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Toyota Turns The Corolla Into A Road-Legal Race Car With The Most Extreme GRMN Ever

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The Toyota Corolla has long been known as one of the world’s most reliable and practical compact cars. The new GRMN Corolla changes that perception completely, transforming the familiar hatchback into a Nürburgring-developed machine with race-inspired engineering, a stripped-out cabin, and performance upgrades directly influenced by motorsport.

The new GRMN Corolla is the most extreme road-going Corolla ever developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing.

Toyota Gazoo Racing describes the model as the ultimate GR Corolla, a car created using lessons learned from endurance racing and extensive testing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The goal was simple: build a Corolla capable of delivering a pure driving experience while performing at the highest level on one of the world’s most demanding circuits.

The Corolla Akio Toyoda Always Wanted

Behind the project is Akio Toyoda, Toyota’s chairman and passionate racing driver, better known by his motorsport alias “Morizo.”

For Toyoda, any car wearing the GRMN badge — Gazoo Racing Masters of Nürburgring — must be capable of proving itself at the legendary German circuit.

Development took place not only at Nürburgring but also in Japan’s Super Taikyu endurance championship, where Toyota has used experimental Corolla race cars to test new technologies, including hydrogen-powered engines.

Toyota Gazoo Racing has transformed the Corolla into a machine focused almost entirely on performance.

More Torque And A Sharper Response

Toyota has yet to confirm the final power output, but the company has revealed an increase in torque.

The turbocharged engine now delivers 415 Nm, an improvement of 15 Nm over the standard GR Corolla. Engineers focused particularly on the 3,600 to 4,800 rpm range, where drivers spend most of their time accelerating out of corners.

A water-spray system for the intercooler has also been added to help control temperatures during extended high-performance driving sessions.

Toyota says experience gained from hydrogen-powered endurance racing programs has helped improve both reliability and engine response under extreme conditions.

Nürburgring played a crucial role in the development of the most focused GR Corolla ever created.

Two Seats And Less Weight

One of the most dramatic changes is found inside the cabin.

Toyota has removed the rear seats entirely, turning the GRMN Corolla into a strict two-seater. The decision reduces overall weight by approximately 30 kilograms compared to the standard model while improving the car’s power-to-weight ratio.

The philosophy is clear: prioritize driver engagement over everyday practicality.

This approach is more commonly associated with track-focused sports cars than with a compact hatchback derived from a mass-production vehicle.

Aerodynamics Developed Through Competition

The bodywork receives several functional upgrades designed to improve aerodynamic performance.

A vented hood, additional fender outlets, front side deflectors, and a large adjustable rear wing all contribute to increased stability at high speed.

Toyota refined these components through thousands of kilometers of testing at Nürburgring, adjusting some settings in increments as small as one degree to achieve the ideal setup.

Every aerodynamic component on the GRMN Corolla was developed with performance as the primary objective.

The company says many of these solutions come directly from its motorsport programs, helping bridge the gap between race cars and production vehicles.

The adjustable rear wing allows drivers to fine-tune aerodynamic balance for different driving conditions.

Suspension Upgrades And Track-Focused Tires

The GRMN Corolla also benefits from a completely revised chassis setup.

Toyota has fitted bespoke monotube dampers and reworked numerous suspension components following extensive testing on Nürburgring’s challenging combination of bumps, elevation changes, and high-speed corners.

Grip comes from Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires measuring 245/40 R18, which are 10 millimeters wider than those fitted to the standard GR Corolla.

Engineers have also recalibrated the electric power steering system and all-wheel-drive setup to provide more precise responses and improved torque distribution.

Built Around The Driver

The interior continues the motorsport-inspired transformation.

A dedicated bucket seat developed specifically for the GRMN Corolla replaces the standard driver’s seat, drawing inspiration from Toyota’s Super Taikyu race cars.

Anti-glare materials, carbon-fiber trim, and exclusive detailing further distinguish the cabin from the regular GR Corolla. Each example will also feature a unique numbered GRMN plaque.

Toyota has confirmed that production will be extremely limited, with Japan, North America, and Australia expected to be the primary markets.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027. While a European launch has not been announced, the car’s extensive Nürburgring development suggests Toyota remains committed to creating vehicles that appeal to driving enthusiasts around the world.

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Ford Bronco ORV The $18,995 Upgrade Built for Serious Trails

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Ford’s new Bronco ORV package adds FOX suspension, Raptor underbody protection and off-road hardware to select models. But the $18,995 price excludes tires and installation.

Ford wants to make it easier to build a trail-ready SUV without sourcing every part separately. The Ford Bronco ORV Package bundles suspension, protection, lighting and styling upgrades into one dealer-installed option. However, its $18,995 starting price makes it a serious investment for Bronco owners.

Available for select four-door 2025 and 2026 Bronco Base, Big Bend and Outer Banks models, the package comes through Ford Custom Garage. It is an accessory package rather than a separate Bronco trim, and compatibility depends on the vehicle’s existing equipment.

The Bronco ORV package adds trail-focused equipment to selected four-door models.

What Does the $18,995 Bronco ORV Package Include?

The main upgrades focus on off-road capability. A FOX suspension kit works alongside underbody skid plates and fuel-tank protection borrowed from the Bronco Raptor. Rocker-panel armor adds protection along the lower body, while a modular front bumper retains parking-aid functionality.

FOX suspension and Raptor-derived protection are among the package’s key hardware upgrades.

The package also includes RIGID auxiliary LED lighting, an auxiliary switch kit and a Ford Performance ProCal tool. These components add lighting control and vehicle-specific calibration capabilities for the upgraded setup.

The front bumper and auxiliary lighting give the Bronco additional trail-focused equipment.

Black Wheels and Red Accents Complete the Look

Ford has added visual changes to distinguish the ORV-equipped Bronco from standard versions. The package includes 17-inch black WELD wheels, Havoc fender flares, red tow hooks, red grille accents, a stealth hood decal and distinctive ORV branding.

Black wheels, wider fender flares and protective side panels give the SUV a tougher appearance.

Which Broncos Can Get the ORV Package?

The package is available for select four-door Base, Big Bend and Outer Banks models from the 2025 and 2026 model years. The Bronco Badlands and Bronco Raptor are excluded. Ford also warns that factory options, including camera equipment, the Lux package and the Sasquatch package, can affect compatibility.

The ORV package is designed for selected Bronco configurations, so buyers should confirm fitment before ordering.

Warranty and Final Cost

Ford includes a supplemental three-year/36,000-mile warranty that begins on the vehicle’s in-service date. Installation by a Ford dealer or ASE-certified technician does not void the standard new-vehicle warranty.

However, the $18,995 manufacturer’s suggested retail price is not the final bill. Tires are sold separately, and installation charges can vary by dealer. Buyers should confirm the complete cost and vehicle compatibility before placing an order.

The Bronco ORV gives owners a convenient route to a coordinated off-road build, combining hardware and appearance upgrades in one package. Its price may appeal to buyers who value dealer installation and warranty coverage, but the additional tire and labor costs make it essential to calculate the full investment first.

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Cadillac Turns the Escalade-V Into a $239,000 Collector’s Dream

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Just 252 examples will celebrate Cadillac’s 125th anniversary, pairing V-Series performance with exclusive finishes, carbon-fiber details and a distinctive blue-accented cabin.

A luxury SUV can make a statement through size, performance and technology. The 2027 Cadillac Escalade-V 125th Anniversary Collector Series adds another selling point: rarity. Cadillac will produce just 252 examples of this special edition, combining the imposing presence of the Escalade-V with exclusive details created to celebrate the brand’s 125-year history.

Starting at approximately $239,000, including destination freight, this edition targets buyers who want their SUV to stand out even among other high-end vehicles. Its appeal comes from a combination of limited production, distinctive materials and personalized commemorative details rather than a completely different exterior design

The limited-edition Escalade-V pairs its familiar imposing shape with exclusive anniversary styling.

A darker, sharper take on the Escalade-V

Cadillac will offer the anniversary model in two finishes: Midnight Stone Frost and Vibrant White Tricoat. Both emphasize the SUV’s substantial proportions, while a series of contrasting details gives the special edition a more distinctive identity.

The exterior package includes unique forged 24-inch wheels, blue brake calipers and dark-finish badges. Carbon fiber appears on the grille surround, lower rear fascia, mirror caps and engine cover, adding a motorsport-inspired touch to Cadillac’s flagship performance SUV.

The details extend beyond appearance. Heritage V-8 puddle lamps and commemorative markings referencing 1902–2027 connect the vehicle to Cadillac’s history. Buyers can also select their vehicle identification number and serial number, adding a personalized element to an already limited production run.

Santorini Blue makes the interior different

The cabin is where this Collector Series develops its own visual signature. Cadillac combines Black and Sheer Gray upholstery with Santorini Blue stitching and seat belts, creating a contrast against the darker interior surfaces.

That blue is more than a decorative choice. It draws inspiration from the V-Series emblem and connects the brand’s road cars with its racing identity, including the Cadillac V-Series.R race car. The color has appeared across performance vehicles and concepts before becoming the defining interior accent of this anniversary Escalade.

Santorini Blue adds a distinctive accent to the two-tone cabin, linking the SUV to Cadillac’s performance heritage.

Cadillac adds illuminated sill plates, exclusive interior badging, premium floor mats and a blue key fob. Together, these features give the limited edition a more individualized feel without abandoning the Escalade’s established luxury-focused interior design.

What makes a 252-unit Escalade worth $239,000?

The limited production run is central to the model’s appeal. With only 252 vehicles planned, the anniversary edition is considerably more exclusive than a regular Escalade-V. Its special finishes, carbon-fiber components and commemorative equipment give collectors several details to distinguish it from the standard model.

Cadillac has previously used its Collector Series to mark milestones in its performance history. The 2026 CT5-V Blackwing F1 Collector Series, for example, connected the brand’s performance identity with its entry into Formula 1. Now, the series expands to the Escalade, bringing that collector-focused approach to a large luxury SUV.

The rear design combines the Escalade-V’s commanding proportions with the special edition’s carbon-fiber accents.

The 2027 Escalade-V 125th Anniversary Collector Series will be sold in the United States and Canada, and orders are now open. Its starting price is approximately $239,000, including destination freight but excluding taxes, title and dealer fees. Dealers determine the final selling price.

Ultimately, this Escalade is designed for buyers who value exclusivity as much as luxury and performance. The 125th-anniversary branding tells part of the story, but the limited production, personalized identification and distinctive cabin details are what make this version different. Whether those features justify the premium will depend on how much buyers value owning a rare edition of Cadillac’s flagship SUV.

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F1 in Texas: The Battles That Could Define Austin

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Kimi Antonelli arrives in Texas with a chance to become Formula 1’s youngest world champion, while Max Verstappen targets a third consecutive victory.

The 2026 United States Grand Prix takes centre stage this weekend as Formula 1 returns to Austin for Round 18 of the season. The main storyline is clear: Antonelli could secure his maiden drivers’ championship, but Verstappen’s recent resurgence promises a major challenge at the Circuit of The Americas.

Antonelli heads to Austin with a commanding championship lead and his first opportunity to clinch the title.

Antonelli’s first shot at the world title

Antonelli leads the standings with 340 points, ahead of Mercedes team-mate George Russell on 238 and Lewis Hamilton on 229. The Italian holds a 102-point advantage over Russell and could mathematically seal the championship this weekend.

However, the outcome depends on several results. Antonelli needs to win in Austin, Russell must finish ninth or lower, and Hamilton cannot finish higher than fifth. Even then, the title fight remains open if those conditions are not met.

Meanwhile, Verstappen arrives in Texas after winning the Malaysian and Singapore Grands Prix. The Red Bull driver has won four of the last five races held at Austin, making him one of the key contenders to watch.

Austin schedule: Practice, qualifying and race

The weekend follows the traditional format, with three practice sessions and no Sprint race. Friday features the first two sessions, while Saturday brings final practice and qualifying.

  • Friday, October 23: Free Practice 1 at 12:30 p.m. local time and Free Practice 2 at 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 24: Free Practice 3 at 12:30 p.m. and qualifying at 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, October 25: The United States Grand Prix starts at 3 p.m. local time.

Each session will help teams refine their car setups before Sunday’s 56-lap race. Weather forecasts point to warm conditions, with little chance of rain during practice and qualifying. Sunday has a slightly higher possibility of showers, although dry conditions remain the main expectation.

The 5.513-kilometre Circuit of The Americas combines fast corners, heavy braking zones and technical sections.

The circuit’s biggest challenges

Austin is known for its steep climb into Turn 1, where drivers must choose their line carefully at the start. The first sector features rapid changes of direction, while the long back straight creates a major overtaking opportunity into Turn 12.

The circuit’s final sector brings another challenge, with slower corners demanding traction and careful throttle control. Track limits can also become a factor, particularly through the later turns.

Pirelli has selected the C2 hard, C3 medium and C4 soft compounds for this weekend. Tyre wear could play a decisive role because of the circuit’s layout and the high temperatures expected in Texas. A one-stop strategy may be attractive, but teams will need to assess degradation during practice before committing to a race plan.

Verstappen’s record and the key numbers

Verstappen won the 2025 United States Grand Prix and has established an impressive record at the Texas venue. Lewis Hamilton remains the circuit’s most successful driver, with six victories, while Michael Schumacher and Hamilton share the record for the most poles at four apiece.

The current lap record is 1:36.169, set by Charles Leclerc with Ferrari in 2019. This year’s race covers 56 laps, adding up to 308.405 kilometres.

Verstappen arrives after consecutive victories and will aim to continue his strong run at the Texas circuit.

A weekend with major championship implications

Austin opens a demanding run of three consecutive race weekends across the Americas, followed by events in Mexico City and São Paulo. That schedule leaves little time for teams to recover from mistakes or introduce major changes.

For Antonelli, the United States Grand Prix represents an early opportunity to turn a strong season into a historic title triumph. For Verstappen, it is a chance to extend his winning streak and disrupt Mercedes’ momentum.

The first answers will come in Friday’s practice sessions. By qualifying on Saturday, the teams should have a clearer picture of the pace and tyre performance that could decide Sunday’s race.

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