Send to a friendSean October 31st, 2007 8:17 PM Link
Please tell me they went back to independant rear suspension.
SEMA: 2009 Toyota Corolla
Written By: Seyth Miersma
More than forty years after the first Corolla took the world by storm, Toyota has launched the 10th generation of its venerable small sedan today at SEMA.
The wraps were pulled off the 2009 Corolla this morning, revealing a car that has been substantially redesigned, but in the kind of evolutionary manner that is unlikely to rock the more conservative Toyota customer.
(Click on the thumbnails below to launch a gallery of 2009 Corolla images or through the jump to read more, including Toyota’s official press release.)
Toyota is hoping that the formula which has helped it to sell over 30 million examples of its small car, a potent recipe of reliability, style, and value, will be in even greater evidence with this newest model. The ’09 Corolla is lower and sleeker than in previous generations, and though head, leg and shoulder room remain identical to the previous generation, Toyota promises that the new car “feels” bigger thanks to a design that puts a premium on comfort and usability.
Much like the simultaneously launched Matrix, the new Corolla will come with two available engines, while offering a wealth of five grade levels; Standard, LE, XLE, with two performance oriented levels, S, and XRS.
Engines are a couple of familiar fours, a 1.8-liter 132 horsepower version producinging 128 pound-feet of torque, and a 158 horsepower, 162 pound-feet 2.4-liter engine.
Take a look at the huge gallery of 2009 Corolla images and tell us how they make you feel in comments.
TOYOTA UNVEILS ALL-NEW, 10th GENERATION COROLLA
AT 2007 SEMA SHOW
LAS VEGAS, October 31, 2007 - - 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.
-more-2009 TOYOTA COROLLA 2-2-2-2
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.
-more-2009 TOYOTA COROLLA 3-3-3-3
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.
-more-2009 TOYOTA COROLLA 4-4-4-4
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)
← SEMA: 2009 Toyota Matrix Unveiled
SEMA: Scion Announces Partnership with Ridemakerz, We Build a Customized xB →
25 Comments
mo October 31st, 2007 9:50 PM Link
zzzzzzzzzzzzzz ….. how boaring. the funny thing is the fact that WR has 52 photo in the gallery. it is like some one is gonna see any.
dante October 31st, 2007 10:36 PM Link
158 HP/162 lbs./ft. from a 2.4? No wonder these cars are so damn reliable - they’re completely unstressed and bought by boring people who drive accordingly.
Jonathan Fung [Gotakon] October 31st, 2007 10:47 PM Link
Dante,
Yup. That’s the demographic. When there’s demand, producers will provide the supply and make those profits. 
It does look better than the current model, though.
The Stig October 31st, 2007 11:01 PM Link
I see the Corolla and Jetta are sharing bodies now
chris mich October 31st, 2007 11:30 PM Link
I am probably one of the few people who was anticipating this new generation Corolla simply because I loved driving my friends last generation Corolla S. 52 pictures is definitely overkill though, and some seem like duplicates.
Actually, the Jetta stole the Corolla body from the last generation Corolla… Go take a look. But both the Jetta and Corolla both look good.
The new Corolla looks more Camry-like. The only thing I don’t understand is WHY do they put that super cheesy looking wood inside the car on certain models? Also, what are those big holes in the back bumper? So they can be stacked to save space in the factory since they sell so many? 
Ducati Minor November 1st, 2007 12:53 AM Link
It is, indeed, a sign of a more coherent design. I like the Camry styling cues. The sporty Camry bodystyle with the front and rear spoilers is sharp; I’m happy to see that in the Corolla. Not a bad-looking car at all: much nicer with four doors than the Civic.
Chris November 1st, 2007 5:29 AM Link
I guess the hatch that appears is the new Matrix? Looks pretty sharp in those 2 out of 52 hot Corolla pics.
Richard H November 1st, 2007 7:40 AM Link
Well, as to be expected from Toyota, hideous styling! The first corolla was the best looking they ever made. Toyota use to make some nice looking cars in the 70’s and 80’s, now there is not a car their invetory that is not hideous!
Carlos Anticoy V. November 1st, 2007 9:15 AM Link
uff! the styling it´s too conservative… again!
Paul In Jersey November 1st, 2007 11:14 AM Link
The Corolla hasn’t been for the clowns and pundits who post on this forum. The Corolla has been for the friends of the clowns and pundits who post on this board, and seem to enjoy cars….i.e., the people who ask YOU for advice on cars.
That Toyota rolled out this car at SEMA is interesting, especially since they could have done it last week at the Tokyo Auto Show.
That being said, perhaps Toyota knows they have our non-car friends in their camp. Now, it looks like they’re going for US.
Good luck with that, Toyota.
Clint November 1st, 2007 11:30 AM Link
Paul, I agree with you. I have two non-car friends who drive beige Corollas. They love them, because they start, are cheap and get them to where they want to go. If that’s all they want, then the Corolla is indeed one of the hottest cars out there. In fact, if a non-car friend asked for a car recommendation, the Corolla would be at the top of the list.
The reason Toyota did not reveal the Corolla in Tokyo is because the current generation has already been out in Japan for a year. We’re just now getting a North American version.
Mark November 1st, 2007 12:20 PM Link
Somehow they made the car ugly and bland. That’s hard to do when you think about it.
It looks cheap too. Is the wealthiest car company getting cheap on us?
There are better choices with better quality from the competition. Toyota’s lack of leadership in this market segment is a bad omen for their future prospects.
Winding Road » Archive » SEMA: Live Shots of Toyota’s Newest Corolla! November 1st, 2007 4:45 PM Link
[…] Yesterday we brought you the news, specifications, and first looks at Toyota’s 2009 version of its much anticipated Corolla. Today, we’re happy to report that SEMA’s example of the very hottest Corolla, the XRS is live and on display in the gorgeous Las Vegas sun. […]
CC November 2nd, 2007 3:14 AM Link
I strongly doubt that this is the “all-new” model that was rumored to have been sent back to the drawing boards right after the Honda Civic was launched. It looks to me that this is the model that should have been launched at that time (given that it appears that the front and rear have been tweaked to look different when compared with the current model) but now that Toyota is on a roll being the number 1 carmaker, it appears that they have decided to just go ahead and launch the original successor instead of the “reworked and all-new” model - they can launch that later and save on development costs, and make more money selling old stuff or same stuff repackaged front and rear with new interior materials and tweaked design.
jane November 2nd, 2007 4:32 AM Link
US is being treated as a third rate market…how do u explain lauching same car which is being selling in other market for so long. check this http://theyreviewed.blogspot.com/2007/11/2008-2009-toyota-corolla-preview-at.html
jane November 2nd, 2007 4:33 AM Link
i guess its the same corolla that we have seen in australian markets for a long time now. check this http://theyreviewed.blogspot.com/2007/11/2008-2009-toyota-corolla-preview-at.html
Brandon November 2nd, 2007 3:29 PM Link
Yep, basically the same car has been selling in Austrailia and Japan for a bit now. Here’s what’s being missed by everyone who posts on here: the Corolla doesn’t look to be compared with the Civic, except possibly the 4-door sedan. In that case, it stacks up incredibly well. Toyota quality is still top-rate. For those who label corolla buyers as “non-car” people, when is the last time you had to work on a corolla? Except for regular maintenance–never. I own a scion tc for the record–a car that is filling the gap in the compact car segment for Toyota. The 2.4L performs very well.
Mark November 5th, 2007 9:58 AM Link
Corolla got dropped as a brand in Europe this time because they weres os boring (bit like Ford Escort -> Focus). Can’t believe the outputs from the engines - even the 2.2D fives 180bhp here.
Misaki November 18th, 2007 10:52 PM Link
when is people going to understand that NEITHER Corollas, nor Scions, nor blah blahs Toyotas are made for performance? They are just for normal people (most of the people) who just want a cool-looking car with modern stuff to take them where they want.
“No, that Corolla has a weak engine. No, that Toyota cant be compared to a Civic Si.”
Damn it, Im sick of hearing this. Toyota will never do a 200hp Corolla, allright? It would then cost like 25,000 and people wouldnt buy them because there already are many great cars at this point.
But for the $15,000 to $21,000 cars, Toyota is King over any company. And thats what matters. And what they care of.
Winding Road » Archive » Storm Brewing: Is the U.S. Auto Market Set to Dip? November 19th, 2007 1:45 PM Link
[…] With gains expected in the Scion brand with the new xB and xD, Toyota also has high hopes for its box-fresh Corolla and […]
Muscle Cars World » Blog Archive » Storm Brewing: Is the U.S. Auto Market Set to Dip? November 19th, 2007 3:54 PM Link
[…] With gains expected in the Scion brand with the new xB and xD, Toyota also has high hopes for its box-fresh Corolla and […]
Shawn January 12th, 2008 1:00 AM Link
Yeah so i would like to say you non toyota lovers suck ass i work at crown toyota and to me they are nice vehicles how many cars trucks and suv’s do you see with over 200000 miles still running quite and smooth sure aint gonna see it from chevy or ford mitsubishi yeah running maybe with some minor knocks and pings honda HA Dodge yeah right do your research people they may not be fast or out running stangs or vets but they will last alot longer is not dependable and reliable important to any one yeah so now tell me stories
Shawn January 12th, 2008 1:06 AM Link
dont get me wrong there are other vehicles out there that are bad ass i like the pontiac GTO but lets think where can you really go and drive the hell out of it without getting in trouble hummmmmm no where they are nice but why pay that outragous price for something thats gonna cost more in the long run than what its worth every one has their own oppinion and likes so dont hate them cause their not you!
M January 12th, 2008 11:38 PM Link
Being an employee of Toyota in Cambridge Ontario in the plant where the Corolla is made I do not work on that line (I work on the Lexus rx350 line) but have many friends who do and you could not be more wrong not only was the car completely redone the entire production line had to be changed. Yes the car does not look radically different but its a FOOR DOOR SEDAN. You try to change the car but you also don’t want to go so far the other way you turn off current Corolla owners yet attract the new customers that have entered your target demographic. For all you people who think Toyota won’t build and high hP car or a car to compete with a Civic you should look at the FT-HS yes its just a concept but Toyota has a few other cars(not as crazy as the FT-HS) that are looking to compete in the compact tuner market comming out in the near future.
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