When we think of cars with “Nurburgring Edition” that would obviously indicate that this is a mentally fast car that has just smoked the competition from the iconic German track. Well, that’s the case when we talk about cars like the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ or the fierce Porsche 919 Hybrid EVO (the current Nurburgring lap fastest time holder).
Even a Honda Civic Type R would fit the picture perfectly. But slapping the “Nurburgring Edition” badge on an ugly Toyota Corolla Altis will surely cause a commotion. And that’s exactly what Toyota Thailand did to commemorate Toyota Gazoo Racing’s second consecutive victory in an endurance event at the Nürburgring. It doesn’t make sense, but it’s a nice addition to a humble human’s garage nonetheless.
The Toyota Corolla is the slowest car in the world to sport the “Nürburgring Edition” badge.
Why did Thailand get a Toyota Corolla Nürburgring Edition?
Toyota Thailand presented this strange edition of the Nurburgring to celebrate the victory of Toyota Gazoo Racing Team Thailand during the ADAC Total 24h held in Nurburging. And they won it using a specially modified Corolla in the Super Production 3 class for the second year in a row, in fact. Hence the special edition that nobody dreamed of! And because the factory-backed racing team has a good reputation in its home country, Toyota has limited the Corolla Altis Nurburgring Edition to Thailand only.
The Corolla Altis Nürburgring Edition is “All Show” and a bit “Go”
Although it all sounds “sporty” and “fast”; Toyota has not touched the engine in this edition of the Nürburgring. It continues to be available in a 138 hp petrol version and a 121 hp hybrid version. Surprisingly, only a CVT gearbox is offered. Toyota could at least offer an optional shifter with gasoline to make it spicy. The main tweaks are on the exterior which gets unique “Nurburgring 24” badges on the front fender and more aggressive body panels including widened bumpers and side skirts. A trunk lid spoiler and pseudo rear diffuser add to the ‘go fast’ design cues.
Fortunately, not everything is visible as the Corolla Nurburgring Edition also comes with shorter, stiffer springs as well as an electronic module to optimize throttle response. This translates into improved driving dynamics both in the straights and in the corners. We know Toyota is a mature automaker when they clearly know that an adrenaline pumping experience isn’t just about speed and power.
This is not the first edition of the Corolla Nürburgring
Yes, Toyota had an idea of this daring and strange combination before. This was the 2015 Toyota Corolla ESport and was designed to commemorate a Toyota Corolla Altis’ 7th place in its class in the 2014 Nurburgring 24 Hour Endurance Race. But at the time it was strictly limited to appearance and had no mechanical adjustment whatsoever.
They mentioned “affected” suspensions, but it was not clear enough. The 2021 Corolla Nurburgring Edition is much cooler and also makes us wonder where this trend will take the Corolla over the next 10 years. Perhaps a worthy competitor of the Civic Type R could appear!
Sources: Autoevolution.com, Carscoops.com, Autocentre.ua, Motor16.com, Copyfuture.com
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