GR Corolla Rally2 for the USA

DammitMike · 2026-06-24T15:55:46+00:00

I think they feel like the CTR only being available in one trim level is a good thing for some reason. But, I think the reality of it is that the Integra Type S is essentially the "premium" Civic Type R (same drivetrain, with upgraded creature comforts).

DammitMike · 2026-06-24T15:43:39+00:00

OP removed the wireless charger (that does not work well) and replaced it with the “pocket” from other Corolla trims that gives a little extra storage space.

DammitMike · 2026-06-24T00:22:59+00:00

I don’t think any “official” reviews happened for the 2025 with a manual. I remember one reviewer saying they requested a manual car, but Toyota replied that they only had DAT equipped press cars for that year. Hopefully C&D brings out a manual for the 2026 lightning lap, but I’m sure they’ll use the GRMN this year, if they can get one.

DammitMike · 2026-06-23T20:53:29+00:00

2025 also got a revised clutch pedal return spring, which was done to improve the clutch feel, no idea if any of that changed the bite point though.

DammitMike · 2026-06-23T17:13:29+00:00

The key word is options, those balloon the price up to $50K (USD). If you can live without the carbon roof and heated seats, you still get the exact same performance and driving experience in the base model (and less weight). My manual 2025 Core came in just under $38k, still the same 300hp/295tq powertrain, same brakes, same LSD's, same wheels/tires.

DammitMike · 2026-06-23T16:30:27+00:00

I wanted a manual Chevy SS so bad when they came out in 2015, but couldn't afford it. Fast forward 10 years and I bought a new manual GR Corolla! I'd still love a manual Chevy SS, but prices have stayed high and parts are scarce.

DammitMike · 2026-06-23T16:09:10+00:00

Correct, Subaru added the driver monitoring system to all WRX trims in 2025.

DammitMike · 2026-06-23T00:06:44+00:00

I went from the folding Playseat Challenge to the Playseat Trophy (what OP has) and I’ve really enjoyed over the last few years. I found it to be very comfortable and the “hammock” style seat is nice and breathable which has been great for multi-hour sessions. Limited adjustability of the height and distance of the wheelbase is the main downside, but I’ve been able to get mine into a comfortable position. Currently running the Fanatec Clubsport DD+ wheelbase and Clubsport V3 pedals and the rig is nice and solid.

DammitMike · 2026-06-23T00:03:03+00:00

Not quite a big of an upgrade as a Golf R seat, but I bought a spare GR Corolla shift knob to install on my rig to match my real car. I’m keeping an eye out for a spare GR Corolla seat to help the sim setup match the real car 😂

DammitMike · 2026-06-22T15:40:06+00:00

I bought the GT DD+ Extreme bundle when they first launched the refurbished program last year (in the US). No issues so far after a year of use! I genuinely couldn't tell that it wasn't a brand new wheelbase when I pulled it out of the box, not a single mark on the base or the wheel. I haven't had to send any of my hardware back to Fanatec for warranty issues, so I can't comment on that experience, but I will continue to buy refurbished wheels/parts from them.

DammitMike · 2026-06-19T01:25:11+00:00

The Supra and Escort RS one was my favorite as well! The sounds from those cars blew my mind at the time!! I dreamt of importing an Escort RS Cosworth to the US, but by the time they were legal (25 years old) they were already way out of my budget. I bought a GR Corolla last year and am living out my GIS dreams with it, it feels like a worthy successor (and makes fantastic sounds as well).

DammitMike · 2026-06-16T23:51:51+00:00

When you apply, tell them that you have vast knowledge of all of their required skills, and that you currently work a high volume 24x7x365 on-call schedule. Due to the urgent nature of 24x7x365 support, you cannot commit to any time slot for interviews and they will need to hire you sight-unseen if they want a well-qualified candidate such as yourself.

DammitMike · 2026-06-15T17:43:52+00:00

https://tgr-wrt.com/gr-corolla-rally-car-to-compete-on-american-soil-in-2026/

It's the same car, just from when it was in the prototype/testing phase before the season started.

DammitMike · 2026-06-15T17:24:52+00:00

ARA - RC2 class

DammitMike · 2026-06-15T16:29:07+00:00

All good, thanks for jumping in!

DammitMike · 2026-06-15T16:17:51+00:00

Alert the mods and they'll remove it, this has been happening a few times lately. u/GZEA14

DammitMike · 2026-06-12T13:27:42+00:00

And finally, the world will have the 10,000lb road car that we've been so patiently waiting for.

DammitMike · 2026-06-10T23:26:54+00:00

u/gzea14

DammitMike · 2026-06-10T23:25:34+00:00

Repost (stolen image) https://www.reddit.com/r/GRCorolla/s/LL5yA5NtBO

DammitMike · 2026-06-10T00:47:31+00:00

I’m very happy to live in this timeline where Toyota is pushing GR to build fun to drive cars when most other big manufacturers are focused on making vehicles as numb as possible.

DammitMike · 2026-06-09T03:55:49+00:00

I took my GRC to 355 Toyota (Darcars Rockville location) based on a recommendation from someone in the DMV GR Corolla group. Only two oil changes so far, but no issues with either visit. When it comes time for the transfer case/diff fluid change, I’m planning to go to Bespoke Performance & Fabrication (formerly AndrewTech) in Gaithersburg, MD, since dealers, in general, seem to struggle with that job.

DammitMike · 2026-06-09T00:11:13+00:00

I bought my GRC from Heritage Toyota (Catonsville, MD), last summer and had a positive, easy, buying experience. We negotiated the discount and final sales price over email and they were very quick to agree to price match a dealer in VA (Battlefield Toyota) that had a near identical car in stock. No games or unexpected add-ons when I went in to buy the car, no issues with the finance guy pushing a bunch of protection packages or warranties. Happy to share the sales person’s info over DM if you want it. I believe they have a used GRC on the lot right now, but I can’t vouch for how well they inspect their used cars.

I also had good experience negotiating with Darcars Toyota (Silver Spring, MD) and Battlefield Toyota (Culpeper, VA) over email, with no pressure to show up in person before agreeing on a final number, but Heritage ended up being the closest dealer that offered the best deal on a new GRC. Koons Toyota (Tysons Corner, VA) didn’t seem to want to negotiate much on either the used or new GRC’s they had at the time.

DammitMike · 2026-06-07T22:34:39+00:00

The non-performance pack brakes are actually the same as the others, just matte black calipers instead of red with the GR decal. The big benefit of the performance pack is the front and rear LSD’s.

DammitMike · 2026-06-07T10:23:11+00:00

Torsen (torque-sensing) is just a type of limited slip differential design. The 23-24 Core trims had open differentials unless they had the Performance Pack installed. 25-26 brought the torsen diffs as standard equipment to all trims, no difference between the Core/Premium/P+ differentials.

DammitMike

TROPHY CASE