Autoblog

REPORT: Toyota running all North American plants on overtime to meet demand

Chris Shunk — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Toyota

2009 Toyota RAV4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

For over a decade, Toyota had been frantically building up its North American infrastructure to build more and more cars and trucks. The plan was going smoothly until the new car market collapsed, leaving barren plants in its wake. But it appears as though Toyota is getting back on its feet. Automotive News now reports that the Japanese automaker is now running all of its North American plants on overtime to meet demand and replenish depleted vehicle reserves.

Among the Toyota plants cranking at full steam is the company's Woodstock, Ontario plant that produces the RAV4. Compact crossovers are hot in the market right now and the Japanese automaker is reportedly looking to add a second shift to crank out more copies of its popular (not so) little CUV. Adding a second shift to the facility will result in 800 new hires at the plant; news that is sure to be well received in the region. The plan is to get the workers trained and have both shifts running at an annualized rate of 150,000 vehicles by April 1. Toyota has even increased Corolla production by adding Saturday shifts at its soon-to-close New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. facility in Fremont, California. In spite of the increased demand for its efficient compact, Toyota reportedly doesn't plan to reverse its plan to close the factory by the end of March, and the move could be a case of Toyota stockpiling production as it adjusts to life without NUMMI.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota RAV4

[Source: Automotive News - subs req'd]

REPORT: Toyota running all North American plants on overtime to meet demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA investigating claims of stalling on 2006 Toyota Corolla, Matrix

Michael Harley — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Toyota

When it rains, it pours. With recalls on the books for Toyota floor mats and corrosion problems, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is now investigating reports that Toyota's Corolla and Matrix vehicles may have engines susceptible to stalling. Owners of the 2006 model year Corolla and Matrix vehicles with the questioned 1ZZ-FE engines have described stalling in intersections and on highways, putting drivers at a safety risk while they attempt to restart the engine. There have been no reports of crashes.

It's important to note that about 397,000 vehicles are covered by the review, and that only 26 complaints have been lodged (that works out to about one in every 15,000 vehicles). Since it is a preliminary investigation, there's no recall until NHTSA investigates and determines that the stalling is caused by a specific design or parts defect. Of course, they may also find the stalling issue is attributed to poor maintenance or bad gas... nobody is pointing fingers. Yet.

[Source: Reuters]

NHTSA investigating claims of stalling on 2006 Toyota Corolla, Matrix originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grassroots Motorsports' Tim Suddard picks ten future Japanese collector cars

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Japan

First generation Mazda Miata - Click above to see entire list of future Japanese Collector Cars

"Everybody wants to go to the dance, no one wants to stay and clean up." So says Robert De Niro's Sam in John Frankenheimer's spy thriller/car porno Ronin. We mention the line, because it's not only well written, but nicely sums up most people's attitudes towards classic, collector cars. Yes, we'd all love a Boss 302 Mustang or a Maserati Bora, but no one wants to pay the tens of thousands of dollars it takes to procure and maintain them. But what if in the future collector cars weren't limited to American muscle or exotic Europeans? What if relatively cheap and reliable Japanese cars came to be collectors items?

Regardless of the answer, that's the exact future that Tim Suddard, publisher of both Grassroots Motorsports and Classic Motorsports, is predicting. In fact, here's what he has to say about it:

Right now Japanese cars are generally overlooked by the collector car world, but we expect that to change. A generation that grew up on Hondas, Datsuns and Mazdas is coming of age where they're after the icons of their youth. Where previous enthusiasts paid big money for the Mopars, Chevelles and GTOs that they couldn't afford when teens, we expect the same happen soon with milestone Japanese cars.

Which, if what Suddard is saying is true, means that both demand and price should increase. Which is probably... bad. Click here to see the ten cars (with captions) that Suddard claims are going to be future classics, plus our own two cents on each selection. And of course, what do you think? Also - like what you see? If you're in the Southern California area, don't miss the 2009 Japanese Classics car show this weekend

Gallery: Tim Suddard's ten most collectable Japanese cars

Grassroots Motorsports' Tim Suddard picks ten future Japanese collector cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Production of Toyota Corolla transferring from NUMMI to Ontario

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota

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

As even mighty Toyota finds itself with excess production capacity in North America and elsewhere, the Japanese automaker has finally made the decision to shutter an assembly plant. The loss of the Pontiac Vibe means that it wasn't viable to keep the NUMMI factory in Fremont, CA operating on its own, but the rest of the products it builds are still in demand to varying degrees.

We've already heard that production of the mid-size Tacoma pickup truck would be consolidated with its big brother the Tundra in San Antonio TX. The other remaining product from NUMMI was the Corolla sedan. The volume that had been produced in California will reportedly now come out Toyota's Cambridge, Ontario factory where the compact car is already built. It's not known at this time if the move will result in any additional jobs at the Cambridge plant. Thanks for the tip, Dave!

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Corolla

[Source: Montreal Gazette]

REPORT: Production of Toyota Corolla transferring from NUMMI to Ontario originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Toyota reportedly pulls plug on NUMMI plant

Chris Paukert — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Toyota

It's over. Or more to the point, it will be. Toyota Motor Corp. has reportedly announced that it will end production at Fremont, California's New United Motor Manufacturing Inc., better known as NUMMI. Despite protestations from workers and community members to the contrary, The Associated Press is reporting that Toyota's board has voted to shutter the plant effective March 2010. The plant's future had been called into question by General Motors announcing its intention to pull-out from the groundbreaking joint venture as part of its bankruptcy proceedings.

With General Motors' pullout from the facility and the production of its Pontiac Vibe along with it, Toyota has kept the factory's 4,600 workers busy assembling the Corolla and Tacoma. The move comes amidst word that the Japanese automaker has plans to cut production by up to one million units.

For its part, California officials attempted to rally an incentives package to convince Toyota to keep the plant open, but the effort to keep the plant in operation has evidently failed. With the half-year lead time before the facility's closure, lawmakers will be looking hard to find a new tenant to take over the facility.

[Source: The Associated Press via Google | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

BREAKING: Toyota reportedly pulls plug on NUMMI plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:57:00 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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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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Holden Commodore once again Australia's best seller, with a catch

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:03:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Holden, Australia

Click above for a high-res gallery of the VE Sportwagon SS-V

In a classic case of good-news versus bad-news, the Holden Commodore has once again managed to retain the title of Australia's best-selling vehicle in 2008. With this announcement, the Australian arm of General Motors has extended the Commodore's run as best seller to 13 straight years. That's the good news part. On the other hand, its 51,093 sales in 2008 are the model's lowest total since it first debuted in 1978. That, as you may have guessed, would be the bad news part.

Australia's second-best-seller is the Toyota Corolla, and the compact from Japan put up a very strong fight to wrest the title from Holden. There were a few main factors that eventually put the crown back on the Commodore, including the introduction of the Sportwagon bodystyle (above) and the October launch of Holden's $29,990 (AUS dollars) driveaway deal. Fuel prices also dropped towards the end of the year, and that likely helped swing the momentum back towards the Holden from the more fuel efficient Corolla. 2009? Time will tell.

Gallery: 2008 Holden VE Sportwagon SS-V

[Source: Drive.com.au]

Holden Commodore once again Australia's best seller, with a catch originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Toyota uses Ninja Kittens to sell Corollas in Australia

Chris Shunk — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Toyota, Australia

Click above to watch video after the jump

Toyota typically doesn't go out of its way to be creative when advertising its cars for sale in the U.S. (Saved by Zero, anyone?), but that doesn't mean the Japanese automaker lacks a sense of humor. Toyota's new commercial for the Australian-spec Corolla hatchback contains bi-pedal kittens kicking ass Jackie Chan-style. The 45-second spot is a bit creepy on all counts, and could definitely use some kung fu sound effects. We're trying to figure out who the target audience is for this puss-tastic commercial, because the Corolla-driving heroin basically beats up a bunch of cat-people, takes their fish and drives off. Maybe the Pet Smart crowd has a lot of pent-up feelings towards sardines. Follow the jump to see the action-packed feline film for yourself and venture a guess as to what Toyota was going for in the comments. Thanks for the tip, everyone!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Toyota uses Ninja Kittens to sell Corollas in Australia

VIDEO: Toyota uses Ninja Kittens to sell Corollas in Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:28:00 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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NHTSA probing windows on Toyota Matrix, Corolla and Pontiac Vibe

Michael Harley — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 16:59:00 EST

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

Toyota's Matrix wagon, Corolla sedan and its mechanical twin the Pontiac Vibe sport wagon are all in hot water after motorists have begun to issue complaints about their power side-front windows. Reports indicate the windows are getting stuck, making popping noises, and in some cases shattering and injuring passengers. To date, more than 503 complaints have been received by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is currently looking into the issue. Ultimately, the investigation may trigger a recall affecting 676,747 vehicles manufactured during the 2003 and 2004 model years at NUMMI, the GM-Toyota joint-venture plant that found itself in a pot of hot water after an employee accused her superiors last November of letting defective vehicles leave the facility.

Interesting to note: This may become the first windows recall that doesn't require PC owners to download a patch. (Hardy har har.)

[Source: Detroit News]

NHTSA probing windows on Toyota Matrix, Corolla and Pontiac Vibe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 16:59:00 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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Honda, Toyota most researched on Edmunds in 2007

Chris Shunk — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Budget, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Honda, Toyota

Each month, 13 million visitors use Edmunds to research cars and trucks, and once again Honda and Toyota dominate the site's list of top searches. The Honda Civic and Accord along with the Toyota Camry lead the hit parade, followed by six other Japanese models and the BMW 3-Series. The two Japanese juggernauts also owned the top truck searches, with the fuel efficient Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 taking first and second, respectively. The only other automaker to crack the truck/SUV/minivan category was GM, with the GMC Acadia coming in at number five, and the Saturn VUE rounding out the top ten.

It's interesting to note that the vehicles car shoppers research most aren't exactly the the ones that produce the highest sales volume, as evidenced by the Mazda3 besting the economy car sales champ Toyota Corolla by three spots. Also worth noting is that automotive stalwarts have a much larger presence on Edmunds than do new models like the Chevy Malibu or the Cadillac CTS. To check out the complete car and truck top ten from Edmunds AutoObserver, click the read link below.

[Source: AutoObserver]

Honda, Toyota most researched on Edmunds in 2007 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Jan 2008 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cost of owning a car crests $1/mile on some models

Chris Shunk — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Etc., Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Lexus, Toyota

We've all seen the ads in the newspaper or in commercials that say you can get a new car with zero money down and only $299 per month. Quick math tells you that even after taxes and destination, you're only paying about $4,400 the first year to own a brand new car. A recent study by consulting firm Runzheimer International shows that a new car will cost you considerably more in overall operating costs. At 15,000 miles per year, the cost of insurance, gasoline, fees, depreciation, and maintenance can drive the overall cost near $20,000 per year.

The 2008 Cadillac STS was tops in this year's test, costing buyers $19,537. The Lexus LS460 was close behind at $19,372. Big vehicles cost quite a bit also, with Ford's E-350 XL SuperDuty tallying a $16,543 bill followed by the Chevy Tahoe LS 4x4 at $15,789. There were some relatively low cost vehicles as well, with the first year costs of a Toyota Corolla CE coming in lowest in the test at $7,933 and a Ford Ranger XL pickup that hits $9,929. If these numbers seem high, it's because the highest liability in a new car balance sheet is depreciation, and new cars can lose thousands the day they're driven off the lot. Every mile on the odometer brings the resale value lower, and if your new car carried lots of incentives or it's a rental car favorite, its residual plummets even further.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Cost of owning a car crests $1/mile on some models originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Dec 2007 09:27:00 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: 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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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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Toyota launches baby Camry in Beijing with new Corolla

Chris Tutor — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 09:43:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, China, Toyota, Misc. Auto Shows

Toyota, in its seemingly never ending quest for world domination, targets the mostly untapped Chinese market with a redesigned Chinese-market Corolla.

Looking much like a diminutive Camry, the 10th iteration of the China-bound Corolla will be on display starting Saturday at the 2006 Beijing International Automotive Industry Exhibition along with 28 other Toyota models including the Lexus RX400h hybrid.

According to Autoblog China, the new Corolla will have the same 1.8-liter four-cylinder we get in our version, but theirs will have a 6-speed manual instead of our 5-speed.

Also, according to a Toyota press release, the Corolla's Chinese name will be changed from Hua Guan to Ka Luo La. No, seriously.

Press release on the jump.

[Source: Autoblog China and CarScoop.com]

Continue reading Toyota launches baby Camry in Beijing with new Corolla

Toyota launches baby Camry in Beijing with new Corolla originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Nov 2006 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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