2008 Toyota Corolla images surface
Although the new Corolla won't be seen for another two years, a couple of graining photos showed up yesterday which foretell the future of Toyota's "compact" sedan.
The styling is obviously influenced by the Yaris, with a few cues swiped from the current Camry to add some family resemblance. We can expect the new Corolla to grow in every conceivable dimension, as the new MC platform, which will underpin many upcoming Toyota models, allows a large degree of flexibility. Rumors of a coupe offering are also circulating.
Power will likely come from a 2-liter, inline-four, with approximately 150 hp being channeled through either a five- or six-speed manual, with the option of a CVT over the standard slushbox. Suspension upgrades will probably include the ditching of the rear torsion beam setup in favor of a new multi-link arrangement.
A rear, three-quarters shot is available after the jump.
[Source: The Hollywood Extra]
Related Links:
Spy Shots: 2008 Toyota Corolla
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
V.Greene 1:37PM (8/30/2006)
Wow. First the Camry, then the Yaris sedan... am I crazy or does Toyota have by far the ugliest design theme going nowadays?
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Sid 7:47AM (8/30/2006)
I dare say the new Elantra looks better Yaris Senior here.
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tl 7:52AM (8/30/2006)
yet another bad boring toyota design maybe it will get recalled for being too ugly
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Justin 7:56AM (8/30/2006)
please tell me there'd be a regular sedan version too...i actually like the current Corolla-S quite a bit.
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hp 7:50AM (8/31/2006)
How about doing another redesign on the new corolla this car look aztec ugly.
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AverageJoe 8:19AM (8/30/2006)
It looks like a bar of soap with tail lights and wheels.
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DarkKnight67 8:23AM (8/30/2006)
Oooh, I'm impressed ... NOT! This is getting to be a joke from them. People say that GM has some bad designs, but this is just hideous.
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CoffeeJedi 8:32AM (8/30/2006)
Is this just the US Corolla, or is this a new world-car?
I ask because currently there's more overlapping models carrying the name (or at least based on the platform) that i can figure out. For instance, we get the Corolla Matrix (that's how its listed on the sticker) but Europe gets a more normal looking 5 door Corolla wagon/mvp thing. You'd think it would be cheaper for them to develop and sell one simplified car family around the world.
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Bowser 8:33AM (8/30/2006)
Toyota needs to fire all of their designers except for the ones that designed the FJ Cruiser. The new Camry is ugly as hell, the Echo was hideous, the Yaris & 2008 Corolla look like Hyundai designs from a few years ago, the Tacoma & Tundra are boring looking (too many curves, not enough lines). It's a good thing Toyota has their great reputation for quality, because they sure as hell aren't moving cars because due to their styling.
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dreesemonkey 8:34AM (8/30/2006)
Yikes, that's an ugly car. It reminds me of the first time I saw a Daewoo, I remember it just LOOKS like a immense pile of cheap crap. I don't think even toyota engineering and brand status can help this thing.
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Tommy 8:38AM (8/30/2006)
Blech. I hope it's a photochop of a Yaris. MotorTrend's drawing was worlds better. When's the supposed release date now? It was initially spring '07, is it pushed all the way to '08? I thought it was Fall '07 now... If it's '08, then they have to call it an '09 model.
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Richard Warren 1:01PM (8/30/2006)
Another one? Sure it will sell, sure it's reliable and yes it's ugly.
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Dr. Woo 8:49AM (8/30/2006)
Holy mother of ugly. Hope that's not really it.
Well, actually, the 3/4 rear view looks pretty good. Just that front...ugh.
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Chris 10:13AM (8/30/2006)
Can anyone say Yaris
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Biggsaw 8:56AM (8/30/2006)
Damn copycat asians, it's so blatantly obvious. Just look at it. The damn thing has four wheels!
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Bill 9:06AM (8/30/2006)
It looks like the Yaris would look like in 1994 if it had been made then!
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Owen 9:06AM (8/30/2006)
I wouldn't put too much faith in those pics being representative of the USDM Corolla. I think that design may be destined for other markets, but not ours. Take a look at the Toyota UK website and Click on Corolla to see why I think this...
www.toyota.co.uk
I think these pics are a combination of Photochops of The 5 door Yaris or the EU Corolla.
Honestly, I would prefer a hatchback, but seeing as how Toyota decided not to give the US the 5 Door Yaris (as they did in Canada) I can't see them taking the Corolla in that direction.
P.S. Regarding the UK site. Does anyone else feel that the Verso is a nicer design than our Matrix and similar to the Pontiac version? Also, anyone with me on wanting the 3.0 Diesel for the Tacoma (Hilux) here in the states.
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Rob 9:05AM (8/30/2006)
Looks WAY too small to be the next version of the corolla, at least for the US market.
we like our econocars to get bigger and fatter in every iteration, don't we?
the rear shot doesn't look too bad, but regardless, i sincerely hope this isn't it. i hope toyota will consider something a bit more sporty and edgy.
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SpinDaddy 9:18AM (8/30/2006)
Yeah, What Owen said above....companies like Toyota, Nissan and Isuzu all make some really excellent moderately sized 3-4 litres diesel powerplants which would make fantatstic engines to go in long wheelbase, long bed honest to God trucks with manual windows, leaf spring, straight axles, 6speed manual trannies and hose-it-out-when-it-gets-dirty trucks. The new FJ so called makes my point completely it is prostitution of its namesake. When can we have something like that here for say $10K ??
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Russ 9:21AM (8/30/2006)
Well, I like it. But I'm a Yaris and new Camry fan. It's neat and modern, with smooth, flowing lines and it's bound to have a practical, versatile interior with a big trunk.
The US needs more quality hatchbacks and needs to get over the hatchback stigma that's been around since the 70s.
Owen, the Verso is a much nicer car than the Martix - while we were in the UK last year, our neighbors had one, 7 seats, much nicer inside than the Matrix, punchy diesel engine... great car.
Now, if only Ford would bring over the much better Euro Focus...
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