Toyota Adds New Automatic Transmission Option For 2025 Toyota GR Corolla

When the Toyota GR Corolla was introduced, it was only available with a manual transmission. #BecauseRacecar. Demand was strong for the new GR Corolla right out the gate, with dealers selling them for WAY over asking price. But I imagine that demand has slowed down by now..

As such, they’re expanding their customer base, offering the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla with an automatic transmission for the first time ever, much like what Subaru did with the WRX in 2015. And guess what, sales of the WRX more than tripled, because most Americans never learned how to drive a stick.

So you can’t really blame Toyota for bringing an automatic version to market. As they put it, “Now both hardcore enthusiasts who enjoy the thrill of a manual transmission and those who’d rather focus on the handling can enjoy the thrill of sports car driving with the new addition of the 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission with paddle shifters.”

But that’s not the only thing new for 2025. Through their development efforts, the GR team increased engine torque on the Toyota GR Corolla from 273 lb-ft to 295 lb-ft and enhanced suspension components and tuning resulting in a vehicle that is sure to impress. Horsepower remains the same at 300HP.

Changes have also been made both inside and out to improve the driving experience. On the exterior, the front bumper has been redesigned to accommodate optional cooling components while simultaneously retaining aerodynamic performance. On the inside, there is a new dark sporty vibe due to the new trim finishes on flat surfaces and switches throughout the vehicle to provide a pleasing tactile feel.

GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission

The 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) is a sports car enthusiast’s dream, offering quick shifting performance and optimal gear selection. The DAT control software has been optimized for sporty driving. Different than the Toyota GR Supra and GR86 automatics where gear shifting relies on sensing vehicle behavior, such as deceleration g-force and speed – the DAT’s optimized software delicately senses the way the driver steps on the brakes and operates the accelerator. With these inputs, it anticipates when gear shifting is optimal even before changes in vehicle behavior occur, achieving gear selection that reflects the driver’s intentions and, thus, leads to shifting that is similar to that of professional drivers.

The DAT also allows drivers to focus more on acceleration/brake and steering maneuvers, so non-professional drivers may be able to drive faster if they decide to hit the track. As a result, it opens up possibilities for a wider range of drivers to enjoy sports driving.

The Toyota GR development team used circuit and rally driving courses as a basis for setting the DAT’s close gear ratio. They optimized the shift points of the DAT, giving similar ratios to the 6MT that maximize delivery of engine power and torque to the wheels and enables optimal performance. Even casual highway driving has an energetic feel, due to the eight-speed transmission optimizing RPMs while at cruising speeds.

To keep the higher engine output and DAT at an optimal temperature for performance, an automatic transmission fluid cooler comes standard on DAT vehicles. For drivers who may be interested in even greater cooling capability, a sub-radiator is available as a factory-installed option on the Premium grade and standard on the new Premium Plus Grade.

There are four drive modes on the GR Corolla: Sport, Normal, ECO and Custom. The DAT was tuned specifically for the Sport drive mode. It was tested and driven all over the world, including race circuits to ensure exciting performance and maximize the driving potential.

For 2025, the GR Corolla will be available in three grades: Core, Premium and the aggressive, new for MY2025, Premium Plus. Built on the TNGA-C platform, the GR Corolla has a low center of gravity with wide tread tires mounted to cast alloy 18-inch wheels on the Core and Premium grades and 18-inch matte black wheels on the Premium Plus. All GR Corolla models wear Michelin Pilot Sport® 4 tires 235/40R18.

The new Premium Plus grade adds standard features that enthusiasts have come to know and love on previous special editions like the carbon fiber roof, the beloved vented bulge hood and matte black wheels. Exterior color options are Black, Ice Cap, Heavy Metal and Supersonic Red.

Customers can expect the new 2025 Toyota GR Corolla to arrive at dealerships this Winter. Additional details and pricing will be released later this year.