The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla was unveiled this week it will come in two different trim levels: Core and Circuit Edition. While the Core trim level comes well-equipped from the factory, the Circuit Edition is dressed to impress enthusiasts with its larger wing and additional vents. It definitely looks a lot more aggressive, but anyone that wants one should act fast as it’s only going to be available for one year.

What makes the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition so special?

Toyota only plans to produce the GR Corolla Circuit Edition as a “limited-run model for 2023,” according to the press materials. However, MotorTrend reached out to a Toyota representative for more information and they responded that “it will be available in the GR Corolla’s launch year and that’s it.” For future reference, the Circuit Edition is slated to go into production next year.

Exclusivity aside, the GR Corolla Circuit Edition brings a little more to the table than its Core Edition counterpart. Toyota added a larger rear wing, a forged carbon-fiber roof panel, Brin Naub suede sport seats, and an exclusive “Morizo-signed shift knob.” In case you’re wondering, “Morizo” is the alias the Akio Toyoda raced under, so technically, you’re getting a shift knob that’s signed by the president of the company himself. That could be worth the marked-up price alone for some hardcore enthusiasts.

Aside from those fancy aero enhancements and lightened roof cap, the Circuit Edition has the same turbocharged engine and suspension setup as the Core model.

What does the GR Corolla Core Edition come with?

If you would rather forgo the special Circuit Edition trim level and settle for the Core model instead, let’s just say that you won’t really be “settling.” Even in its base form, the 2023 GR Corolla has a lot to love including a 300-hp turbocharged three-cylinder engine and a race-ready suspension. Toyota even beefed up the car’s stopping and sticking prowess by giving the car large 18-inch wheels with sticky Michelin tires and big 14-inch brakes.

While the GR Corolla is a street-worthy race car on the outside, it sounds like it’s going to be relatively comfortable on the inside. Buyers can expect to sit in fabric sport seats and enjoy the automatic climate control while gripping the leather-wrapped steering wheel. If more comfort is needed in the colder months, then buyers can opt for the Cold Weather package that adds heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

Android Auto and Apple Carplay are standard and a JBL premium audio system is available. After experiencing this sound system in a number of different Toyota models, I can wholeheartedly recommend opting for it.

How much will the GR Corolla Circuit Edition cost?

Toyota hasn’t released the final details on pricing for either trim level yet. However, we suspect that the Circuit Edition could cost around $40,000 when everything is said and done. Of course, some naysayers may look at that price and think “$40,000 for a Corolla?!” But then again, those people are probably not familiar with the current prices of new and used Honda Civic Type Rs.

That being said, the Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition should be quite the bargain. That is unless dealers mark them up like crazy, which is always a possibility.