2007/2008 Corolla

[ancullen]

I've been searching around trying to find any spy pics of the next generation Corolla and haven't been having much luck. All I've found are the following:

 

This is reputedly the next model Corolla, however it looks to me like a current model with an updated front end (to look like the new Yaris).

 

This image came from the US magazine Motor Trend. There is a lot of doubt about how accurate this image is, as it has been drawn by one of Motor Trend's artists, and supposedly they're never too accurate.

 

I have also heard very recently that due to the sharp sporty look of the new (8th generation) Civic, the 10th generation Corolla has been put off for another year (won't be released until 2007/2008) as Toyota want to make it look far sportier.

 

New Civic Coupe (US version)

 

New Civic Sedan (US version)

 

New Civic Sedan (Japanese Mugen-enhanced version)

 

As to drivetrain, there has been a 2-litre engine mentioned for the new Corolla. As the new Civic has been released in the US with the new R18 motor (1.8L, SOHC, 140hp) and the K20 motor to be used in sporting variants (2.0L, DOHC, 200hp), I figure this would leave Toyota with at least three options:

 

1. Up the power of the 1ZZ-FE to around 140-150hp (105-112kW).

2. Create a 2.0L version of the ZZ-motor (a 5ZZ-FE) with the above sort of output.

3. Use the 1AZ-FE 2.0L RAV4 motor. This would also mean the 2AZ-FE (2.4L) motor could be used in a new Sportivo model. I have heard that Toyota isn't too happy with the 2ZZ-GE and may be ceasing production, so using a greater capacity motor would make sense for a new Sportivo.

 

Any comments/suggestions???

[ancullen]

Actually, the other thing I forgot to mention was that Toyota are supposedly going to release a Corolla GT4. This will continue the GT4 line of cars (Celica > Caldina > Corolla). It will be 2.0L turbo, AWD. I don't think they'll still use the 3S-GTE though, in fact, I wouldn't be surprised if a 1AZ-FTE was created and the 4WD/AWD setup from the RAV4 were used. And if this were the case, then the 1AZ-FE would most likely be the engine used in the more sedate versions of the Corolla. Although I'd like to see a development of the ZZ-series, such as a 5ZZ-FE with a 2.0L capacity.

[Nitephyre]

GT4 Corolla == Me'd sell kidney and toenail for :D

[Super Jamie]

new cars = boring

they all look the same

[Dan]

Makes a good challenge then...

 

With the right touch new cars can look bitchin' !

[bernieboy]

I wouldn't be surprised if they started using the supercharged 2ZZ-GE that they use in the European Corolla. I'll scan in pictures I have from a UK magazine.

I assume its supposed to be a Corolla Sportivo. Its done by TTE.

The engine is also used by Lotus in their new Exige.

[ancullen]

I doubt it strongly. To truly compete with WRX and Evo a turbo 2.0L will be needed. Plus Toyota are supposedly unhappy with how well VVTL-i works and will stick to just VVT-i for some reason known only to Toyota. Unfortunately I would still bet on a 1AZ-FTE or possibly a 1AZ-GTE version. The AZ family of motors makes the most sense to me, even if I do prefer the ZZ option.