Toyota GR Corolla Now Features Fake Engine Sound in the Cabin

The hot hatch gets a new update that adds artificial engine notes through its speakers, making the drive feel more dramatic and sporty.

The Toyota GR Corolla is one of the most exciting cars you can buy today. With its 300-horsepower turbocharged engine, rally-style all-wheel drive, and sharp handling, it has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting hot hatches around. Now, Toyota is spicing things up with a new feature that will surprise some fans for sure. The GR Corolla will now play fake engine sounds inside the cabin.

This update works through the JBL sound system, where the car creates engine noises that match your throttle and gear changes. Even when you lift your foot off the gas, you will hear simulated burbles, the kind of sound you normally get from performance exhausts. The automaker says that the goal is to make the driving experience feel more like being on a racetrack.

Drivers can choose from three different sound patterns. Every sound patterns links to the car’s driving modes. There are also three volume levels, so you can keep things subtle, go full sporty, or simply switch the system off if you prefer the natural engine note.

But that is not the only upgrade. Toyota has reinforced the GR Corolla’s body to make it stronger and more stable during hard driving. The company added extra adhesive in key areas like the front end and rear wheel wells. This addition will improve rigidity without adding much weight. A new high-RPM air duct also helps keep the engine cool during aggressive runs, so performance stays consistent.

These updates are already available in Japan. Now, they are expected to reach the U.S. for the 2026 model year. Prices should stay close to the current lineup, starting at around $40,355 for the base Core model.