[maxthegamer YT]

Seems this GRC's current demand is riding high on Hype. Unlike say the Type R or Golf R which has history and performance numbers from the past to tell us how it really is.

If we look past the hype itself, and other than the numbers which are available. This car is basically the similar packaging of older performance models like the Sti and Evo with updated econobox chassis and safety technology using an existing powertrain and Awd system from GYR.

It does not change to me the fact that it has limitations because of its roots. Unlike the GYR this is mostly a parts bin car. So while I love it, I think most of us have to accept that the most bespoke aspect of this car is the badging and body pieces which is not the same as when GYR was released as a bespoke design.

In a year or so once the initial hype dies down, we can revisit this and really put some perspective on whether this car is worth the output of money and stress some are going to be making.

 

[Seac]

This car is basically the similar packaging of older performance models like the Sti and Evo with updated econobox chassis and safety technology using an existing powertrain and Awd system from GYR.

And there ya go, you described the valid rationale for the hype yourself. Obviously both the STI/EVO are dead and you get modern systems like ACC with better fuel economy and safety.

Add on the fact that the Type R isnt enough of a change over the FK8 (lets be honest here too, the general type R demographics probably prefer the overstyled FK8 for 10HP stock difference, we have to see how it tunes). Then you have the MK8 Golf R which is better but people seem to have too much rage against the capacitive buttons to see the good in it, plus arguably a lot of the hot hatch people will only buy JDM because "reliability" (DI is a good argument against but a lot of anecdotal reliability claims persist these communities as gospel).

So yeah, the GR Corolla is hyped because on paper it really is fantastic considering the market. Maybe if the RS3 fastback was in America we'd have some other opinions considering huge ADM but as it stands Toyota has a pretty clear launchpad for the GR Corolla to be a ringer. Economic distress non-withstanding of course..

 

[maxthegamer YT]

And there ya go, you described the valid rationale for the hype yourself. Obviously both the STI/EVO are dead and you get modern systems like ACC with better fuel economy and safety.

Add on the fact that the Type R isnt enough of a change over the FK8 (lets be honest here too, the general type R demographics probably prefer the overstyled FK8 for 10HP stock difference, we have to see how it tunes). Then you have the MK8 Golf R which is better but people seem to have too much rage against the capacitive buttons to see the good in it, plus arguably a lot of the hot hatch people will only buy JDM because "reliability" (DI is a good argument against but a lot of anecdotal reliability claims persist these communities as gospel).

So yeah, the GR Corolla is hyped because on paper it really is fantastic considering the market. Maybe if the RS3 fastback was in America we'd have some other opinions considering huge ADM but as it stands Toyota has a pretty clear launchpad for the GR Corolla to be a ringer. Economic distress non-withstanding of course..

So essentially its hyped because we are being thrown a bone when we are normally forced to be starved of options. The car has to stand on its own to be worth the hype. I don't see it as something special unless it out performs those others in some measurable way when finally in people's hands. Its just empty hype when it is just that there are no other options and not because this car truly rocks in its class.

 

[KanmuriDavid]

The biggest point of interest for me is that G16E engine which has already proven to have a good overhead. There's no other way to get that engine in the United States currently.

Also, the GR Yaris combined the GA-B and GA-C chassis. Essentially it is a Yaris chassis in the front and a Corolla chassis in the rear. The TNGA platform they began to adopt a few years ago allows them to cut cost and use the same chassis infrastructure across a wide range of vehicles.

This is similar to how the RC F chassis was designed, which combined the GS sedan front end, IS convertible cabin, and IS sedan rear end.

Yes, it is a Corolla chassis at its heart, but it's been reinforced in many areas. It's not like it hasn't been raced before either. The Corolla H2 concept has been racing in Super Taikyu for two years. It has been instrumental in developing the car.

The Corolla wasn't an after thought. It has been said by Toyota already that it was developed alongside the Yaris rather than in reaction to it.

That being said, you are right that there is no pedigree to back it up (if you don't count Carlos Sainz Sr.'s Celica in the 90's); however, that's what GR is trying to do right now.

I don't think it's going to be the fastest thing in the world. Certainly it won't be faultless, but I do think it's worth the money.

 

[Jeonsa]

The car is going to be great, but all the hype could make people hate it. Some people just like being apart of what’s new and exciting, which is normal but can be a disaster.

The whole it replaces the STI and EVO thing is made up by those fanbases. Remember, the STI was available for a long time and randomly got cancelled this year. Before it was cancelled and the GRC was being revealed, people were saying it was going to “kill the STI” and so on. Then they switched it to “wow I wish the STI was still here, the GRC replaces it.”

Even in first drive videos I see people saying they’re disappointed because they thought it would be faster and so on. But some of that expectation was created by marketing and also by the fact everyone gets so excited when a new car comes out. 😂

 

[Veloist]

Honestly it’s Labor Day and I’m too lazy to list out the other points beyond being an STI/EVO replacement.

Hype doesn’t last forever but the things that create the hype also create perceived value that can last indefinitely. This is why cars like the EK Civic SI and Integra Type R are hitting record highs at auctions. They aren’t performance benchmark cars but they’re a part of the manufacturer’s and automotive industry’s history that unfortunately cannot be repeated.

So performance-wise the GR Corolla might not be anything groundbreaking because yes it’s using an existing formula, but what cars these days aren’t doing that?

It doesn’t take a high-IQ to know that cars like these are doomed. Those who understand the historical and cultural significance of the car especially as it pertains to being a Toyota don’t need hype to dish out the $40k-$50k (maybe 60, god forbid 70k) for it.

 

[maxthegamer YT]

My position on my interest for this car rests on what it is and isn't. But like many things. Hype can setup people for major feeling of disappointment. Hopefully it won't be the case with this car.

 

[Jeonsa]

My position on my interest for this car rests on what it is and isn't. But like many things. Hype can setup people for major feeling of disappointment. Hopefully it won't be the case with this car.

Absolutely. I think that’s what we’re witnessing to an extent.

 

[Ironworker842]

I find my hype withering by the day. After watching some no talk drive at the track videos, the car doesn't seem that impressive at all. And it shouldnt be, with only 300 hp and 3250 or so pounds, it's kinda same performance as the outgoing sti. So I'll be waiting for the savagegeese full review before I pull my deposit or not.

 

[Cptnslo]

I find my hype withering by the day. After watching some no talk drive at the track videos, the car doesn't seem that impressive at all. And it shouldnt be, with only 300 hp and 3250 or so pounds, it's kinda same performance as the outgoing sti. So I'll be waiting for the savagegeese full review before I pull my deposit or not.

What were you expecting?

 

[wind_slash]

still hyped. had an 05 xrs for 4 years and was happy with it; especially with the fact that it was a rare trim. did the clutch and timing chain cover gasket only to crash it a few months later. still need a replacement for it, and an evo is no longer an option after stimmy's were handed out. perhaps a speed3, but the same vape kids have molested any and every speed3 with their shitty cobb tune.

 

[Jeonsa]

What were you expecting?

There were a lot of people who thought this car was going to be a Yaris on roids and with more doors. 😂

 

[Cptnslo]

There were a lot of people who thought this car was going to be a Yaris on roids and with more doors. 😂

His comment just made it seem like he was expecting it to be 2900 lbs with 350 to 400 hp and a full 4 door chassis. It’s a 3 cyl engine for gods sake

 

[jamesThrottleHouse]

300hp from a 3 cyl is a very impressive number. Its currently sitting on my driveway. Looking forward to sharing impressions

 

[tyler500e]

I've only had fast motorcycles - never owned a fast(ish) car and my daily/beater is a first gen Honda Fit 5MT. I can't imagine I'll be disappointed with the GRC in any way that matters. Can't wait to get mine.

 

[Jeonsa]

300hp from a 3 cyl is a very impressive number. Its currently sitting on my driveway. Looking forward to sharing impressions

Great to see you here! Let us know everything when the time comes.

 

[tyler500e]

300hp from a 3 cyl is a very impressive number. Its currently sitting on my driveway. Looking forward to sharing impressions

James, care to share any info, maybe just a small something something? We promise we won't tell Akio 😅

 

[jamesThrottleHouse]

James, care to share any info, maybe just a small something something? We promise we won't tell Akio 😅

Hmm, the things I'm allowed to say...It looks damn good in person. And its a fantastic size. Cabin space, especially in the rear, is so superior to the GR Yaris I sat in 6 months ago.

Aaaand thats about it. But please do ask some questions and I'll see if we can fit them into the review. If not, I really care about this shit so after the video goes live on the 14th, anyone can message me on instagram with follow-ups.

 

[Cptnslo]

300hp from a 3 cyl is a very impressive number. Its currently sitting on my driveway. Looking forward to sharing impressions

Well I certainly recognize this name! I had no idea you were on here! Very excited to hear your review of the GRC

 

[Dan]

But please do ask some questions and I'll see if we can fit them into the review

Hey James! I'm sure this is already something you and Thomas are already planning to touch on in the full review, but if you were to put the GR Corolla on a spectrum where one end is your ND Miata and the other is your S3, where would you place it in terms fun/engagement and daily livability/comfort?