It was over a year ago when Toyota revealed it was developing a hardcore version of the GR Corolla. The base car was always a potent performance car in its own right even when buyers chose to replace the manual with an eight-speed automatic.

As such, there were questions on what else Toyota could possibly do to make it better? The company finally ended the wait by formally announcing the GRMN model which will eventually be the first GRMN model sold in North America.

GRMN has more of everything

The GRMN (Gazoo Racing Meister of the Nürburgring” is described as the ultimate GR Corolla and it certainly appears to be such when you look at is upgrades closely. While it’s not an outright reboot of the Corolla, the right-hand drive version Toyota rolled out for its debut does its best to inject a bit of everything into the hatch.

The turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder still makes 300 horsepower but torque has gone up to 302 lb-ft with a JDM version like this one making slightly more at 306 lb-ft. Toyota says the GRMN beefits from lessons it learned testing its hydrogen fueled Corolla racecar.

The GRMN also goes on a diet and just like the axed Morizo edition, it cuts weight by removing the rear seats and adding a tweaked aero package which includes a vented carbon fiber hood, a five-way adjustable rear wing, and fender ducts. Sticky 245/40 ZR18 Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber wrapped around 18-inch, 10-spoke forged wheels finished in matte bronze are also part of the package and they look very stylish.

GRMN interior gets spicy

In addition to the loss of the rear seats, the cabin also gets other changes but part of those upgrades depend on which market you’re in. In Japan and Australia, the Corolla gets a full bucket driver’s seat but if it’s destined for North America buyers will get semi-bucket sport seats instead to comply with safety regulations.

Alumite red trim is applied to the shifter and doors with red accents also being applied to the seats. A splash of carbon fiber is also applied to the passenger side of the dashboard.

When can I buy one?

Toyota hasn’t released pricing for the GRMN Corolla but did confirm the model will be sold in Japan, Australia, and North America. Production will be limited but it remains to be seen how many each country will receive from the company.

The appearance of this model comes as Toyota continues to transform Gazoo into a formal sub-brand with the V8-powered GR GT being the spearhead of this newfound push towards an individual identity.