The Toyota GR Corolla has already built a reputation as one of the hottest hot hatches on the market. With its turbocharged three-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive system, and rally-inspired DNA, it’s a car that promises excitement straight from the showroom. But as always, there’s more potential under the hood waiting to be unlocked—and that’s exactly what we achieved for John Cavill from Titirangi, Auckland.

John came to us looking for a tune that would bring his GR Corolla to life. After a full calibration session at Auto Upgrades, the results were nothing short of outstanding. Here’s what John had to say:

“Just had my '24 GR Corolla with Lars at Auto Upgrades... astounding result!! It wasn’t just the 50hp and 70Nm of torque that I gained (which is pretty bloody cool I admit), but as much as anything it was dealing with Lars and the considered advice he gave me. No dumb upselling, just good advice and an amazing result. Cannot recommend Auto Upgrades enough... many thanks Lars!! Stoked...”

– John Cavill, Titirangi, Auckland

That’s an honest review from someone who knows what a great hot hatch should feel like. The GR Corolla’s engine is already lively, but with an additional 50 horsepower and 70Nm of torque, it transforms into something truly special. The extra midrange punch makes acceleration sharper, overtaking effortless, and every drive more engaging.

Why the GR Corolla Responds So Well to Tuning

The GR Corolla runs a turbocharged three-cylinder G16E-GTS engine, designed with motorsport heritage in mind. Toyota set it up to be strong and reliable, but like many factory calibrations, it was held back by conservative mapping designed to meet global emissions and fuel standards. By carefully adjusting fuelling, boost control, ignition timing, and torque management, we unlock performance that Toyota left on the table—all while maintaining reliability and drivability.

Toyota Corolla Performance Gains Across the Range

While the GR Corolla is the star of the show, every Corolla variant benefits from professional tuning. Here’s how different models respond when recalibrated with OEM-level precision:

  • GR Corolla: +50 HP, +70 Nm – transforms from hot hatch to genuine giant killer.
  • 2.2 D: +40 HP, +80 Nm – serious pulling strength for towing or long-distance driving.
  • 2.0 D: +40 HP, +80 Nm – strong midrange punch that makes motorway overtakes effortless.
  • 1.4 D: +20 HP, +40 Nm – suddenly far more lively around town.
  • 1.6: +10 HP, +15 Nm – sharper throttle response, smoother acceleration.
  • 1.8: +10 HP, +12 Nm – crisp, refined performance for daily driving.
  • 2.0: +10 HP, +12 Nm – added flexibility through the rev range.
  • 1.5: +8 HP, +10 Nm – makes light work of city driving.
  • 1.3: +9 HP, +11 Nm – turns the smallest engines into eager companions.

Put simply: tuning transforms the Corolla from “just dependable” into “unexpectedly exciting.” Whether you’re carving corners in a GR, hauling kilometres in a diesel, or simply wanting your runabout to feel less lethargic, the gains are real and the grin factor undeniable.

Customer Experience Matters

As John highlighted, tuning isn’t just about numbers on a graph. It’s about the whole process—understanding the customer’s goals, applying OEM-level calibration methods, and delivering a result that exceeds expectations without unnecessary upselling or compromise. At Auto Upgrades, we pride ourselves on offering transparent advice and world-class engineering that drivers can trust.

Unlock the Potential of Your Toyota GR Corolla

If you own a GR Corolla—or any Toyota performance model—you don’t need to settle for stock. With professional calibration, you can experience gains that elevate your car from excellent to extraordinary. Just ask John, who left our workshop with a GR Corolla that now pulls harder, responds faster, and feels sharper in every gear.

Book your Toyota performance tune with Auto Upgrades today and discover what your car is truly capable of.