Filed under: SEMA, Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Toyota
SEMA 2007: 2009 Toyota Corolla debuts!
by John Neff on Oct 31st 2007 at 1:05PM 
UPDATE: Video of the 2009 Corolla unveiling has been added after the jump.
click above image to view more high-res shots of the 2009 Toyota Corolla
Finally got official shots from Toyota of the 2009 Corolla added to the gallery. While we're waiting for live shots of the car to arrive, we'll tell you a little bit about Toyota's new small car. The 2009 Corolla will come in five trims: Standard, LE, XLE, the "sporty" S and even "sportier" XRS. The car is about the same size as the last model, but the A- and C-pillars have been pushed out to give the greenhouse a more rakish look. Meanwhile, S and XRS models get a body kit that includes a chin spoiler, fog lamps, rocker moldings, spoilers and even an underbody engine cover to improve airflow beneath the car. Engines include the base 1.8L four-cylinder with dual-VVT-i producing 132 HP and 162 ft-lbs. of twist. The XRS alone gets a 2.4L producing 154 HP and 162 ft-lbs. of torque. Cars like the Honda Civic Si sedan shouldn't worry. S models also get 16-inch wheels that are unfortunately capped with wheel covers, while the XRS sports 17-inchers that are pure alloy.
There's no word on pricing yet, but the 2009 Toyota Corolla will be available in dealerships this February. Check out Toyota's full press release after the jump for more details.
Check out the simultaneous debut of the Corolla's sibling, the 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix, by clicking HERE.
PRESS RELEASE:
Toyota Unveils All-New, 10th Generation Corolla At 2007 SEMA Show
October 31, 2007 – Las Vegas - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new 10th generation Corolla sedan at a press conference today at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show.
"Nearly 40 years after the Corolla was introduced to American drivers, the 2009 Corolla will continue to offer the quality and value for which the brand has long been known," said Tim Morrison, Toyota Division corporate marketing manager. "In style and substance, the tenth-generation Corolla will have a strong, new identity, all its own. It will be far more than merely the next-generation Corolla and will position itself perfectly above our entry-level Yaris and below our sales leader, the Camry."
Originally launched in Japan 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 more than 30 million Corollas have been sold worldwide, making it one of the best-selling cars of all time.
The new Corolla remains true to the brand's role as a subcompact sedan, with dimensions similar to the model it replaces. But it offers an all-new body with a lean, stylish shape, and it delivers increased interior and luggage room, more power, more economical engines and an all-new chassis and suspension.
The all-new Corolla will come in five grades – Standard, LE, XLE, the sporty S, and the performance-driven XRS.
The Corolla's wide, low profile was developed by Toyota Design in collaboration with styling studios in Turin, Italy. Its foundation was set by the search for a lower, sportier shape than that of the previous Corolla. That search drove the decision to move the bottom of the A-pillar forward and the bottom of the C-pillar aft to increase the angle of the window glass and to improve the Corolla's aerodynamic performance.
The standard body kit on S and XRS models helps to modify aerodynamics and enhance the Corolla's sporty look – these include a front underbody spoiler, fog lamps, rocker moldings, upper and lower rear spoilers, and for improved air management under the car, engine undercovers.
The 2009 Corolla's interior is sporty and distinctive – with roomy-feeling comfort. While Corolla maintains the same headroom, legroom and shoulder room as the previous model, it feels larger, thanks to a design that enhances comfort and improves utility, usability and storage.
A variety of useable, easy-to-reach storage spaces add convenience and usability to the 2009 Corolla's interior. These include center console side pockets, a storage box above the usual glove box, front and rear door pockets that can safely hold 20-ounce bottles, a console box with a large-capacity main tray and a smaller accessory tray, an overhead console useful for storage of sunglasses or garage-door openers, and a rear-seat center armrest with an integral drink holder.
Map lights that illuminate independently are supplied for both driver and front passenger. And to aid in ingress and egress, retractable handgrips are supplied above each door opening.
The Standard, LE and XLE models will be equipped with an all-new 1.8-liter engine. The 16-valve, DOHC four-cylinder engine with Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence), produces 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Corolla models equipped with the 1.8-liter engine will achieve preliminary EPA city/highway fuel economy ratings of 27/35 mpg.
A five-speed manual transmission is standard with the 1.8-liter engine, and a four-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT) will also be available.
For those who crave just a bit more horsepower and torque, there is the 2.4-liter engine. This engine is completely redesigned for use in the new Corolla XRS grade. The 16-valve DOHC engine with VVT-i produces 158 hp at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Preliminary EPA city/highway fuel economy for the 2.4-liter engine is 22/30 mpg.
The 2.4-liter engine will be paired with standard five-speed manual and optional five-speed automatic transmissions.
Safety features on the all-new Corolla include standard driver and front passenger airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and two-row side curtain airbags.
Front seats employ active headrests as standard equipment. When the vehicle is struck from the rear, a cable-actuated mechanism in the active headrest moves the headrest upward and forward to limit the movement of the seat occupant's head.
Toyota's Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard on all grades of the Corolla and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC) and an off switch is available.
The all-new Corolla will be loaded with a comprehensive list of standard performance and convenience features. All models will be equipped with a heavy duty rear window defogger, AM/FM/CD audio with four speakers that is also XM® satellite capable, auxiliary audio input jack, air conditioning with air filter, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 60/40 split folding rear seats, and much more.
The sporty S grade will feature standard P205/55R16 tires with full wheel covers, color-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers, fog lamps, front sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, black headlamp housing, chrome exhaust tip and AM/FM/CD XM® capable audio with six speakers.
In addition to S grade features, the XRS grade adds a rear deck spoiler, P215/45 R17 tires with alloy wheels, sport strut tower brace, VSC with TRAC and an off switch, XRS scuff plate, leather-trimmed shift lever and knob, cruise control and an interior chrome accent.
An impressive list of optional comfort and utility features will be available to further enhance the Corolla driving experience such as AM/FM/six-disc CD changer with MP3/WMA playback capability, satellite radio (subscription required) and six speakers, a power package that includes power windows and door locks. Additional options on select grades include JBL Audio system with AM/FM six-disc CD changer with eight speakers and Bluetooth®, Navigation system with AM/FM CD with MP3/WMA playback capability and XM® satellite radio with XM NavTraffic® capable with six speakers, leather-trimmed seats and shift knob, tilt and slide moonroof, VSC with TRAC and cut-off switch.
The all-new Corolla will reach Toyota dealerships in February 2008.
2009 COROLLA PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
POWERTRAINS
1.8-liter four-cylinder engine
132 hp @ 6,000 rpm
128 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,400 rpm
Five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions
2.4-liter four-cylinder engine
158 hp @ 6,000 rpm
162 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,000 rpm
Five-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions
DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length: 178.7
Overall Width: 69.3
Overall Height: 57.7
Wheelbase: 102.4
Ground clearance: 5.3 (XRS grade)
5.8 (Standard, S, LE, and XLE grades)
click above image to view more high-res shots of the 2009 Toyota Corolla
Finally got official shots from Toyota of the 2009 Corolla added to the gallery. While we're waiting for live shots of the car to arrive, we'll tell you a little bit about Toyota's new small car. The 2009 Corolla will come in five trims: Standard, LE, XLE, the "sporty" S and even "sportier" XRS. The car is about the same size as the last model, but the A- and C-pillars have been pushed out to give the greenhouse a more rakish look. Meanwhile, S and XRS models get a body kit that includes a chin spoiler, fog lamps, rocker moldings, spoilers and even an underbody engine cover to improve airflow beneath the car. Engines include the base 1.8L four-cylinder with dual-VVT-i producing 132 HP and 162 ft-lbs. of twist. The XRS alone gets a 2.4L producing 154 HP and 162 ft-lbs. of torque. Cars like the Honda Civic Si sedan shouldn't worry. S models also get 16-inch wheels that are unfortunately capped with wheel covers, while the XRS sports 17-inchers that are pure alloy. There's no word on pricing yet, but the 2009 Toyota Corolla will be available in dealerships this February. Check out Toyota's full press release after the jump for more details.
Check out the simultaneous debut of the Corolla's sibling, the 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix, by clicking HERE.
Gallery: 2009 Toyota Corolla
PRESS RELEASE:
Toyota Unveils All-New, 10th Generation Corolla At 2007 SEMA Show
October 31, 2007 – Las Vegas - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new 10th generation Corolla sedan at a press conference today at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show.
"Nearly 40 years after the Corolla was introduced to American drivers, the 2009 Corolla will continue to offer the quality and value for which the brand has long been known," said Tim Morrison, Toyota Division corporate marketing manager. "In style and substance, the tenth-generation Corolla will have a strong, new identity, all its own. It will be far more than merely the next-generation Corolla and will position itself perfectly above our entry-level Yaris and below our sales leader, the Camry."
Originally launched in Japan 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 more than 30 million Corollas have been sold worldwide, making it one of the best-selling cars of all time.
The new Corolla remains true to the brand's role as a subcompact sedan, with dimensions similar to the model it replaces. But it offers an all-new body with a lean, stylish shape, and it delivers increased interior and luggage room, more power, more economical engines and an all-new chassis and suspension.
The all-new Corolla will come in five grades – Standard, LE, XLE, the sporty S, and the performance-driven XRS.
The Corolla's wide, low profile was developed by Toyota Design in collaboration with styling studios in Turin, Italy. Its foundation was set by the search for a lower, sportier shape than that of the previous Corolla. That search drove the decision to move the bottom of the A-pillar forward and the bottom of the C-pillar aft to increase the angle of the window glass and to improve the Corolla's aerodynamic performance.
The standard body kit on S and XRS models helps to modify aerodynamics and enhance the Corolla's sporty look – these include a front underbody spoiler, fog lamps, rocker moldings, upper and lower rear spoilers, and for improved air management under the car, engine undercovers.
The 2009 Corolla's interior is sporty and distinctive – with roomy-feeling comfort. While Corolla maintains the same headroom, legroom and shoulder room as the previous model, it feels larger, thanks to a design that enhances comfort and improves utility, usability and storage.
A variety of useable, easy-to-reach storage spaces add convenience and usability to the 2009 Corolla's interior. These include center console side pockets, a storage box above the usual glove box, front and rear door pockets that can safely hold 20-ounce bottles, a console box with a large-capacity main tray and a smaller accessory tray, an overhead console useful for storage of sunglasses or garage-door openers, and a rear-seat center armrest with an integral drink holder.
Map lights that illuminate independently are supplied for both driver and front passenger. And to aid in ingress and egress, retractable handgrips are supplied above each door opening.
The Standard, LE and XLE models will be equipped with an all-new 1.8-liter engine. The 16-valve, DOHC four-cylinder engine with Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence), produces 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Corolla models equipped with the 1.8-liter engine will achieve preliminary EPA city/highway fuel economy ratings of 27/35 mpg.
A five-speed manual transmission is standard with the 1.8-liter engine, and a four-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT) will also be available.
For those who crave just a bit more horsepower and torque, there is the 2.4-liter engine. This engine is completely redesigned for use in the new Corolla XRS grade. The 16-valve DOHC engine with VVT-i produces 158 hp at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Preliminary EPA city/highway fuel economy for the 2.4-liter engine is 22/30 mpg.
The 2.4-liter engine will be paired with standard five-speed manual and optional five-speed automatic transmissions.
Safety features on the all-new Corolla include standard driver and front passenger airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and two-row side curtain airbags.
Front seats employ active headrests as standard equipment. When the vehicle is struck from the rear, a cable-actuated mechanism in the active headrest moves the headrest upward and forward to limit the movement of the seat occupant's head.
Toyota's Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard on all grades of the Corolla and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC) and an off switch is available.
The all-new Corolla will be loaded with a comprehensive list of standard performance and convenience features. All models will be equipped with a heavy duty rear window defogger, AM/FM/CD audio with four speakers that is also XM® satellite capable, auxiliary audio input jack, air conditioning with air filter, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 60/40 split folding rear seats, and much more.
The sporty S grade will feature standard P205/55R16 tires with full wheel covers, color-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers, fog lamps, front sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, black headlamp housing, chrome exhaust tip and AM/FM/CD XM® capable audio with six speakers.
In addition to S grade features, the XRS grade adds a rear deck spoiler, P215/45 R17 tires with alloy wheels, sport strut tower brace, VSC with TRAC and an off switch, XRS scuff plate, leather-trimmed shift lever and knob, cruise control and an interior chrome accent.
An impressive list of optional comfort and utility features will be available to further enhance the Corolla driving experience such as AM/FM/six-disc CD changer with MP3/WMA playback capability, satellite radio (subscription required) and six speakers, a power package that includes power windows and door locks. Additional options on select grades include JBL Audio system with AM/FM six-disc CD changer with eight speakers and Bluetooth®, Navigation system with AM/FM CD with MP3/WMA playback capability and XM® satellite radio with XM NavTraffic® capable with six speakers, leather-trimmed seats and shift knob, tilt and slide moonroof, VSC with TRAC and cut-off switch.
The all-new Corolla will reach Toyota dealerships in February 2008.
2009 COROLLA PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
POWERTRAINS
1.8-liter four-cylinder engine
132 hp @ 6,000 rpm
128 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,400 rpm
Five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions
2.4-liter four-cylinder engine
158 hp @ 6,000 rpm
162 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,000 rpm
Five-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions
DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length: 178.7
Overall Width: 69.3
Overall Height: 57.7
Wheelbase: 102.4
Ground clearance: 5.3 (XRS grade)
5.8 (Standard, S, LE, and XLE grades)
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 7)
Enok 1:04PM (10/31/2007)
I don't know what to make of this....
Reply
Matt 6:28PM (10/31/2007)
I've never been a fan of Toyota/Scion/Lexus styling, but I agree that this is not as bad as the current Corolla.
Now if only it could be... exciting.
Paul C. 1:12PM (10/31/2007)
Looks like a scaled down version of the Camry. I'm not crazy about it, but it's certainly a lot better looking then the current model.
Reply
Carletti 1:12PM (10/31/2007)
Marginally interesting, fundamentally boring.
Reply
SOhp101 1:58PM (10/31/2007)
Why do you (and all the other whiners) constantly gripe about it being boring? It's not meant to be an endorphin inducing car--it's meant to get you from point A to point B and not much else. Newsflash, but not everyone is looking for what the auto enthusiast looks for in a car. The Corolla never was, never is, and never will be the type of car you would want to drive.
Toyota and other 'standard' car companies stopped producing the real drivers' cars because there aren't enough enthusiasts that would purchase it to make it profitable. It makes more sense for a company to make their luxury models the sporty ones because those customers can afford to pay extra, and even in those cases most shoppers don't care that much.
Chuck U. Farlie 2:30PM (10/31/2007)
SOhp101
"The Corolla never was, never is, and never will be the type of car you would want to drive."
...the AE86 is sought after by a lot of people, because it was and is the type of car you'd want to drive!
SOhp101 3:09PM (10/31/2007)
RE: Chuck U. Farlie
Would you really want to drive that today? It was cool during its time, but the main appeal of the car is its FR layout and its ease in performance mods. But Toyota realized it wasn't worth spending millions on R&D for a car whose image wasn't one that it really cared to project anymore.
Most people don't know the difference between RWD/FWD, let alone drive their cars to feel the difference, and the only performance figure they care about is the hp rating. Most car companies will occasionally try to appeal to the enthusiasts' demands, but the reality is that a 'value' (the price range of the Corolla) performance car isn't a profitable segment.
Plus, the last year the AE86 was produced was nearly 20 years ago. It's about time to look to another model/company for performance.
SherbornSean 10:59PM (10/31/2007)
I guess what's hard to understand is that Toyota delayed the Corolla for a full year because they saw how successful the Civic is with its more radical styling and decided it better to bring out an exciting model a year late than a boring model quicker.
Failure.
Carlos 1:13PM (10/31/2007)
I think it looks right for its market. It's on the elegant side, and it's a much better interpretation of the current Toyota design theme (since it uses edges instead of blobby curves).
Reply
Ligor 2:14PM (10/31/2007)
that's the ugliest car I've seen in a while
hahhahhahahhaha, I can't imagine how someone could design something this UGLY, UGLYYYYYYYY
you need some glasses or sth
Realist 1:14PM (10/31/2007)
WTF??? It took them this long to come up with something that looks like the old model. I like Toyota as a company but I should say that they better get rid of the designers that design their sedans. Maybe assign it to the team that designed the FJ Cruiser.
Reply
Guenther 1:38PM (10/31/2007)
While you're entitled to your opinion, I just want to remind you that they still sell a huge pile (close to 400k/year) of these boring cars. Tough to argue with sales. They have scions is you want something more "styled".
psarhjinian 1:49PM (10/31/2007)
So, the new Corolla came out last year overseas and Toyota gets slammed for it. Hey Neff, how about that European Focus?
This is par for the course in this segment. How long has/was the:
Astra
Golf V
Fit/Jazz
2G Focus (how many years, now?)
...available for in Europe, Japan or Australia before coming to North America?
Small cars don't make much money here, and the small-car market isn't as ultracompetitive as it is elsewhere. Manufacturers make them available where they need to first (if they didn't, they'd get eaten alive in those markets) and then, when the platform costs are amortized and/or the implementation becomes cheap enough, they'll release the car here.
FrankTheCrank 1:15PM (10/31/2007)
zzz....yay!....zzzz
Reply
Lemmiwinks 2:54PM (10/31/2007)
i second that sentiment
remy 1:15PM (10/31/2007)
about time.
Reply
Mr.Source 1:16PM (10/31/2007)
OMG!!! A tiny Camry!!!!! In all its blandness!!!
Reply
nissanfreak87 1:17PM (10/31/2007)
still way to bland for it's market segment
and where's our AE86!?
Reply
psarhjinian 2:15PM (10/31/2007)
They had a modern AE86. It was called the Lexus IS300. I didn't sell. Even if they brought the IS200/Altezza and priced it appropriately, it still wouldn't sell, even though the Altezza platform was much sportier than the equivalent 3-Series.
You get what you pay for, and people didn't pay Toyota enough to make a new AE86 worth their while.
Maestro1 2:37PM (10/31/2007)
@Psarhjinian
I think he was referring to the rumors of Toyota's "Committee to design interesting cars" designing a new AE86 platform to bring out for the 2009 model year.
By the way, were the IS200 and IS300 RWD? I swear they were Front-Wheel Drive cars?