2023 Toyota GR Corolla & 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport

Hi, I'm John Davis and this is MotorWeek !

We're burning rubber in Toyota's new hot hatch, the GR Corolla... Then, hitting the brakes for a "Your Drive" tire wear lowdown... We'll go "Over the Edge" to the world's largest indoor go-kart track... Then, haul ourselves home in the all-new Honda Pilot TrailSport...

So, come drive with us, next!

Closed Captioning provided by Maryland Public Television.

♪ ♪ ANNOUNCER: MotorWeek ... Television's original automotive magazine.

Brought to you by... ANNOUNCER: For more than 30 years Lucas Oil products has helped people tackle mechanical problems in the automotive, marine, and industrial fields.

From our original four core products... Lucas Oil has developed over 400 custom products to help both professionals and do it yourselfers.

To learn more visit Lucasoil.com.

Lucas oil, keep that engine alive!

MotorWeek is proudly sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper To Bumper, featuring major brand auto and truck parts, and service from coast to coast.

Learn more at AutoValue.com and BumperToBumper.com.

TireRack.Com is proud to support MotorWeek .

First, there was the wheel.

Then, the tire.

"We'll call it TireRack."

Forty years later, we're not slowing down.

JOHN: Toyota's Gazoo Racing was key in making the Supra sport coupe's return possible, but they weren't done.

They've now applied their skills to a totally mainstream nameplate, the compact Corolla.

So, let's see how far they could go with Toyota's entry-level commuter.

♪ ♪ Generally, when we talk performance cars here at MotorWeek , a 3-cylinder engine is not among the topics discussed, but that's what this 2023 Toyota GR Corolla is packing; and much like the Corolla itself, you'd better not underestimate it.

The GR in GR Corolla naturally stands for Gazoo Racing, which played a major part in transforming the humble Corolla chassis into this track-worthy weapon, as well as creating the powerplant that brings it all together.

(car engine starts up) Originally developed for the GR Yaris, which did not make it to the U.S., this tiny turbo packs a big punch rated at 300 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.

The inline-3 gets a unique triple exhaust that feeds the turbo to force an amazing 25.2 psi of boost.

And it gets even better, with a standard rev-matching iMT 6-speed manual transmission similar to the GR Supra's, and GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive.

Developed with rally racing in mind, it's the first sport-oriented AWD system from Toyota in over 20 years and has the ability to adjust the amount of rear bias from 40 to 70 percent.

The Circuit Edition features a carbon-fiber roof, vented hood, and unique rear spoiler; in addition to all GR Corolla's upgraded body that has extended rockers and significantly flared fenders.

It looks almost cartoonish in a good way, like those drawings of far-out 5-door hot hatches that seemingly couldn't exist in the real world.

All-in-all, it's a rally-ready package that begs to be pushed hard, with managed power delivery for just about any surface.

(tires screech) We stuck to the pavement, or tarmac as they call it on the circuit, specifically the varied and twisty turns of the Jefferson Circuit at Summit Point Motorsports Park.

We found that sending as much power to the rear as possible to be the best setting, giving us both more feel and more control, and creating a perfect balance for easy in, hard out approaches to corners both tight and sweeping.

The chassis itself has gotten some significant reinforcements, from extra adhesive to more thorough welding, and even added bracing.

The result is not overly stiff, which gives it a playful feel, but just when you think you may be approaching its limits, there seems to be a little more there that takes it from being just a fun toy to a serious performance machine.

Brakes were up to the task as well; good initial bite, a nice amount of pedal travel, and confidence-inspiring stability.

Working the manual was a joy in of itself, short throws and solid feel, with clutch action heavier than your average sport compact.

(car engine revs) That certainly aids when it comes to launches at the dragstrip too, though the rather elevated take-up point of the pedal was little high for us.

Still, with 50/50 torque split and Sport dialed up, there was a great amount of grip off the line for sprints to 60 in just 5.0 seconds flat, after a smooth quick release of the clutch.

This 3 has a pleasantly throaty exhaust note, as well as fairly linear power delivery throughout the 13.3 second quarter-mile which we competed at 104 miles per hour.

Inside, you'll find that the Corolla's budget feel mostly remains, but with the addition of some great sport seats with suede inserts and color stitching.

All GR Corollas get an 8.0 inch touchscreen multimedia display and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 21-City, 28-Highway, and 24-Combined; we averaged a great 27.3 miles per gallon of Premium.

That's an average Energy Impact Score of 12.4 barrels of yearly oil use, with 6.1 tons of CO2 emissions.

After hearing all of that, the good news doesn't end there, as pricing starts at just $36,995; $43, 995 for the Circuit Edition.

We'd say you'd better jump now if you're inclined, as we're not sure how long Toyota will keep pricing that reasonable.

Add another log to the fire, as the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla brings some serious heat to the hot hatch segment and takes the Corolla to a place it has never been before.

It's hard to think of a car we've driven this past year that we've enjoyed more.

This is a huge win for Toyota, and anyone else looking for an affordable, track-worthy compact fun machine.

♪ ♪ By and large, spending the day riding around in go-karts and playing arcade games is a summer vacation thing; but, our resident man-child, Greg Carloss, can't wait for warmer weather.

So, this week he goes "Over the Edge" for supercharged fun at the world's largest indoor track for go-karts.

♪ ♪ GREG CARLOSS: Whether, it's movie theaters, bowling alleys or golf driving ranges, the current strategy in entertainment is go big or go home.

Luckily, for speed seekers like me, that strategy also applies to Go-Karts.

I've crossed continents to drive some of oldest, fastest and most famous racetracks.

So, it was an easy decision to head just up the turnpike to Edison, New Jersey and add another superlative to my list.

DANIEL SIERRA: Supercharged entertainment, we are the world's largest indoor go-karting facility... Not only that we do have two stories worth of arcade games.

We also have the two-story drop tower ride.

And then, we also have our great 19 lanes of ax throwing.

GREG: Playing games and throwing axes is cool, but I came to this brand new, 131,000 square foot fun factory for one thing... DANIEL: Go-karting, you know, obviously, it's extremely fun.

Our carts actually reach up to 45 miles per hour on the track.

That is our pro race.

We also have a different speed, which is our semi-pro, mostly for the less experienced and our younger, our younger crowd.

GREG: As for the Go-Karts themselves, John...take it away.

JOHN: What makes these karts go is a pair of electric motors with a combined output of 18 horsepower and added sound enhancement, which mimics the roar of a V8 engine.

The F1-style steering yoke connects to an unassisted mechanical rack, bookended by sticky Dunlop SL1 racing slicks.

Greg?

GREG: Thanks, JD.

ENDRE CSIZMAZIA: What I like about it, first of all, everything, the setup here is very friendly.

There's stuff, everything, pretty well-organized and it's safe.

It's a long track and certain situation, you ride behind people, you gotta change your line.

If you ride by yourself then you can set a perfect line and trying not to drift-- just to smooth.

GREG: Here, there are actually two tracks in one, both more than a quarter-mile in length, but with speeds over 40 mph, you can get around pretty quick.

Actually, what is the track record around here?

DANIEL: It's a 47.283.

GREG: Challenge accepted!

To break the track record, Daniel said, "I'd have to master the "Boost" button."

DANIEL: So, the boost button actually gives you a boost for about 2 to 3 seconds.

It gives you a large boost; trust me, I've tried it.

My personal opinion: I think you should use it around the turns just so you get that boost going uphill.

GREG: Let's go out and try, and break a track record.

(go-kart engine revs) And up the corkscrew, light on the throttle, keeping speed.

Just as I'm cresting, I'm losing speed, so I need a little boost.

I'm not even touching the brake just little lifts of the throttle like right there.

Let's push the limits here, go right on the edge of what we can do, trying to gain every possible tenth maybe even hundredth of a second.

Oh no, I made contact!

That cost me a little bit of time.

Boost button here we come.

Let's wait til the right second.

And boost it!

(go-kart engine revs) Yeah, that's it!

(go-kart engine revs) Woo!

There it is.

Alright...data doesn't lie.

Let's see how fast I was.

Unfortunately, my best lap was over a second shy of the record.

Still, it's a top-ten time for the week.

And at the world's largest indoor go-kart track, I'll take it.

JOHN: We talk so much your vehicle's tires because they are just so important.

They are, after all, what connects you to the road.

So, Audra Fordin is here to show us how to tread safely in this week's "Your Drive."

♪ ♪ AUDRA FORDIN: Tires are so important because they are your car's first line of defense to the road.

You don't have to be a mechanic, you only have to be observant and take a look at the treadwear patterns to see what's going on with your front end, your steering, and your suspension.

If you have any kinds of shake in the wheel, or when you pick the car up and you can move it from side to side or top to bottom, this is an indication that you have a problem with your tie rod ends.

Or, if you're having any kind of play going from top to bottom, that would be a ball joint or control arm bushings, and you can see all of that wear right here in the tread wear.

You have your shocks and your struts, and they're designed to absorb the impact of the road.

If they're not doing their job, well then you can clearly see it as day, on the tread.

So, let's take a look here.

This tire has what looks like waves running through it-- we call it cupping-- and it happens when the tire is bouncing all around, well then you can see it in the pattern on the tread.

Right here next to it, take a look at this one.

If you see tires that look all chopped up and burnt out, talk to your teenager!

And right now, we're going to look over to this wear pattern in the center.

This would happen if your tire pressure is overinflated, like a balloon.

It's going to wear out in the center of the tire, which is why it's so important to have the correct tire pressure in your tires.

Next to it, you can see here, on the outside there's wear on the shoulder, and that happens from an underinflated tire.

Again, checking your tire pressure can make sure that the tire is inflated correctly.

Or, the worst: If there's any nicks, damages, or if you're driving on an underinflated tire and wear out the sidewall that's potential blowout material.

In that case, it's very dangerous.

Make sure to check the tire pressure, and reach out to us, if you have any questions or comments, right here at MotorWeek .

JOHN: We've got the green light, so let's shift in to another QuickSpin!

♪ ♪ JESSICA RAY: While, the Toyota family is taking its time expanding their fully-electric options, they're not shying away completely.

Toyota made strides with the bZ4X, and Lexus is too with their first BEV, the 2023 RZ 450e.

Like, the bZ4X, the RZ 450e is built on the e-TNGA platform, providing a solid foundation for its powertrain: a 71.4 kilowatt-hour battery pack supplying front and rear electric motors.

Total system output is 308 horsepower, sent to the standard DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system.

On standard 18 inch wheels, expect up to 220 miles of range; with the 20 inch wheels, up to 196 miles.

Recharging from 0-80 percent can be done in about 30 minutes with a DC fast charger.

And while you're charging, kick back in the minimalist, yet, well-appointed interior.

Two stand-out features are the standard 14 inch touchscreen and panorama glass roof; the latter can be optioned with a Dynamic Sky feature, electrically frosting the glass at the touch of a button.

We also had a chance to try out the new steer-by-wire system.

KYLE SCANLON: So now, I'm in the vehicle with the steer by wire system.

Now, this is going to be an option down the line, but it is not available right now.

It is a very interesting feel let me tell you, there is something about A.)

not having a completely round steering wheel, you know the only people that are really used to that are like, F1 racers.

And you go through these sections where, you know, very, very tight steering and the steering wheel is only going over 90 degrees.

And the car is doing an extremely tight turn.

if you can see right here.

This is a very quick U-Turn, 90 degrees over with the right hand.

JESSICA: The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e starts under $60,000 with delivery, with top-trims starting near $65,0000.

It's being built in Japan, and is on sale in limited quantities now.

GREG: When we say "Cadillac CT5," we instinctively want to add V Blackwing behind it as that supercharged thriller still elicits fond memories.

But, we have to remember this midsize sedans posh foundation, like this 2023 CT5 Premium Luxury.

Finished in Radiant Red Tintcoat, it gives off big time classic Caddy-vibes.

As expected, the cabin is well appointed, starting with 14-way adjustable front seats-- heated and ventilated with the Climate Package.

There's a 12 inch digital instrument panel and a head-up display; both part of the available Technology Package.

The 10 inch infotainment screen, however, is standard.

Our tester also included the Super Cruise 2 package, GM's hands-free driving suite, which we can't rave enough about.

It's intuitive and quite impressive to experience in action.

Equally impressive is an available 3.0 liter Twin Turbo V6 rated up to 335 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque, sent through a 10-speed automatic to an available all-wheel-drive system; though, rear-wheel-drive is standard, as is a 2.0 liter turbo 4-cylinder.

This 2023 Cadillac CT5 prices out at $59,000 with delivery; however, they start around $40,000.

For the luxury-inclined, it's an excellent choice, shining bright even under the shadow of the Blackwing.

And we'll have more QuickSpins, soon!

♪ ♪ STEPHANIE HART: Our spy's recently caught a glimpse of a car that we thought was an endangered species, a refreshed Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing.

Most of the update is at the front end, evidenced by the heavy camouflage.

We can make out some serious changes to the lower grille, plus, new headlights spanning the height of the front bumper.

In the back, just tweaks to the taillights.

The cabin is likely to see infotainment screen upgrades; and we're excited to see, and hear, the supercharged 6.2 liter V8 continue to thrive under the hood.

With electrification on the horizon, we're glad to see Cadillac still flying high with this internal-combustion thrill ride.

JOHN: These days, image is everything.

And if you're a maker of SUVs, toughening up your image seems to be the priority.

Honda has already been down this trail with last year's Passport TrailSport, and now they're gearing up the new Pilot to join in the adventure.

♪ ♪ It says a lot about the current state of things in the SUV world that Honda would send us this TrailSport as an example of their all-new 2023 Pilot, instead of the usual top of the line Elite.

It's all about adventure marketing these days.

But before we venture too far down that trail, let's investigate some of the highlights of this 4th-generation Pilot.

The midsize standard bearer for Honda since it debuted 20 years ago, the Pilot remains a car-based unibody utility with 3-rows of seating standard, for either 7 or 8-passengers.

This TrailSport comes with super comfortable captain's chairs, but Touring and above get a 2nd row bench-style seat with a removable center section that stores under the floor in the cargo area.

There's additional space in both 2nd and 3rd rows this year, and more room for cargo too, growing from 16.5 cubic-feet to 18.6 behind the 3rd row; 48.5 behind the 2nd row, and a max 87.0 cubic-feet with all seats folded.

Most things inside are located in the same general area as before, but the dash itself takes on a much slimmer shape, and the infotainment screen moves from in the dash to sitting on top of it.

This is the 9.0 inch touchscreen; a 7.0 incher is standard.

There are more actual buttons to push, and the interface nicely streamlined.

A 7.0 inch TFT meter display is standard for instrumentation, Elites come with a 10.2 inch full digital display.

There's still a 3.5 liter naturally aspirated V6 under the hood, but technically it's a new one; now sporting dual overhead cams and at 6,500 rpm, the rev limiter kicks in 300 rpm sooner.

All to make five additional horsepower, now 285; with the same 262 pound-feet of torque as before.

The automatic adds another gear to make it an even 10; all with the push button electronic shifter, we still feel is slow to respond in many situations.

Honda's VTM4 all-wheel-drive is optional for most trims, but standard here in the TrailSport.

At our Mason Dixon test track, it all came together for a respectable 6.8 second sprint to 60, and 15.3 second quarter-mile at 90 miles per hour.

Even with the off-road focus of this TrailSport, it was quite easy to maintain speed through our cone course, only moderate body roll and very direct steering, too.

But the Pilot has always been a confident and capable handling utility.

It's only gotten better this go around thanks to revised geometry for the MacPherson strut front suspension, and a more thorough revamping of the rear multi-link setup.

Now, as for the off-road chops of the TrailSport; they are indeed quite impressive.

That probably speaks more to the overall capabilities of all Pilots, than just the upgrades made here.

Though, they are more significant than previous TrailSports.

Indeed this TrailSport gets real steel skid plates, a lifted suspension and unique tuning for an additional inch of ground clearance.

Eighteen inch wheels wear actual all-terrain tires for the first time on a Trailsport, plus, there's specific Trail Torque Logic programming, and it's the only Pilot that will come with a full-size spare.

Plus, the macho makeover is not just for the off-road crowd; all Pilots take a more rugged turn, as the grille is fully vertical for a flatter face, which means a longer hood and more truck-like profile.

Pricing starts with LX trim $37,295, with all-wheel-drive a $2,000 option, topping out at the Elite's $53,375; TrailSport just below it at $49,695.

The 2023 Honda Pilot is an example of giving people what they want; more space, more power, and a return to rugged style, all while still being more practical than ever, easier to drive, and nicer to live with all around.

From bland to bold, bigger and better, that's the new Honda Pilot.

Well, that's our show, I hope you enjoyed it.

Now, for more MotorWeek , including daily news updates, podcasts, and even complete episodes, cruise on over to PBS.ORG/MOTORWEEK.

And I hope you'll join us next time...

When our Road Test vets jump behind the wheel of Callaway's 35th Anniversary Corvette.

Then, relax in the extended luxury of Jeep's Grand Wagoneer!

Until then, I'm John Davis.

We'll see you right here on MotorWeek !

ANNOUNCER: To learn more about MotorWeek ... Television's original automotive magazine, visit... To order a DVD of this program, call... MotorWeek has been brought to you by... ANNOUNCER: For more than 30 years Lucas Oil products has helped people tackle mechanical problems in the automotive, marine, and industrial fields.

From our original four core products... Lucas Oil has developed over 400 custom products to help both professionals and do it yourselfers.

To learn more visit Lucasoil.com.

Lucas oil, keep that engine alive!

MotorWeek is proudly sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper To Bumper, featuring major brand auto and truck parts, and service from coast to coast.

Learn more at AutoValue.com and BumperToBumper.com.

TireRack.Com is proud to support MotorWeek .

First, there was the wheel.

Then, the tire.

"We'll call it Tire Rack."

Forty years later, we're not slowing down.

♪ ♪ This program was produced by Maryland Public Television, which is solely responsible for its content.

(car engine revving) ♪ ♪ You're watching PBS.