SEMA 2007: 2009 Toyota Corolla S3
by Damon Lavrinc on Oct 31st 2007 at 2:35PM 
UPDATE: Video of the Corolla and Matrix tuners is available after the jump
Click the image above for a dozen live high-res pics
It's got to be the shortest tuner turnaround time ever. Toyota unveiled the new Corolla and within minutes took the wraps off this SEMAfied version, dubbed the S3. Much like the Matrix Rally that shared the stage, the S3 is fitted with a supercharger and an intercooler, a set of awkwardly sized and horrendously designed dubs, plus some body adornments and interior trim that makes it everything a Corolla isn't.
Check out our full gallery of images below and compare it to its sedate sibling here.
Click the image above for a dozen live high-res pics
It's got to be the shortest tuner turnaround time ever. Toyota unveiled the new Corolla and within minutes took the wraps off this SEMAfied version, dubbed the S3. Much like the Matrix Rally that shared the stage, the S3 is fitted with a supercharger and an intercooler, a set of awkwardly sized and horrendously designed dubs, plus some body adornments and interior trim that makes it everything a Corolla isn't.
Check out our full gallery of images below and compare it to its sedate sibling here.
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
armand0517 11:49AM (2/17/2008)
i hope we can find this car in the dealer about the price hope is not that much. sorry dude im a corolla fan.
Reply
nissanfreak87 2:46PM (10/31/2007)
those are quite possibly the worst wheels I've ever seen
Reply
I3ziko 2:57PM (10/31/2007)
R these spinners?
nissanfreak87 2:59PM (10/31/2007)
correction: these are the worst stationary wheels I've ever seen
Evotec 2:53PM (10/31/2007)
I thought Audi S3... but now there is Toyota S3?
Reply
Maestro1 2:53PM (10/31/2007)
@nissanfreak87
+1 Totally Agreed
I think this looks much better than the base version (minus the wheels) and its something I could warm up to if they actually made it sporty enough to back up its looks (its a Corolla after all).
If this was touched by TRD and had RWD it would be much better, but otherwise I like it.
Reply
Robert 2:56PM (10/31/2007)
Hey Toyota, Ford called, they want their grill back.
Reply
Wally 2:58PM (10/31/2007)
damn, you beat me to it.
Robert 3:37PM (10/31/2007)
It's all good, but come on. I thought Toyota was supposed to be leading the industry in design, but I guess not if they have to resort to copying other companies, in the case Ford.
Atomicbri 6:25PM (10/31/2007)
LOL Dude!! You read my mind!!! If that is not a blatant rip off of the Ford Razor Blade Grille, I don't know what is. Come on Toyota.... get a clue, and some designers!
JPorter 2:43AM (11/02/2007)
That's what I said!
It's funny to see that Toyota is no better than any other car maker...I see them descending from their great and lofty pedestal!
mike 3:08PM (10/31/2007)
Were they staring at a couple of ole-skool cassette tapes when they came up with this wheel design?
Reply
epilonious 3:42PM (10/31/2007)
wheels by maxell
W57thNY 3:25PM (10/31/2007)
Actually, those look like wheels off of a Hot Wheels car.
W57thNY 3:32PM (10/31/2007)
The new Corolla looks as exciting as the outgoing model. Toyota is about safe, reliable, economical, transporation that will get you from point A to B. If you want a bit more excitement (relatively) at that point, Honda, Mazda, and Nissan offer more. If you should require more than that, look towards Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi.
Reply
Robert 3:36PM (10/31/2007)
It's all good, but come on. I thought Toyota was supposed to be leading the industry in design, but I guess not if they have to resort to copying other companies, in the case Ford.
Reply
Maestro1 3:37PM (10/31/2007)
True but you forgot to put 'relatively' before reliable when mentioning Toyota (i'm talking about the amount of recalls now lol).
Also, I guess you could count Mitsubishi in the 'relatively more excitement' category. The Lancer does look quite the part IMO.
Reply
Erik 3:39PM (10/31/2007)
Why is Toyota supercharging a 2.4? Wouldn't turbocharging be a better application for a 4-banger? Look at the Mini S, went from super to turbo.
You can keep better fuel mileage with a turbo so long as you aren't driving with a lead foot unlike a supercharger. Mpg being a Corollas selling point right?
It just doesn't make sense to me.
Reply
Erik 4:02PM (10/31/2007)
Erik, they are just using the same supercharger they used on the Scion tC. Its the same engine, so no need for new tooling or anything, its tested and works.
That and superchargers usually have better throttle response IIRC.
m 4:01PM (10/31/2007)
Does it say somewhere that it's not a turbocharger? It sounds like you're assuming that it's a mechanically driven supercharger, but I don't believe it says that in the article. Based on the description here, it very well could be a turbine driven supercharger (also called a turbocharger).