Autoblog

Toyota recalls 95,700 vehicles over cold weather braking concern

Chris Shunk — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:20:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Scion, Toyota

2009 Toyota Matrix -Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota has begun working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall 95,700 vehicles with a brake issue that could lead to poor stopping at low temperatures. The recall involves 2009 and 2010 Toyota Corolla and Matrix models and 2008-2009 Scion xD models with the 1.8-liter engine, and only customers in 19 cold weather states are eligible for the recall.

Toyota says the problem may arise when condensed moisture from the positive crankcase ventilation port seeps into the brake system vacuum port and freezes. As ice accumulates, the brake vacuum port could plug up and "power assist to the brakes would gradually decrease and lead to lengthened vehicle stopping distances." That doesn't sound good. Owners of affected vehicles will soon receive a notice from Toyota, followed by instructions to take the vehicle to a Toyota dealership for no-cost repairs. Dealer technicians will install a newly designed intake air connector that relocates the brake system vacuum port, a one-hour procedure.

While it's definitely a good thing that Toyota caught this issue as soon as it did, we have a bit of an issue with the fact that the recall is only for cold weather states. It's not like a Corolla or Matrix can't cross state lines during winter, and nobody deserves to be met with brakesicles when they try to stop. Hit the jump to pour over Toyota's press release.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota recalls 95,700 vehicles over cold weather braking concern

Toyota recalls 95,700 vehicles over cold weather braking concern originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Toyota Corolla passes Ford Focus as top C4C car; program extended thru September

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal

2009 Toyota Corolla XRS - click above image for high-res gallery

The more things change, the more they change back again. Or something. As of August 3, Reuters reports that the number one car Cash for Clunking consumers were purchasing was the long-in-the-tooth Ford Focus. Well, just two short days later, the Focus has been dethroned and Toyota's Corolla - the best selling car in the history of the world - has reportedly taken the crown. Two fun piece of relevant (if tangential) trivia - Corolla means "little crown" in Latin, and one example is sold about every 40 seconds, meaning that by the time you finish reading this post, two more will have found homes. In case you were wondering, Ford's price leader drops to number two and the Honda Civic has shifted into third place. Toyota has two other cars rounding out the top five, the Prius and the Camry. And just over 80% of the clunkers being traded-in are still trucks.

To date, 180,000 new cars have been sold as a result of the C4C program. So far, the program's total government expenditure amounts to just over $775 million. Late Wednesday, the Senate reached an agreement that would pour an additional $2 billion into C4C coffers. Additionally, consumers will now have until September 1 to trade in their old cars and receive a voucher for between $3,500 to $4,500. The new plan was largely pushed through by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who pointed out that Democrats have enough votes to approve the new plan as well as reject any changes to it. Cheers to Matt and several others for the tip.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS

Photos Copyright (C)2008 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.
[Sources: Reuters via CNN Money; Fox News]

REPORT: Toyota Corolla passes Ford Focus as top C4C car; program extended thru September originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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After 25 years, GM ditches NUMMI tie-up with Toyota

Chris Paukert — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Pontiac, Toyota

As part of its "New GM"/"Old GM" bankruptcy proceedings, General Motors has announced that it will abandon its ownership stake in the New United Motor Manufacturing Incorporated (NUMMI) joint venture with Toyota.

According to an official statement, GM and Toyota worked to find a future product that would work for both automakers, but they were apparently unable to do so. As a result, GM will assign its NUMMI stake to "Old GM," effectively ending a 25-year partnership with the Japanese automaker.

Over the last quarter-century, the Fremont, California plant has produced a number of vehicles for GM, including the current Pontiac Vibe, as well as the Geo/Chevrolet Prizm, and the Bowtie'd Nova that preceded it.

There is no word on what (if any) effect the deal's collapse will have on Toyota's NUMMI-made products which include the Tacoma pickup and Corolla sedan. According to NUMMI's official website, 5,440 workers are employed at the plant. Official press release after the jump. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: General Motors; NUMMI | Image: Hokubei]

Continue reading After 25 years, GM ditches NUMMI tie-up with Toyota

After 25 years, GM ditches NUMMI tie-up with Toyota originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Adam Corolla mans the pumps on The Man Show

Noah Joseph — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Videos

Click above to watch video

Some of you were surprised that when the producers of Top Gear started shooting a version of the popular British car series for NBC, they chose Adam Corolla as lead host instead of a myriad number of other qualified automotive journalists ~~from among the Autoblog staff~~. But that's just because those few hadn't seen The Man Show.

For four years Corolla hosted The Man Show on Comedy Central together with Jimmy Kimmel, now the host of his own network late-night talk show on ABC. To give you an idea of what kind of antics Corolla might be up to on the American version of Top Gear, turn up the volume and check out the video after the jump where Corolla spends the day as a candid-camera gas station attendant. After NBC canceled its deal to distribute Top Gear USA, this might be the most Corolla car antics we get for a while until another a cable network picks it up.

[Source: YouTube via Autoblog.nl]

Continue reading VIDEO: Adam Corolla mans the pumps on The Man Show

VIDEO: Adam Corolla mans the pumps on The Man Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Toyota Corolla, Matrix get standard stability and traction control

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 11:04:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Crossover, Hatchback, Toyota

It's not every day that you get more for the same money. Yet that's what Toyota is offering with the 2010 Corolla, which will come with traction control and vehicle stability control and no price increase over the outgoing model. The MSRP of that car remains $15,350 for the base model 5-speed sedan. The Matrix also adds the two features as standard, but the price on the CUV goes up by $201, to $21,960. Both cars will arrive in dealer showrooms at the end of February, and for more pricing info you can check out the press release after the jump.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading 2010 Toyota Corolla, Matrix get standard stability and traction control

2010 Toyota Corolla, Matrix get standard stability and traction control originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jan 2009 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota may build more Camrys at truck plant

Chris Shunk — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 13:54:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Plants/Manufacturing, Honda, Toyota

Automotive times are a-changin, as fuel-efficient cars are now outselling trucks by a wide margin. Toyota's flexible manufacturing capabilities allow it to adjust to these crazy times, and the Japanese automaker is discussing a plan to build still more Camrys at its Indiana truck plant. The Princeton plant is only running two shifts right now, and its trucks and SUVs are suffering just as much as similar offerings coming out of Detroit. That makes the plant a great fit for the Camry, which sold an astonishing 51,291 units last month. Honda has already decided to increase production of the Civic, which was the top-selling vehicle in the US last month with over 53,000 units leaving the showroom floor.

[Source: Auto News (subs req'd)]

Toyota may build more Camrys at truck plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Jun 2008 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS

Dan Roth — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Budget, Sedan, Toyota

2009 Toyota Corolla XRS - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Toyota Corolla hasn't stirred passion since the AE86, so it's forgivable to greet an all-new version with a yawn. The Corolla recipe has been refined to the point of grand success for so long now that changes must be approached carefully. A new version must not upset the car's combination of refinement, value, and durability. To be sure, the 2009 Corolla is likely to continue the model's grade point average full of red circles from Consumer Reports. Objectively, it's tough to top - subjectively, not so much.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS

Continue reading Review: 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS

Review: 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Recall Watch: Toyota, GM recalling 660,000 vehicles for window defect

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Hatchback, GM, Pontiac, Toyota

Joint manufacturing ventures allow both automakers to share resources and platforms, but unfortunately, it also means they share problems. Such is the case with GM and Toyota, whose NUMMI plant in Fremont, California, put out 540,000 Toyota Matrixes, Corollas and 123,00 Pontiac Vibes with faulty bolts that hold in the glass on the two front doors. The 660,000 2003-2004 vehicles equipped with power windows are being recalled after 500 complaints, 36 claimed injuries and one crash (?!) were reported. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is calling for both automakers to recall the affected vehicles and replace the faulty bolts at no charge.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Recall Watch: Toyota, GM recalling 660,000 vehicles for window defect originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota turns to forum for input on new sports car

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Toyota

Photo: David Guimaraes

If you're an automaker and want to tap into the knowledge base of your most fervent fans, what better place to go for input than one of the many model-specific forums on the 'Net. Supposedly, that's exactly what happened over at Club4AG.

The site's founder, Moto Miwa, has been in contact with one of the chief engineers tasked by Toyota to begin developing the oft-rumored sports car that's been making the rounds on the Web. The unnamed engineer worked on the original AE86 Corolla, along with a host of other projects including the 2nd generation Prius. While Toyota's ubiquitous hybrid isn't what anyone would consider sporty, the man behind its development, who's now working on the coupe, is apparently quite the petrolhead.

In preparation for a meeting with Toyota's engineer, Miwa asked the Club4AG crew with what they want the new coupe to come equipped. Naturally, the consensus involved repeated pleas for something lightweight, rear-wheel-drive, a DOHC four-cylinder that trades big power for responsiveness, and a chassis and engine that's designed for modification.

Here's hoping that Miwa's Man on the Inside heeds the advice and brings an entertaining whip to those of us with shallow pockets and a penchant for wrenching.

[Source: Club4AG via Winding Road]

Toyota turns to forum for input on new sports car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota releases prices on 2009 Corolla and Matrix

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Hatchback, Toyota

Click the image above for a gallery of high-res pics.

Toyota has finally announced pricing for the 2009 Matrix and Corolla that made their unceremonious debut back in November at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. Both models get a bump in their sticker, with the Corolla costing $845 more than the outgoing 2008 model, while the Matrix increases by $680.

The base Corolla, whose nomenclature has been changed from CE to "Standard", starts at $15,250 sporting a five-speed manual, while an automatic model will set you back another $800. The LE and XLE models start at $16,650 and $17,550, respectively, both equipped with an automatic tranny and the 132-hp, 1.8-liter four. Care to upgrade a bit? You can now get the new 2.4-liter four producing 158 hp and 162 lb.-ft. of torque in the XRS version starting at $18,760 with a manual or $19,950 with an automatic that Toyota notes can be "shift sequentially."

The Matrix, which Toyota claims redesigned the crossover segment, but in reality is just a five-door Corolla, comes in three flavors: Standard, S and XRS. You can equip the warmed-over hatch with either the same 1.8-liter or 2.4-liter four found in the Corolla, mated to either a five-speed manual or a four- or five-speed automatic. All-wheel-drive will be an option on S-trim models that will come standard with the 2.4-liter four-pot and "Super ECT" four-speed gearbox. Pricing for the standard matrix starts at $16,190 if you row the gears yourself, while the max'd out XRS models shoots up to $21,850 with an auto 'box. None of the prices listed above include the $650 destination fee.

All the details and trim levels are available in Toyota's press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Corolla

Continue reading Toyota releases prices on 2009 Corolla and Matrix

Toyota releases prices on 2009 Corolla and Matrix originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Euro-only Toyota Auris gains sporty SR180 model

Dan Roth — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Toyota, UK

click above for high resolution gallery of the Toyota Auris SR180

The bucket of parts that makes up the Toyota Corolla also gives life to several other vehicles worldwide. In the UK and other parts of the world, they get the Auris, a three- or five-door hatch-type-thing. While Toyotas in the United States are sleepy affairs, the Auris is ringing in 2008 with a sporty, well-equipped SR180 version. Looking great with a lowered suspension from Toyota Motorsport and blacked out rear glass, the Auris appears intimately involved with the pavement. There's a subtle spoiler atop the hatch, which always gives a nice finish to the back end of this style car, and the wheel arches are nicely filled with 17-inch alloy rims. Underhood, Toyota's D-4D Diesel provides 175 horsepower and a whopping 294 ft-lbs of torque through a six-speed manual while returning 38 mpg (US) on a combined cycle.

Equipment levels are up, providing the driver with such goodies as dual-zone climate control, automatic headlamps and wipers, and cruise control. Stability and traction-control systems are standard, too. It all sounds and looks very good until you run the roughly £18,500 price through a currency conversion - coming out the other side at about $37,000 greenbacks. Some people would sell a kidney on eBay for the opportunity to get something like this Stateside, and it certainly is a rare Toyota that makes us say "That's cool." If you're someplace where you can take advantage of it, order yours now for January delivery.

[Source: Toyota]

Gallery: Toyota Auris SR180

Continue reading Euro-only Toyota Auris gains sporty SR180 model

Euro-only Toyota Auris gains sporty SR180 model originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Dec 2007 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota whistleblower joined by civil suit over father's death

Dan Roth — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota

A faulty seatbelt that traps an occupant in a vehicle and leads to his death is a horrible tragedy. If the defect were given a pass at the manufacturing plant, it goes beyond tragic to criminal. Toyota is now facing two lawsuits in California, both centered around manufacturing defects that may have been ignored at its joint-venture New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. plant.

We reported earlier on the first lawsuit filed by Katy Cameron, a NUMMI worker who alleges that vehicles with serious problems were passed out the door, even though the NUMMI plant purportedly subscribes to the "Toyota way" of manufacturing. Instead of empowering workers to spot and correct defects, even stop the assembly line to make things right, management at the NUMMI plant allegedly discouraged Cameron by demoting her.

A second lawsuit has also been filed by the Singh family, who are blaming the seatbelt latch in their 2002 Corolla for the death of Raminder Singh. The Singhs were involved in an accident that led to an engine fire, and while 19-year-old Gurinder Singh was able to exit the vehicle, his father remained trapped by his seatbelt despite Gurinder's efforts to unlatch it.

A spokesman for Toyota has been quoted as saying, "as heart-rending and tragic as this collision was, Toyota has an altogether different view of the facts." The facts will hopefully come to light during this civil trial, which heard opening statements on Tuesday.

Thanks for the tip, Jon!

[Source: Money/CNN]

Toyota whistleblower joined by civil suit over father's death originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2007: 2009 Toyota Corolla S3

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:35:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Sedan, Toyota

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.

Continue reading SEMA 2007: 2009 Toyota Corolla S3

SEMA 2007: 2009 Toyota Corolla S3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2007: 2008 Toyota Matrix Rally concept

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:06:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Wagon, Toyota

UPDATE: Video of the Corolla and Matrix tuners is available after the jump

Click the image above for a gallery of high-res pics.

Toyota unleashed the new Matrix in a Halloween-infused joint press conference here in Vegas. The production version of the new (Corolla) Matrix debuted across the street, but we were on hand to see the Rally version unveiled on the floor at SEMA. The new design lends itself well to some modifications, but like most of the vehicles here at the show, it's more about flash than function. The front-mount intercooler helps feed a supercharged version of the Matrix's 2.4-liter four. The OZ wheels and upgraded brakes speak to the concept's functionality, as does the stripped out interior, added fuel cell and multi-point rollcage.

We'll have more details on the production version momentarily, but in the meantime, check the gallery below. Also, in case you missed it, you can check out the new Toyota Corolla right here.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Matrix Rally

Continue reading SEMA 2007: 2008 Toyota Matrix Rally concept

SEMA 2007: 2008 Toyota Matrix Rally concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2007: 2009 Toyota Corolla debuts!

John Neff — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 13:05:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Budget, Sedan, Toyota

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.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Corolla

Continue reading SEMA 2007: 2009 Toyota Corolla debuts!

SEMA 2007: 2009 Toyota Corolla debuts! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Toyota Corolla debuts in dealer ad?

John Neff — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SEMA Show, Sedan, Toyota

UPDATE: We figured it out. The car below is the Australian Corolla sedan, though what's to say the 2009 model destined for U.S. shores won't share the same front end?

Stranger things have happened, you know. We're about a week and a half away from the 2009 Toyota Corolla's official debut at this year's SEMA show in Las Vegas, and media will get to preview the new small car this week. It could just be, however, that a dealer somewhere spilled the beans by accidentally publishing a pic of the new Corolla in its weekly circular. Do we think that's the case? Hardly. It's probably just a Toyota model of which we're not aware, perhaps a Camry derivative. But hey, we've been wrong before. Muchos gracias to anyone who can correctly identify the car if it is, in fact, a current model.

Thanks for the tip, Peter!

[Source: Carspace]

2009 Toyota Corolla debuts in dealer ad? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Oct 2007 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen to drop prices, aims to compete with Toyota

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Toyota, Volkswagen

The Wall Street Journal has confirmed what's been alluded to in the past, but this time, it's from the top. Volkswagen's CEO Martin Winterkorn plans to price its U.S. offerings more aggressively in a bid to better compete with the likes of Toyota.

Currently, the Jetta starts around $17,000, while a comparable (?) Corolla is about $2k less. Same goes for the Passat and Camry segment, where the VW's mid-size sedan has close to a $4,000 premium over its Toyota counterpart.

Interestingly, Winterkorn admits, "We have definitely added too many technical items that (American) customers don't want to pay for." What those particular features are escapes us, but as long as they work, that's all that matters.

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

Volkswagen to drop prices, aims to compete with Toyota originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Oct 2007 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota will bring redesigned Corolla, Matrix to SEMA in Vegas

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Budget, Toyota

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.

Continue reading Toyota will bring redesigned Corolla, Matrix to SEMA in Vegas

Toyota will bring redesigned Corolla, Matrix to SEMA in Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2007 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Toyota Corolla details including new engines

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 16:05:00 EST

Filed under: Toyota

The new Corolla?

The new 2009 Toyota Corolla should go on sale in early 2008, according to Automotive News, and we'll get our first look at the car this November at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. There will be quite a few changes, most noticeably a new "edgier" design. But when we take a look under that racier hood, we're likely to see even more changes. The newest Corolla will reportedly feature Toyota's new family of 1.8-liter engines, which should first show up in the 2008 Scion xD. Expect a very slight bump in power here, with 128 hp and 125 ft-lbs of torque, versus 126 hp and 122 ft-lbs. of torque for the current model. There will also be a second engine choice for uplevel Corolla models. The larger engine will be the 2.4-liter four from the Camry producing 158 hp. That will bring the Corolla's power output closer to the competition and might put to rest rumors of a possible V6, although we still think the car will be generally underpowered compared to its competition if Toyota doesn't raise the output of the 2.4L somehow.

The Corolla is already the best-selling car of all time, but Toyota needs to rethink things a bit to keep up with competitors like the Honda Civic and Mazda3. The new car might be sold alongside the 2008 version of the current car for a few months and will likely roll out as a 2009 or possibly a 2008.5.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req.]

2009 Toyota Corolla details including new engines originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Aug 2007 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Toyota to unveil 2009 Corolla, Heavy-Duty Tundra and FJ Cruiser Convertible

John Neff — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Coupe, Budget, SUV, Truck, Hatchback, Toyota

The 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas is not for another three and a half months, but Toyota is getting its ducks in a row preparing for what promises to be a big week in Sin City for the Japanese automaker. It's unveiling not one, not two, but three vehicles at SEMA, including the all-new 2009 Corolla. The current Corolla has been around the block a few more times than Toyota had planned, but still remains a popular vehicle for the company. The new model will include the familiar sedan body type, but also mark the return of a coupe/hatchback. We'll no doubt see a TRD version customized to the nines at SEMA, as well. If the fates are on our side, perhaps they'll show something rear-wheel drive (fingers crossed).

Also present at SEMA will reportedly be a heavy duty diesel dually Tundra pickup designed to be a monster tow machine. It's only a concept and yet to be named, but the HD Tundra will be there to gauge crowd reaction to a dedicated heavy hauler from Toyota. The diesel will likely come from Hino, Toyota's commercial truck division, but Popular Mechancs reports that most of its engines are just too big for the Tundra's bay. The size issue could force Toyota to debut a new, smaller 4.5L diesel V8 that it's been working on. We'll have to wait and see what powers the Tundra concept, but we'd bet our last slot token that this particular Toyota will most certainly not be a hybrid.

Finally, Toyota plans to introduce an FJ Cruiser Convertible concept at SEMA. Reportedly sporting a removable hardtop, sources say that the concept is likely a production prototype in disguise since going to all that trouble engineering a removable hardtop for one vehicle would be silly. To get an idea of what the FJ Cruiser Convertible will look like, take a peek at the aftermarket version.

So there you have it - Toyota's 2008 SEMA lineup. Now that the information's out there, hopefully Toyota will start releasing official pics soon, as well.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

SEMA Preview: Toyota to unveil 2009 Corolla, Heavy-Duty Tundra and FJ Cruiser Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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