[st165]

Just did a track day of just Toyotas at VIMC, with a huge showing of GRC's. Out of all the GRC's, only 2 cars had the FWD warning pop up. Both of them were doing 30:70 to try it out, and it triggered in under 5 laps (stock grc is approx 1:30 here on average, with the fastest at a 26). The rest of the cars didn't have an issue all day. Ambient temps around 25-27c (80f or so).

Out of the box, great car to get started with for most. But that said, heavily modified ones that are in the low 21s are also not getting the fwd mode, but there is something to be said about smooth drivers, all the fast guys here have smooth inputs.

We found similar results at a totally different track (Ridge motorsports park), where 30:70 significantly reduces AWD time before FWD mode.

 

[Mr. Toad]

Just did a track day of just Toyotas at VIMC, with a huge showing of GRC's. Out of all the GRC's, only 2 cars had the FWD warning pop up. Both of them were doing 30:70 to try it out, and it triggered in under 5 laps (stock grc is approx 1:30 here on average, with the fastest at a 26). The rest of the cars didn't have an issue all day. Ambient temps around 25-27c (80f or so).

Out of the box, great car to get started with for most. But that said, heavily modified ones that are in the low 21s are also not getting the fwd mode, but there is something to be said about smooth drivers, all the fast guys here have smooth inputs.

We found similar results at a totally different track (Ridge motorsports park), where 30:70 significantly reduces AWD time before FWD mode. View attachment 38428

Thanks! For those who avoided limp mode, are they treating the GRC like a momentum car (Miata, etc)?

 

[ND4SPDR]

Thanks! For those who avoided limp mode, are they treating the GRC like a momentum car (Miata, etc)?

I did not avoid it so I’m not who you’re asking, but I am an ape so I don’t drive it like a momentum car. I drive it like an idiot, and it’s the best.

 

[Mr. Toad]

I did not avoid it so I’m not who you’re asking, but I am an ape so I don’t drive it like a momentum car. I drive it like an idiot, and it’s the best.

Driving like an idiot; always a solid choice.

 

[Velociderp]

Just did a track day of just Toyotas at VIMC, with a huge showing of GRC's. Out of all the GRC's, only 2 cars had the FWD warning pop up. Both of them were doing 30:70 to try it out, and it triggered in under 5 laps (stock grc is approx 1:30 here on average, with the fastest at a 26). The rest of the cars didn't have an issue all day. Ambient temps around 25-27c (80f or so).

Out of the box, great car to get started with for most. But that said, heavily modified ones that are in the low 21s are also not getting the fwd mode, but there is something to be said about smooth drivers, all the fast guys here have smooth inputs.

We found similar results at a totally different track (Ridge motorsports park), where 30:70 significantly reduces AWD time before FWD mode. View attachment 38428

About the AWD overheat...

As one of the cars there that saw AWD overheat, I was pretty surprised. I have a 2024 CE. It was my first time ever at a track as a beginner, and I wasn't particularly close to being fast or anything. I would say though, I was driving pretty harshly and pushing myself to catch up to the driver in front of me. I was pretty overwhelmed and definitely wasn't driving smoothly lol. AWD overheated with 30:70, Expert+, 7-8 minutes into my 4th or 5th session, where each session was about 15 minutes. Then the remaining 1 or 2 sessions I stuck to 50:50, Expert+, pushed it slightly less, and didn't overheat over the 15 minutes.

Overall though, I had an amazing day. The car is pretty nice to drive as a beginner, and 30:70 definitely felt fun. I know there's the 555 cooler that's supposed to help out with the AWD overheat. But as a beginner who probably only goes to the track once or twice per year, it's probably not for me. I definitely can't see it being any issue on the road either. However, now that I experienced the AWD overheat first hand, I'll join the calls hoping Toyota can work on an in-house solution to it , but realize they probably won't.

 

[st165]

Thanks! For those who avoided limp mode, are they treating the GRC like a momentum car (Miata, etc)?

No, I don't think you can in this track. It is quite technical, short straights, elevation changes before/after corners. The range of everyone avoiding limp mode was also quite huge, from beginners to experienced trophy winning drivers.

I think the hierarchy of what causes the limp mode might be this where 30:70 is the biggest factor, then unsmooth driving, then driver experience:

1. Experienced driver + 30:70 + harsh inputs : ~5 minutes
2. Casual driver + 30:70 + harsh inputs: 5-10 minutes
3. Experienced driver + 30:70 + smooth inputs: 5-10 minutes
4. Casual driver + 30:70 + smooth inputs: 10-15 minutes
5. Experienced driver + harsh inputs: 10-15 minutes
6. Casual driver + harsh inputs: 15-20 minutes
7. Experienced driver + smooth inputs: 20+ minutes
8. Casual driver + smooth inputs: 30+ minutes

This would be my best guess, assuming stock tires, ambient temp dependent, lots of ***asterisks lol. But it could be a way to understand this car better as it is and what its limitations are.

Here's a fully stock car (well it has a pitch mount) being sent at this track. This car only hit awd overheat when he was trying 30:70 (not this video). The rest of the day it didn't hit it at all.

 

[lucky larry]

Just had my first experience on track with the GR Corolla Premium yesterday afternoon. My impression in two words - "Not Good". Bulleted list of issues along with further details below. Ambient temps were high at 96 F. Utah Motorsports Campus - same track that Toyota used for the GR Corolla press launch.

• Rear differential overheated after less than 9 minutes.
• Oil temp spiked to 287 degrees and was flashing red.
• Coolant was literally boiling in the reservoir and spilled over after exiting the track. Video of incident.

How is this acceptable from Toyota? The webpage from Toyota literally says "Built for the track, ready for every day" at the very top! The fact that Toyota offers a complimentary NASA membership and track day should mean something.

My goal with this car was to use it as a daily driver and participate in 5-6 track days each year. At this point, I'm not sure I want to keep this car. I don't think we should be expected to add oil coolers, heat shields, etc. to try and fix a problem that Toyota was already aware of on the GR Yaris. I realize it was a hot day, but these temps are commonplace across the country during the summer.

What adds to my frustration is a buddy joined me on track with his Acura Integra Type S and experienced ZERO issues.

I understand that this is not new information, but wanted to share an additional viewpoint with the community. To put it lightly, I'm very disappointed with the GR Corolla at the moment. Would love to hear others thoughts.

I had a lot of fun with my 25 GRC premium plus on the track. It was fast, fun and forgiving. After five event (3-4 x20min) No problems just fun. But after 8900 total miles, mostly interstate but som 20 min stop and gos on I 270 the clutch gave out. No warrantee coverage and $3,500 for clutch and flywheel.

 

[RAFAGR25]

I had a lot of fun with my 25 GRC premium plus on the track. It was fast, fun and forgiving. After five event (3-4 x20min) No problems just fun. But after 8900 total miles, mostly interstate but som 20 min stop and gos on I 270 the clutch gave out. No warrantee coverage and $3,500 for clutch and flywheel.

You can't resurface the flywheel? Can you find an aftermarket flywheel that perhaps is cheaper and better, some chromoly Exedy, HKS, clutch master or anything? if you don't mind(only if you feel comfortable) would you tell us what is the break down of the cost?: Labor+parts. I heard from Limit 1+ that this car doesn't like to be launched. I am at 5600 miles now but will be 6000 miles by the weekend and my clutch feels smooth. If something goes bad I will look into these Australian companies that are running crazy power to see what clutch they are running. I am sure that are tons of choices of clutches out there, specially if the Yaris was marketed as a "rally car" homologated. Keep us posted.

Also, reach out to smeedia, he is building his blue GR Corolla, I am sure he can probably recommend something.

 

[wheelhaus]

You can't resurface the flywheel? Can you find an aftermarket flywheel that perhaps is cheaper and better, some chromoly Exedy, HKS, clutch master or anything? if you don't mind(only if you feel comfortable) would you tell us what is the break down of the cost?: Labor+parts. I heard from Limit 1+ that this car doesn't like to be launched. I am at 5600 miles now but will be 6000 miles by the weekend and my clutch feels smooth. If something goes bad I will look into these Australian companies that are running crazy power to see what clutch they are running. I am sure that are tons of choices of clutches out there, specially if the Yaris was marketed as a "rally car" homologated. Keep us posted.

Also, reach out to smeedia, he is building his blue GR Corolla, I am sure he can probably recommend something.

The factory flywheel is a dual mass system with a rigid clutch disc, and aftermarket flywheels are all traditional single mass with springs in the disc hub. The dual mass is tuned for the specific torsional pulses every 270° and harmonics of this engine, which is a major part of why it feels smooth at low rpm. It will rattle/chatter a bit under very specific conditions, but a single mass flywheel will rattle like marbles in a metal pail. Everyone who has done a single mass flywheel has commented about just how noisy the drivetrain becomes. If clutch/transmission noise doesn't matter, then go with whatever you like. If it IS important, an aftermarket clutch kit designed to work with the OE flywheel is what you want.