people are talking about, never found a problem with any stock stereo system and to be honest never had it turned on with the MR2 with that turbo just a couple of feet away from the back of your head, the sound coming from the engine bay was all I wanted to hear. Surprised really that some manufacturers don't offer a whole lot of stuff removed from the car, not only does it save weight it saves you money, an absolute cut down bare basics car sounds great, even an electric window delete in the rear, wind up handles are fine you could probably slash 100kg. Anyway you don't need a stereo on when your trying to hear the tires breaking traction in a corner.......

 

[ADent]

From Toyota’s press release:

“The Circuit Edition offers an enhanced audio experience with an available eight speaker JBL® Premium Audio system including an 8-channel HiD 800-watt amplifier and subwoofer.”

From:Heat for the Streets! Toyota Debuts First-Ever GR Corolla - Toyota USA Newsroom

 

[Tronic]

From Toyota’s press release:

“The Circuit Edition offers an enhanced audio experience with an available eight speaker JBL® Premium Audio system including an 8-channel HiD 800-watt amplifier and subwoofer.”

Sounds good to me. Its been years for me out of the Audio industry but I'm betting the factory Amplifier is probably now a Class D with that sort of power, they have come a long way over recent years in getting the distortion figures down. High power and very efficient, ideal in a car that realistically is not a great environment anyway.

 

[Taroroot]

Yeah no idea what people are talking about, never found a problem with any stock stereo system and to be honest never had it turned on with the MR2 with that turbo just a couple of feet away from the back of your head, the sound coming from the engine bay was all I wanted to hear. Surprised really that some manufacturers don't offer a whole lot of stuff removed from the car, not only does it save weight it saves you money, an absolute cut down bare basics car sounds great, even an electric window delete in the rear, wind up handles are fine you could probably slash 100kg. Anyway you don't need a stereo on when your trying to hear the tires breaking traction in a corner.......

The ME does have some of stereo removed, even then it still comes with one. For a vehicle that will be used outside of race though, not having a stereo becomes kinda rough, half my vehicles dont have one.

 

[Tronic]

Depends on the car pretty sure Ferrari don't bother with a stereo but then again if you have heard that V12 engine you know why.

 

[Nemesis]

From Toyota’s press release:

“The Circuit Edition offers an enhanced audio experience with an available eight speaker JBL® Premium Audio system including an 8-channel HiD 800-watt amplifier and subwoofer.”

Hey, this is great, can you edit your post with a link to that? I’m really curious where they would have put the subwoofer though, so don’t hold your breath (the c-pilars?). The stock sedan placed it under the shelf behind the rear seats, but the only place left for the hatch seems to be in the tire well. Which is completely used up in the GRC. I’m very excited that they would mention it in the press release though - that certainly sounds promising!

 

[Hollis]

Betting its under driver seat

 

[ADent]

Hey, this is great, can you edit your post with a link to that?

Done.

Further down:
“

• Technology package: Includes JBL® Premium Audio system with Clar-Fi®, and Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging.”

There are some weird things in that press release. Like auto climate control and one touch windows come on the CE, but not mentioned as a part of a package.

BTW the Canadians get no mention of a sub.
“The Circuit Edition adds a 3-year Drive Connect (Cloud Navigation, Intelligent Assistant, Destination Assist) trial along with 8 JBL speakers with amplifier.”

From:Heat for the Streets! Toyota Debuts First-Ever GR Corolla | Toyota Canada

 

[Tronic]

So its either 6 speaker in the core or 8 speakers in the circuit which suggests its not one added sub but two or simply two more speakers in the doors ????, I mean my factory 11 speaker Subaru has 3 speakers in each of the front doors, 2 in each of the rears and a sub. Could be a sub under each front seat ? usually a sub results in an uneven number of speakers. Most likely subs in the front doors, especially as the front doors are aluminium and could be made rigid enough. Subaru puts the amplifier under the front passenger seat. The ultimate setup is 3 individual component speakers in the doors, electronic crossover and each speaker driven by its own Amp. This gives you a true 3-way speaker.

 

[KanmuriDavid]

If I'm honest, this is not a car that I care much for audio quality. Just as long as the radio doesn't sound like nails in a tin can. The XV40 Camry's JBL system was decently good for not having a sub. I would prefer the GRC not have a sub for weight reasons.

 

[gregbo24]

Yeah no idea what people are talking about, never found a problem with any stock stereo system and to be honest never had it turned on with the MR2 with that turbo just a couple of feet away from the back of your head, the sound coming from the engine bay was all I wanted to hear. Surprised really that some manufacturers don't offer a whole lot of stuff removed from the car, not only does it save weight it saves you money, an absolute cut down bare basics car sounds great, even an electric window delete in the rear, wind up handles are fine you could probably slash 100kg. Anyway you don't need a stereo on when your trying to hear the tires breaking traction in a corner.......

Did you see the backlash from the base model stereo on the 22 WRX? It’s an example of exactly what this type of thing would look like, and it’s horrendous.