The global fanfare surrounding the 2022 Toyota GR Corolla will now seemingly hit fever pitch, with the release of the Japan-market GR Corolla RZ, and the “untamed” track-honed GR Corolla Morizo Edition.

The GR Corolla Morizo Edition gets its name from the racing alter-ego of Toyota President, Akio Toyoda, who explicitly deemed he wanted a car that delivered “an untamed energy that captivates customers" and "a driving taste that excites and that powers the urge to keep on driving".

However, before we pour into the details of what makes the Morizo Edition faster, sharper and jaw-droppingly cool, we’d rather treat you to a video that traces the spirit, passion, and trials and tribulations during the development of the GR Corolla.

Building from the potent underpinnings of the GR Corolla, first unveiled in April, the Morizo Edition takes things a step further with additional weight reduction, increased engine torque, and optimized transmission gear ratios, as well as improved handling through the use of monotube shock absorbers and high-performance tires.

Also read: Subaru says no more STI, Toyota shows 304 PS 6MT-only AWD GR Corolla - Over 100 PS per cylinder

As a quick recap – the GR Corolla is powered by the same (G16E-GTS) 1.6-litre three-cylinder found in the GR Yaris, but fettled to develop 304 PS and 370 Nm – 39 PS and 10 Nm more than the GR Yaris.

Power is sent to all four wheels through the GR-Four all-wheel drive system, which can distribute power from 50/50 up to 30/70 front to rear based on driving modes. A six-speed manual is the only transmission option.

Also read: Golf what? First-ever Toyota GR Corolla leaked ahead of debut - 300 PS, 6MT, AWD

The GR Corolla Morizo Edition receives the following upgrades over the “regular” GR Corolla RZ:

• Rear seat removed, strict 2-seater, weight reduction of approximately 30 kg.
• Maximum torque increased from 370 Nm to 400 Nm, increased torque in the mid-rpm range.
• Additional structural adhesive for greater body rigidity.
• Close-ratio gear ratio for first three gears, lower gearing for diff ratio.
• 10mm wider Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres (245/40/R18)

Besides the mechanical bits, the Morizo Editon also receives exclusive semi-bucket seats, door trimmings and the steering wheel, gear and handbrake trim are finished in Ultrasuede.

The Morizo Edition is available in only one exterior colour, Matte Steel, and the front windshield bears Morizo's signature as a subtle highlight of this limited-production variant.

The GR Corolla RZ variant is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in Q3, whilst the GR Corolla Morizo Edition which is “available in limited quantities” will go on sale in Q4 of 2022.

Also read: Malaysian fans can expect the Toyota GR Corolla to launch after 2023 Toyota GR86