While the SEMA show in Las Vegas used to be a venue exclusively for aftermarket firms to show their wares to other industry types, it has quickly evolved in recent years as yet another place for automakers to take the wraps off exclusive models and concepts. This year's show in November is turning out to be yet another automaker-heavy affair, with Toyota set to unveil the 2009 Corolla and Matrix to the throngs of enthusiasts in attendance.
Both models are getting long in the tooth, and although the Corolla remains one of the best selling compact cars in the U.S., it may prove to be less compelling fare than what the automaker wants to reveal at a major show like Detroit.
Toyota's press release can be viewed in full after the jump.
PRESS RELEASE
Toyota To Stage U.S. Premiere Of 2009 Corolla And Matrix At 2007 Sema Show
09/25/2007 Torrance, CA
September 25, 2007 - Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. (TMS), Inc. will stage the U.S. premiere of the all-new 2009 Corolla and Matrix at a press conference at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, held October 30 - November 3, 2007 in Las Vegas.
Originally launched in 1966, Corolla first arrived in America in 1968 to instant success. For nearly four decades, Corolla has been synonymous with Toyota quality, style and value, earning a distinction as one of the most trusted cars in America. Over that span over 30 million Corollas have been sold worldwide, making it one of the best-selling cars of all time.
Toyota's press conference will be held on Wednesday, October 31 at 10:10 AM in Pavilions nine,10 and 11 of the Las Vegas Hilton. It will be simulcast live to the Toyota display area on the second floor of South Hall. A video clip of the press conference will be available for viewing following the event on the Toyota.com website.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
SocalObserver @ Sep 25th 2007 3:07PM
In all my years on Earth, I've never met anyone who has called themselves a "Corolla enthusiast." Besides the hideous body kit they slap on the "S" version, I don't think I've ever seen a modded Corolla, either...besides a couple with some unfortunate spinner wheel covers added on.
EV0x @ Sep 25th 2007 3:12PM
LOL. obviously you have been living under a rock for all your life on earth. escpecially in SoCal of all places. google up "AE86 "
voodoobru @ Sep 25th 2007 3:33PM
the ae86 and current day corrolla barely share a name let alone have anything in common.
Todd @ Sep 25th 2007 3:46PM
Don't forget the FX16 GTs. Not as popular but still has fans.
psarhjinian @ Sep 25th 2007 4:36PM
Well, there was the AE86. The last-gen Xrs wasn't bad, either. It wasn't stupid-fast, but it handled well and it was fun to rev the bejeezus out of it.
I think the point is that Toyota knows from experience that one cannot make money from niche cars, hence the demise of the Celica, Supra, small RAV/4 and MR2. I'm suprised they still make the a stick-shift Camry and that the FJ even made production.
Now, there were rumours a while back about equipping the next-generation Corolla with current Camry's 3.5L six. If they did it, I'd find that an amusing bit of irony, especially after the Xrs' engine was criticized for being a gutless rev-monster.
Ricky @ Sep 25th 2007 5:44PM
Actually the AE86 is a chassis code, not a name. As such they do both share the same name, Corolla. Just because they changed the drivetrain configuration from FR to FF (like many many other automotive companies) does not mean that the AE86 somehow lost its Corolla lineage.
Aside from that note, I think its nicer looking than the previous model. But I would dread to ever be forced to be fiscally responsible and purchase one of those boat handling, underpowered, and sensible cars.
Jason Bird @ Sep 25th 2007 3:19PM
Another reason I'm happy to be going to SEMA this year. There is no way they would be introducing this at SEMA unless there is a seriously good reason to make the aftermarket happy.
Rumors of an AE86 style body and RWD continue, along with a return to sports cars...could be interesting.
psarhjinian @ Sep 25th 2007 4:47PM
The AE86 returned, in a way, as the first-generation Lexus IS (well, the Toyota Altezza/Lexus IS200, not so much the IS300).
Small, fast, fun to drive, rear-drive car that was more raw than the E46 3-Series but cheaper, too. Too bad it bombed. It might have done better badged as a Toyota (or Scion) than as a Lexus.
John @ Sep 25th 2007 3:22PM
I have the current gen Corolla. I don't have much to say after 4+ years. It hasn't been flawless in reliability (i.e. new water pump, new pulley tensioner). Gas mileage is better than most (34+ hwy, 28ish avg). I'm indifferent about it...it's looks, how it drives, etc. I'm ready for something like the 08 Mazda 6, can't wait to see one IRL.
CarlosGhostin @ Sep 25th 2007 3:28PM
I'm personally a fan of the TE27 Mango model Corolla. I'd pick one of those up if I had the extra garage space...
Eric Biran @ Sep 25th 2007 3:40PM
I was in Israel 4 months ago and they were already driving the new Corolla. I kept seeing them on car carriers too, so I'm guessing they came out about a month or so before that. My cousin, who lives there, has been driving one for the past 3 months. It's funny for me to think that if we're patient enough to wait another month we'll get to SEE what they look like (nevermind when they actually go on sale). Oooo, that will be so special.
Nice improvement on the outgoing model though. It doesn't have the odd, too-tall-and-narrow proportions anymore. The details and headlights/taillights give cues from the Toyota Avalon, lending it some big car character. It will sell like gangbusters, I'm sure. Hopefully, with it having been out for 6+ months elsewhere, the Corolla will be able to avoid Toyota's latest string of recalls.
Dustin @ Sep 25th 2007 3:46PM
I don't see what the big fuss is. It's been out in Japan for over a year, and the styling will carry over, like every other corolla. If you really want to see what it looks like:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4b/2006_Toyota_Corolla-Axio_01.jpg
Same boring old design from the same old boring company.
psarhjinian @ Sep 25th 2007 4:43PM
Oh, yes, because the Cobalt is soooo exciting.
These are economy cars. They're utilitarian for a reason. Make them exciting and you lose buyers, hence the current Corolla's demeanor and accompanying sales figures. Yes, you can make a case for the Civic or 3 (Ford sucked the life out of the Focus for 2008), but this is a class of cars that are bought for needs, not wants. Cars that you need have different priorities than toys (mileage, safety, reliability of the whole package, not just the engine). The Corolla does really, really well here.
geo.stewart @ Sep 25th 2007 5:00PM
thanks for the link.
while I kind of like the front end, all corollas need to be dropped about an inch. They all seem to sit like they are on their tiptoes, and on cheap economy tires. I'm okay with the wheels because it is an economy car but come on, fix the stance.
anyway, as has been said Toyota is not one to aspire to inspire. Ha Ha.
darth @ Sep 25th 2007 5:30PM
you want to explain to me how we know it will look the same in the us?
tekdemon @ Sep 25th 2007 3:58PM
hey now, bring over the Blade Master G in an AWD version and it'd be seriously interesting.
psarhjinian @ Sep 25th 2007 4:44PM
Blade Master G.
Damn, that's up there with the Mazda Bongo Friendlee...
Go5Go @ Sep 25th 2007 4:07PM
Oh yeah.. SEMA will be Cah-rollin'!!!
ello @ Sep 25th 2007 4:28PM
New Corolla? The "new" Corolla has been out for a while in the European market (Auris), Japanese market, and most recently Australian market (sure they will probably change the fornt/rear lights or intro a new bumper but essentially it should be the same car). If someone wants to know how the new Corolla will look just go to Australian Toyota website, the sedan looks bland, it looks like a small version of Camry, the hatchback, however, looks very good, it is essentially the European Auris. Of a note, sedan and hatchback are built on totally different platforms, the hatchback was designed in European studios where the sedan has been designed in Japan.
One thing though, I wonder if Auris will become Matrix (Blade) for the US market or will it follow the Australian business model and will become Corolla hatchback and Matrix (Blade) will be another yet to be released design.
Menice @ Sep 25th 2007 4:52PM
corolla... hahahaha
that's one sporty looker!!!
just like the Suzuki Aero... only a couple sketches away from being a ferarri.... hahaha