Toyota SUV Corolla Cross
Transforms into a Race Car Overseas
What’s the Behind-the-Scenes Story?
The Toyota Corolla Cross is a compact SUV popular in the US, Japan, and other countries. It is often listed among the top 10 best-selling vehicles globally and is a cornerstone of the Toyota lineup.
But recently, a surprising twist has emerged—a radically transformed Corolla Cross has been spotted overseas, reimagined as a race car. Here’s a closer look at how Toyota has turned the everyday SUV into a high-performance machine.
From SUV to Stock Car: Racing in Brazil
The Toyota Corolla Cross racing version was created specifically for the Stock Car Pro Series championship held in Brazil. Far removed from its familiar SUV form, the vehicle has undergone a complete transformation into a sleek, high-performance race car.
The modifications are extensive. The body has been rebuilt using high-strength, lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, and Kevlar. Its aggressive front air ducts, flared fenders, and prominent rear spoiler are clear indicators that this is no ordinary Corolla Cross. The spoiler, in particular, plays a crucial role in generating the downforce necessary for competitive racing.
Performance Overhaul: 500 Horsepower and Racing Components
Overall, the low body, black-covered exterior, and Toyota’s GR (Gazoo Racing) decals give it a strong appearance. Under the hood, the efficient powertrain of the standard Corolla Cross has been replaced by a powerful 2.1L gasoline engine, sending 500 horsepower to the rear wheels through a six-speed XTrac transmission.
It also features pushrod suspension with adjustable Penske Racing shocks, Cobreq pads, and a set of Hipper Freios brake rotors with AP Racing calipers for enhanced technical perfection. While the interior has not been revealed in detail, it is said that the area around the driver’s seat features a monitor, roll cage, and dashboard switches.
Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Success in Brazil
The race in which this revamped Corolla Cross will compete isn’t just a one-off. Similar SUVs-turned-race-cars, including the Chevrolet Tracker and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, will join the grid. All vehicles in this race have been modified using the Audace SNG01 platform, making them entirely new creations that only share the name and markings with their production counterparts.
Toyota Gazoo Racing has made a name for itself in the Brazilian Stock Car Pro Series, with an impressive record of 49 wins in 106 races since 2020. The race car version of the Corolla Cross is set to debut in 2025 as Toyota continues to expand its presence in motorsport.
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