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Toyota Unveils All-New, 10th Generation Corolla At 2007 SEMA Show 10/31/2007 October 31, 2007 – Las Vegas - 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. 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. 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. 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)

Toyota Unveils All-New Corolla Matrix At 2007 SEMA Show 10/31/2007 October 31, 2007 – Las Vegas - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new second-generation Corolla Matrix at a press conference today at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. The Toyota Matrix, the sporty five-door vehicle that helped redefine the concept of a crossover utility vehicle, has been redesigned for the 2009 model year to offer performance that matters for driver enjoyment. "The Matrix concept was based on blending the functionality of an SUV, the style, image and performance of a sports car with the affordability of a subcompact sedan," said Tim Morrison, Toyota Division corporate marketing manager. "For 2009, it's all that, and more. It may have the body of a five-door hatch, but it comes with the soul of a two-door sports car." Development of the 2009 Matrix focused on greater exterior coupe-like styling with enhanced interior utility and improved dynamic performance. It was made wider with a lower stance than the current model while maintaining its interior space. The result is a sporty, dynamic shape that contains room for five people to ride in comfort. As a result of significant changes to the Matrix's profile, the theme is flowing and dynamic. The design expresses a low center of gravity, and coupe-like style with a fun-to-drive image. From the rear, the Matrix has rounded rear windows and continuous character lines that run from the front grille to the A-pillar. Matrix will be available in three grades – Standard, S and the XRS. And Matrix will offer the option of all-wheel drive (AWD) with the S grade. The S and XRS models integrate a front underbody spoiler with a large mesh fog lamp bezel and rear underbody spoiler. A rear deck spoiler will be standard for all XRS models. The Matrix interior is completely redesigned to enhance driving enjoyment, comfort and utility. Seats have been redesigned to accommodate the vehicle's new lower profile while maintaining the expected high comfort levels, and seat positions were lowered slightly to maintain appropriate headroom. As a result, cabin space remains equal to that of the previous Matrix. A new three-spoke steering wheel enhances the rest of the new Matrix interior. XRS models come standard with a leather-trimmed steering wheel that also includes spoke-mounted audio controls and hands-free Bluetooth® capability when equipped. The driver and front passenger are treated to comfortable new sport seats, with seat-mounted side airbags. A fold-down seatback table will be available for the front passenger's seat, enhancing interior utility on S and XRS. A movable and removable cup support element for the front center console helps provide versatile storage area and convenience. The cup holder area can be used as a tray when the divider is removed. For rear-seat passengers, expanded front-to-back couple distance helps to provide additional room and comfort. A folding seat with a 60/40 split includes a middle-seat headrest for the fifth passenger. The Matrix is equipped with a new, high-efficiency air-conditioning system with larger vents for directional accuracy and offers reduced power consumption and improved heating and cooling. The 2009 Matrix offers the choice of two different engines, a five-speed manual transmission, and either four- or five-speed automatic transmissions. A 16-valve, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine will produce 132 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. The engine will feature Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) on both the intake and exhaust camshafts that helps it achieve outstanding performance and economy. Estimated EPA fuel economy ratings are 26/32 city/highway mpg for manual transmission models and 25/31 for the automatic transmission model powered by a 1.8-liter engine. For those who crave just a bit more horsepower and torque, the Matrix offers a 16-valve DOHC 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i that will produce 158 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. Matrix models powered by the 2.4-liter engine with five-speed automatic transmission will have an estimated EPA fuel economy of 21/29 city/highway mpg. The Matrix's base wheel is a 16-inch steel unit with a six-spoke full wheel cover. A distinctive 17-inch five-spoke aluminum wheel will be available for the S grade, and an 18-inch aluminum alloy wheel with a twin five-spoke design will come standard on the XRS grade. Dual-stage SRS airbags will be standard for the driver and front passenger. Front seat-mounted side airbags, two-row side curtain airbags and front active headrests are also standard. Brake performance will be improved with standard front and rear disc brakes on all Matrix grades. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) are also standard. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with TRAC and off switch will be standard on XRS and available as an option on all other models. VSC automatically adjusts engine output and the vehicle's braking force at each wheel when the vehicle experiences a loss of traction during cornering. Form, fun and functionality will be in abundance with an array of standard convenience features across all three grades. Base equipment on all Matrix models include power color-keyed outside rearview mirrors, power steering, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, daytime running lights, heavy duty rear window defogger, intermittent windshield wipers, 12-volt power outlet, four cupholders, auxiliary audio input jack, front center console box and an engine immobilizer. The S grade adds standard power door locks and windows with one-touch down driver-side, 115-volt power outlet, cruise control, intermittent rear window wiper, fold-flat front passenger seat, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD with MP3 capability and six speakers, front and rear underbody spoilers and fog lamps. In addition to these features, the XRS grade features standard P215/45 R18 tires on 18-inch alloy wheels, sport strut tower brace, VSC with TRAC and off switch, and a three-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio steering wheel controls. In addition to the array of standard equipment, an impressive list of optional comfort and utility features are available to further enhance the Matrix driving experience. Available options will include an AM/FM/CD with six-speaker system with DVD navigation with XM NavTraffic® capability, alloy wheels, power heated outside rearview mirror, intermittent rear window wiper, cruise control, power door locks, power windows, and remote keyless entry. The all-new Matrix will hit Toyota dealerships in February 2008. 2009 MATRIX PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS POWERTRAIN 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 four and five-speed automatic transmissions DIMENSIONS (inches) Overall Length: 173.0 (S and XRS grades) 171.9 (Standard grade and S all-wheel-drive grade) Overall Width: 69.5 Overall Height: 61.4 (XRS and S all-wheel-drive grades) 61.0 (Standard grade and S) Wheelbase: 102.4 Ground clearance: 5.3 (S and XRS grades) 5.8 (Standard grade)

Free is good... Worst case: 9400 miles extra before the brakes have to be replaced as normal maintenance.

Sounds to me more like they're trying to replace them free of charge under the warranty. The bit about "...at the factory" sounds like a clear cut case of a manufacturer's defect. If you're worried about safety, the front brakes are the more important ones. One thing of note: brakes CAN wear out at 9400 miles, especially if you're guilty of riding the brake. Doesn't happen often, but it's not impossible.

While you're asking, I still need to sell my 2007 GS350...the sale I had fell through (financing issues, I guess...darn it). $41k

This sounds familiar...I think I've heard of someone with the same issue. It does sound like a slight design flaw, unfortunately. Let us know how it goes with the exhaust redirect.

Missed the dually...so many displays, so little time, so many crowds of people. (that, and driving the IS-F on skidpad kinda distracted me from a few other things!).

Went to SEMA here in Vegas today. Some things of note: drove the Lexus IS-F, and got to take it on a skidpad...way cool, great car, can't wait until it comes out!! Also, saw the Toyota trucks doing some interesting stuff on an off-road course, and saw some wheels that were entirely too large...not sure what size they were, but easily 32" rims on a truly bizarre Mercedes R-class. I'm not a Matrix fan (sort of a take-it-or-leave-it type thing), but there was an amazing one there that was lowered, all carbon fiber, very nice, very agressive. There was also a 2001 Lexus LS430 that was an exercise in "what NOT to do to your Lexus": lowered too far, tacky body kit, huge wheels, hood ornament, and FLUFFY FOX FUR SEATS. It was so wrong on so many levels. Here's a couple pics of it that I found online when I got home. Check out the interior!!

Just do it tastefully, and don't leave things half finished or poorly done...he'll have much less of a problem that way.

Nice...looks like it's in great shape!!

Here's my two cents on the subject: I know that Lexus parts, even if they have the same part number, are more expensive than Toyota parts. That being said, a manual set for a 2007 ES350 is about $250, and you get several books (wiring diagram, service manual, etc.)

Just don't do anything that interferes with driving... Yeah, I prefer my convertibles to be a bit larger. In my mind, a convertible is a cruising car...something for warm summer nights, Sunday afternoons, drives in the country, etc. It should be comfortable, doesn't even have to be fast....that's not the point. In a hot rod, I prefer a more substantial car. Something with a roof is best.

Sounds like a huge mess. I don't know anything about the engine in the car with the broken timing belt...it was such a long time ago, I'm lucky I remember having the car. It was a 1986 Mustang 4cylinder. Terrible car. No A/C. But it was my first car, so I guess have some fond memories.

Hmmm...didn't think about the Miata. Wouldn't want it for a daily driver, but it does have a lot of good characteristics. Cheap, reliable, lightweight, good weight distribution. That might actually be a good prospect. I wouldn't feel bad at all if I damaged a Miata...

Nice new avatar...very cool! Turbo's not for sale...yet. I get bored... You're always welcome to join the incredibly long thread we have going in the Camry section!

Okay, let me revise that: I'd prefer something low, sleek, and wide, rear wheel drive, front engine, two seater (or 2+2, but with the pointless rear seats), and preferably a hatchback. I know that the Corolla has the performance, but it just doesn't do anything for me...

Sorry...forgot about it until it was brought up in conversation! I imagine there's more stuff in the garage worth selling, but I've got to dig out. Want a set of 911 Turbo chromes with tires? I know where those are... Haven't heard from you in awhile...hope all is well with you and yours!!

True...of course, if I find an RX7 that old, the engine will probably have already been replaced. :P I don't know that I'd be happy with a Corolla. I really prefer a car that's more of a true sports car (although the specs you mentioned sound pretty sweet).

Okay, I've rescued my old HID kit from the depths of the garage. Here's the specs: Brand: Catz (Japanese brand; you can probably Google it) Two HID bulbs, D-2S HL4 D-d 35W 02240 2 inverters 2 ignitors 1 high/low control unit Lots of wires and relays Looks like everything is there that is needed...but it's been awhile and I don't remember if there was anything else. I think it's just low beams. Should be a 9003 in a regular bulb. This kit will should fit the 1997-2001 Camry. Not sure what it's worth...make an offer. I think I paid $300-400 for it a few years ago.

No problem...I think I'm going to post them on the buy/sell area and hopefully get them out of my garage. If you know of anyone looking for HIDs, let me know!

Cool...thanks!

Okay, I've rescued the HID kit from the depths of the garage. Here's the specs: Brand: Catz (Japanese brand; you can probably Google it) Two HID bulbs, D-2S HL4 D-d 35W 02240 2 inverters 2 ignitors 1 high/low control unit Lots of wires and relays Looks like everything is there that is needed...but it's been awhile and I don't remember if there was anything else. I think it's just low beams. Should be a 9003 in a regular bulb. I looked up the bulbs for your car, and unfortunately, I don't think these will fit. One thing to note: now that I've pulled the kit out and looked at it, I remember having only the low beams as HIDs, and I had Sylvania Silverstar bulbs for the high beams. The Silverstars are also very good and very bright.

Or 240sx, 92-93 era SC300 w/manual transmission, old Celica Supra, anything in that genre. Something RWD, manual transmission, not too heavy, good weight distribution. I wonder if the old RX-7s would be any good...like something around 1990MY. Something durable that I can spend maybe a couple thousand bucks plus a few mods, and then go beat it up drifting and not worry about the car breaking anything major. One of my favorite things when I had less expensive cars was to go do "donuts" on the ice or gravel...that was before drifting became the big thing. When you grow up living at the end of three miles of dirt road like I did, you get pretty good at catching the tires in that little ridge of sand in the middle of the road and sliding the car around the corners!

I second that!

Expensive to fix if it breaks though...I think I want something Japanese.