Power-Dense Toyota 3-Cyl. Wows

I knew there was something special about the Toyota GR Corolla when five guys on Japanese sport bikes surrounded me and started revving their engines and pulling wheelies.

At first, I worried that I accidentally cut them off while cruising Jefferson Avenue in Detroit on a Friday night, but no, they all turned to look at me and gave unanimous thumbs up before speeding away.

Iconic muscle cars with huge V-8 engines often get such attention in Detroit, but in 40 years of test-driving new vehicles, I’ve never seen a car with a tiny 3-cyl. get such respect – until now.

That 1.6L I-3 punches out 300 hp; has a 6-speed intelligent manual transmission; all-wheel drive; and a base price of $36,500.

The word is out: The hot hatch is back with a vengeance and the propulsion system is the reason.

There is no doubt the mobility industry is moving into a new era of electrification, but that doesn’t mean powertrain engineers have stopped developing outrageous internal-combustion engines that are efficient and still fun to drive.

Toyota’s goal for the GR Corolla is to win back driving enthusiasts, and thanks to its G16-GTS engine it also wins a 2024 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems trophy.

The high-revving engine is the latest in a new generation of power-dense small engines that are blowing away the old stereotypes regarding 4-cyl. and 3-cyl. powerplants, proving the number of cylinders no longer defines engine power and prestige.

Do not be deceived by the sedate “Corolla” badge. The GR Corolla engine makes 185 hp/L and 273 lb.-ft. (370 Nm) of torque, delivers 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.9 seconds, and a top speed of 143 mph (230 km/h).

“At 185 horsepower per liter, this is one of the most power-dense engines we have ever evaluated,” says judge Bob Gritzinger. “Extra kudos to Toyota for the 6-speed manual gearbox that keeps all that power close at hand.”

Developed by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing Team, the engine has won over performance enthusiasts across the world and uses racing technology aimed at speeding up combustion and improving efficiency and cooling.

The list of racing goodies includes a single-scroll ball-bearing turbo, multi-jet piston cooling, larger-diameter exhaust valves, partially machined intake ports and special piston rings.

The pistons also have a spherical top shape which improves the momentum of the intake air tumble and promotes more complete combustion.

Even the air cleaner is unique. It includes a secondary duct at the bottom of the box, which allows the engine under certain speed and load conditions to open the valve and provide a substantial reduction in pressure loss in the intake system which enables the engine to make more power at the top end.

The exhaust system is special too. It features a unique three-tip design that reduces back pressure and helps the engine make more power. It also creates a good deal of sonic entertainment.

On the practical side, fuel economy is respectable despite all that power: 21 mpg (11L/100 km) city and 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) highway.

Sums up judge Dave Zoia: “Toyota has really stepped up its performance cred with this one.”