The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla, tested at Car and Driver ‘s Lightning Lap 2026, posted a disappointing 3:07.1 lap time – slower than expected, particularly for an eight-speed automatic model. The car, priced at $50,504 as tested, underperformed compared to its manual counterpart and even struggled to match expectations given its 300 horsepower and 3,339-pound curb weight.
Performance Discrepancies
The GR Corolla demonstrates playful handling characteristics in Track mode, allowing predictable slides and strong braking performance from high speeds (127.9 mph on the Front Straight). However, the automatic transmission proved sluggish, with delayed paddle shifts and a narrow optimal upshift window that resulted in lost time. The engine stumbled on the fuel cutoff at high RPM, a frustrating issue that could have been avoided with an automatic redline upshift mode.
Tire and AWD Limitations
Initial testing with stock Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires revealed an “AWD System Overheated” warning during fast laps, forcing the car into 2WD mode. While Toyota provided a set of Morizo Edition wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires for testing, Lightning Lap rules strictly prohibit times set with non-homologated hardware. A test run with the unofficial setup yielded a 3:02.5 lap, proving the car’s potential with proper tires – but the time was disqualified.
The Manual Advantage
The GR Corolla’s issues underscore a clear point: the three-pedal version, equipped with Cup 2 tires, remains the fastest configuration. The automatic transmission simply cannot deliver the same lap times. The AWD system’s overheating issue further highlights this discrepancy, as the manual model does not suffer from the same thermal limitations.
The GR Corolla, while capable, falls short of its full potential in automatic trim. The best performance requires a manual gearbox and stickier tires.
The final verdict confirms that while the GR Corolla is a fun and capable car, its Lightning Lap performance is hampered by its transmission and tire choice. The manual version remains the superior option for serious lap times.
