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Toyota revives legendary Corolla in thrilling return to rallying with new GR RC2 car

Miguel Cunha by Miguel Cunha
December 19, 2025
in Motorsports, WRC
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Toyota revives legendary Corolla in thrilling return to rallying with new GR RC2 car

Revving Up the Rally: Toyota Unleashes the GR Corolla RC2 on the Racing Scene!

In an electrifying comeback that has motorsport enthusiasts buzzing, Toyota is set to reignite the iconic Corolla name in the world of rallying with the launch of its brand-new GR Corolla RC2 rally car. This high-octane vehicle is gearing up to make its mark in the American Rally Association (ARA) National Championship next year, and the excitement is palpable!

The GR Corolla RC2 made its debut earlier this year at the Tokyo Auto Salon, where it captured the attention of fans and critics alike. Since then, this rally beast has undergone rigorous enhancements, thanks to the expertise of Toyota’s World Rally Championship (WRC) engineers and a collaboration with Rallysport Services, an entity spearheaded by ARA promotional rights holder Lance Smith.

Built on the robust foundation of the award-winning GR Yaris Rally2, which has dominated the WRC2 circuit with back-to-back titles and multiple accolades, the GR Corolla RC2 boasts a formidable 1.6-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine complemented by an advanced four-wheel-drive system. This powerhouse is designed for fierce competition in national championships like the ARA, where it will take on rivals in the RC2 class—akin to the prestigious Rally2 level.

The development of this rally warrior has seen the involvement of rally veterans such as Jari-Matti Latvala, Toyota’s WRC team principal, and Juho Hanninen. Adding to the excitement, rising star Seth Quintero will pilot the GR Corolla RC2 in seven ARA events, kicking off with the highly anticipated 100 Acre Wood Rally on March 13-14.

Toyota’s bold statement reflects the heritage of the Corolla in rally history: “The GR Corolla Rally RC2 leverages TGR-WRT knowledge and expertise gathered from competing in the FIA World Rally Championship, where it has won six manufacturers’ titles since 2018.” As Toyota aims to harness the Corolla’s rich pedigree in rallying, they are not just expanding their racing portfolio—they are also committed to enhancing the development of rallying across North America, where the GR Corolla is celebrated as a rally-inspired performance car for everyday drivers.

But the legacy of the Corolla in rallying is storied. This remarkable name first made waves in the WRC with a victory from the Toyota Corolla Levin TE27, driven by the legendary Walter Boyce and Doug Woods back in 1973. Fast forward to 1999, and the Corolla clinched the WRC manufacturers’ title once again, solidifying its place in the annals of rally history.

Seth Quintero expressed his enthusiasm for this monumental opportunity, stating, “I’m very excited and grateful to Toyota Gazoo Racing for this opportunity. It’s truly an honour to link up with this team and to hopefully enjoy it and learn a lot.” He acknowledged the unique challenge ahead: transitioning from the long distances of W2RC to the intense stage rallying format. “Driving the car in testing has been so awesome, and the team has been so welcoming. I’m really hoping to make the team proud and have a lot of fun together.”

In a strategic move to bolster their WRC Challenge Program, Toyota has also welcomed promising talents Zeal Jones and Hiroya Minowa into their ranks. Jones, at just 21, has already showcased his skills in the Morizo Challenge Cup in Japan, while 16-year-old Minowa makes history as the youngest driver to join the program, having transitioned from a successful drifting career to focus on rallying.

With the roar of engines and the thrill of competition on the horizon, Toyota is not just bringing back the Corolla name—they are igniting a new chapter in rallying history. Prepare for a season of adrenaline-fueled action as the GR Corolla RC2 hits the dirt, promising to deliver unforgettable moments and relentless excitement!

Tags: american-rally-association-national-championshipJari-Matti Latvalajuho-hanninennolan-arenados-rallying-crySeth QuinteroToyota Gazoo Racing
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