Skip to main content

Pent-up hype for the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla is at fever pitch levels right now, and it’s not hard to see why. A rally-inspired AWD system and a 300-hp turbo three-cylinder are just the tips of this hot hatch’s iceberg. So, it’s no surprise that plenty of enthusiasts are furiously checking their bank accounts and calendars until it arrives. And according to a new leak, the GR Corolla’s release date might come sooner than you expect.

An alleged dealership memo just leaked the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla’s release date

A red 2023 Toyota GR Corolla Core in a gray studio
2023 Toyota GR Corolla Core | Toyota

When Toyota officially revealed the 2023 GR Corolla a few months ago, it didn’t mention a specific release date. It did say the base model, the Core Grade, would arrive sometime later in 2022, with the Circuit Edition following in 2023. However, a leaked memo might have just put the GR Corolla’s release timeline into clearer focus.

A few days ago, a GR Corolla Forum user posted a screenshot of an alleged internal dealership memo, Motor1 reports. The supposed memo lists when certain 2023-model-year Toyotas are supposed to arrive at the dealership, which isn’t named. And according to the memo, the 2023 GR Corolla will hit dealerships in October alongside the regular 2023 Corolla Hatchback.

As of this writing, Toyota hasn’t commented on the memo’s authenticity. However, an official Toyota spokesperson told Motor1 that the company “’can’t confirm an on-sale at this time.’”

That’s a typical response in these situations, though given how supply-chain issues have delayed other launches recently, it’s a valid one. But at the very least, the memo details do generally line up with Toyota’s initial GR Corolla release date claims. And model-year changeovers usually happen in the fall or winter anyway, so an October arrival makes logical sense.

It won’t be easy getting your hands on this hatch’s hottest trims

The rear 3/4 view of a gray 2023 Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition in a gray studio
2023 Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition rear 3/4 | Toyota

Regardless of the release date claims, enthusiasts might want to start getting in line if they want a first-year Toyota GR Corolla. Even if you disregard the hard-core Morizo Edition, the hottest Corolla Hatchback will be hard to find. Because Toyota builds the GR Corolla by hand, annual production will be limited, at least in its initial year. The company only plans to offer around 6500 examples in the U.S. for 2023, with 1500 of those being Circuit Editions.

As of this writing, the hot hatch isn’t sold out yet. However, the company recently told dealerships to be careful about taking deposits so there are enough GR Corollas to go around. That doesn’t necessarily mean your local Toyota dealership won’t get a GR Corolla allotment. But it’s worth noting that there are roughly 1500 Toyota and Lexus dealerships in the U.S. So, your local Toyota dealership might only get one Circuit Edition tops.

How much will the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla cost?

Besides not giving out an official release date, Toyota also hasn’t revealed official 2023 GR Corolla pricing yet. We do know, though, that the Core Grade’s price will be competitive with rivals like the Golf R and Civic Type R. That puts it roughly in the $35,000-$40,000 range. The Circuit Edition, with its carbon-fiber roof, larger wing, and Brin Naub sport seats, will undoubtedly cost more.

As for if the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla will be worth it, that depends on how it drives. And even if the wait feels like an eternity, driving chances will come soon.

Follow more updates from MotorBiscuit on our Facebook page.

Related

Can You Turn a 2022 Toyota Corolla Into a GR Corolla Clone?