Longo Toyota, the world's largest Toyota dealership, is giving one lucky bidder the chance to own a piece of automotive history. The dealership is auctioning off a limited edition 2023 Toyota GR Corolla MORIZO Edition, one of only 200 units produced for the US market. The auction proceeds will benefit the Longo Toyota Family Center, a non-profit organization that provides educational and recreational programs for children and families in El Monte, California.
What is the GR Corolla MORIZO Edition?
The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla MORIZO Edition is a special version of the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla, the first high-performance hatchback from Toyota's Gazoo Racing division. The GR Corolla is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine that delivers 300 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It also features a six-speed manual transmission, an all-wheel-drive system with front and rear limited-slip differentials, and a sport-tuned suspension.
The MORIZO Edition takes the Toyota GR Corolla to the next level with some exclusive enhancements. It has an extra 22 pound-feet of torque for a total of 295 pound-feet, a close-ratio gearbox with shorter differential gears, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires for improved grip. It also sheds about 106 pounds by removing the rear seats, speakers, window regulators, and wiper blade and motor. Additionally, it has red-painted monotube shock absorbers, front brake ducts, and two rear strut braces for increased rigidity.
The MORIZO Edition is named after Akio Toyoda, the president of Toyota and a passionate car enthusiast. Toyoda uses the racing code "Mr. Morizo" when competing in motorsport events such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The MORIZO Edition reflects his personal vision of a fun-to-drive hatchback that can handle both the road and the track.
How to Bid on the GR Corolla MORIZO Edition?
The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla MORIZO Edition auction is hosted by Bring a Trailer, an online marketplace for classic and enthusiast vehicles. The auction started on October 18 and will end on October 25 at 12:00 PM PDT. The starting bid was $1, but it has already reached over $50,000 as of October 20. The winning bidder will also have to pay a buyer's fee of 5% of the final bid amount, up to a maximum of $5,000.
The GR Corolla MORIZO Edition that is being auctioned off is number 200 out of 200, making it even more collectible. It has a Heavy Metal exterior color, which is a dark gray metallic paint with blue undertones. It also has black leather and Ultrasuede seats with red stitching and accents. The car comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by Akio Toyoda himself and a commemorative plaque on the dashboard.
The car has only been driven for 10 miles by Longo Toyota staff for promotional purposes. It has not been registered or titled, so the winning bidder will be the first official owner. The car also comes with a full factory warranty and ToyotaCare, which covers standard factory scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.
