Toyota reveal Corolla GR-Sport and Apex Edition
The Toyota Corolla has recently been given some special treatment, firstly in the GR-Sport guise and then a special edition Apex version. For those unfamiliar with how Toyota names their cars, GR-Sport is usually just an aesthetic upgrade while the GR has performance upgrades too. A little further than that is the GRMN like the recently revealed Supra.
So, the Toyota Corolla GR-Sport is just a sporty exterior and interior upgrade, but then there is the Apex. It’s not the usual experience a Toyota grant, hence it’s limited edition title, but it does tweak the performance.
The Design upgrades of the Toyota Corolla GR-Sport
Colour is all the rage with the GR-Sport. Toyota has given this Corolla 8 different exterior options with additional black roof and wing-mirror ends. The Grille and side skirts also gain black details and round the back, there is a very subtle edge spoiler. Riding on 18-inch allow wheels, the ride height is left unchanged but you do get more dynamic tyre options. These change the compound formulation or the size.
Inside the cabin, there is a massive upgrade to the materials. Black fabric contrasts with white leatherette and they are bound together with bright red stitching. The steering wheel has also been trimmed with leather and seats have been reshaped for lateral support.
Toyota Corolla Apex Edition
While this limited-edition version of the Corolla is likely to only be available in North America, there is no way we can talk about the upgrades of the GR-Sport and not the flashier Apex. They are limited to just 6000 units but not the option of a performance upgrade which this one did get.
Equipped with a new body kit that changes the front spoiler, foglamp and side skirts, it also gets a rear diffuser (probably not a usable one) and boot spoiler. All the upgraded body parts are finished in black with bronze highlights. Even the 18-inch alloy wheels are gloss black.
It will use the same 2.0-litre petrol engine the regular Toyota Corolla can come with but this time the suspension and steering have been revised. Model-specific coil springs and tuned shocks make the ride height 15 mm lower and the steering tuned to match and give a more dynamic drive. A specially developed exhaust has also been fitted to the Apex Edition with a custom-made stainless-steel tailpipe.
Both upgrades are equally exciting.
While we will likely not see a special Apex Edition riding around South African roads, a more standard Toyota Corolla GR-Sport will likely become available. The GR-Sport will go into the European market in November 2020. Other countries are planned to see it in early 2021. With so much love for the Corolla, it has left us wondering if a GRMN model will ever be made. That might be just a daydream.
Source & images: Cars | Car Magazine
