--- title: "Here’s Why the Automatic GR Corolla Doesn’t Use a Dual-Clutch Transmission" date: "2024-08-02" modified: "2024-08-02" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/heres-why-the-automatic-gr-corolla-doesnt-use-a-dual-clutch-transmission" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Toyota News" tags: - "GR Corolla" - "Hatchback" - "sports car" - "Toyota" --- # Here’s Why the Automatic GR Corolla Doesn’t Use a Dual-Clutch Transmission ![]() *Toyota \Bill Leigh Brewer\* For 2025, Toyota is finally giving [GR Corolla]() customers the option of an automatic transmission. However, it isn't the kind of automatic some enthusiasts might've expected. Instead of a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with a reputation for snappy shifts, [Toyota]() gave the GRolla a torque-converter eight-speed auto, one that it calls a DAT (Direct Automatic Transmission). Why stick with a traditional automatic instead of something a bit more exciting in Toyota's hot hatch? "So at first, considering the power and performance from a standing start, the torque converter is working very well. And also the serious driving around the road, with speed conditions, torque converter is also doing a very good job," GR Corolla Chief Engineer Naoyuki Sakamoto told *The Drive*. "Then after rolling out, lockup engaged—so after that, the torque converter doesn’t slip. So in that case, there’s no difference between the DCT and automatic transmission. Both \[transmissions are\] shifter-changing, releasing the clutch and grabbing the clutch, so they’re almost the same. So as a result, we’re choosing the automatic transmission. We don’t have to use a dual-clutch transmission." ![]() **Toyota** It seems that, at least according to Toyota, there wasn't much of a performance gain to be had by switching to a more complex and more expensive DCT. Toyota knows that DCTs have their advantages, but they apparently aren't attractive enough to warrant the switch. "Of course, there are pros and cons. Sometimes a DCT is better, sometimes AT is better. That’s true. But we have a long history of improving the automatic transmission," Sakamoto said. "We want to take advantage of our capability, so that’s why we’re focusing on the automatic transmission. We understand a DCT is better in some ways, like weight, but still, we’ve been able to improve the technology of the automatic transmission [through motorsports]()." Would a DCT be a bit more interesting? They often produce more rapid-fire shifts than even the best automatics, so they can inject a bit more fun, even if they don't pose massive performance gains. However, even Toyota's DAT shifts quicker than anyone's left foot and right hand can, so there's still extra performance to be had by choosing the automatic over the manual, anyway. With two extra cogs, auto GRolla owners might also enjoy better highway cruising, thanks to improved fuel economy and a quieter cabin. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()