Leighcm Posted November 5, 2007 Share Posted November 5, 2007 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) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XR2003 Posted November 28, 2007 Share Posted November 28, 2007 The 2.4 is the same engine as the Scion TC. Boost friendly. More pics of the 2009 Matrix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leighcm Posted November 28, 2007 Author Share Posted November 28, 2007 Thanks for the post...it's much more agressive now, isn't it? I really like the new design. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XR2003 Posted November 30, 2007 Share Posted November 30, 2007 I wasn't liking the new design much at 1st. You know when you are @ a bar and are really drunk - you see a lady and you think to yourself, "I'd hit that". That's what I think about the new Matrix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leighcm Posted November 30, 2007 Author Share Posted November 30, 2007 I think it's a cool look though...much more of what it should've been the first time around. Closer to the Subaru WRX wagon...sporty, agressive, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XR2003 Posted December 3, 2007 Share Posted December 3, 2007 I think it's a cool look though...much more of what it should've been the first time around. Closer to the Subaru WRX wagon...sporty, agressive, etc. What attracted me to the 1st gen matrix was the design reminded me of those mid - 90s Honda Civic hatchbacks. Being a Toyota made it even better, which is why I got mine on May of 2002. But I am starting to consider of trading in this one for the new 2009 Matrix XRS..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XR2003 Posted April 5, 2008 Share Posted April 5, 2008 What attracted me to the 1st gen matrix was the design reminded me of those mid - 90s Honda Civic hatchbacks. Being a Toyota made it even better, which is why I got mine on May of 2002. But I am starting to consider of trading in this one for the new 2009 Matrix XRS..... ^ what was I thinking? I love my Matrix..... more torque is great in the 2009, but sacrificing MPG (03-08 Models got better mileage) is a bit confusing especially with summer approaching. I expect the new generation Matrix to sell better than the 1st gen though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leighcm Posted April 7, 2008 Author Share Posted April 7, 2008 More torque is ALWAYS better...especially when accompanied by more horsepower. As that car already gets 30mpg or so, what's a mile or so per gallon loss anyway? Carpool once in awhile, and you'll make up for it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XR2003 Posted April 7, 2008 Share Posted April 7, 2008 More torque is ALWAYS better...especially when accompanied by more horsepower. As that car already gets 30mpg or so, what's a mile or so per gallon loss anyway? Carpool once in awhile, and you'll make up for it... When I test drive one of the 09's, I'll let you know if this is true. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naz Posted July 30, 2008 Share Posted July 30, 2008 ahh i saw the latest matrix when i went to give my car for servicing yesterday. It is a really good looking car, proportions are just right and wheels/tire combos are excellent, the bridgestone turanza? tires looked great on the 17" rims. and I didnt even see a XRS i was looking at a S :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leighcm Posted July 30, 2008 Author Share Posted July 30, 2008 I saw one on the road yesterday finally...they do look pretty good!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XR2003 Posted July 30, 2008 Share Posted July 30, 2008 Yes I have seen them quite frequently here. In fact one of people who work right next door to me has the Matrix XRS with 18 inch rims. Looks very nice.... I have even seen the new Pontiac Vibe. I have to admit, other than the XRS - the Vibe looks better than the Matrix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leighcm Posted July 30, 2008 Author Share Posted July 30, 2008 Haven't seen the Vibe yet, but I imagine it still has that over-done Pontiac interior...give me a nice clean Toyota look anytime over that plasticky GM junk... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Youpicks Posted August 1, 2008 Share Posted August 1, 2008 <script charset="UTF-8" type="text/javascript"> var swickiSidebar= { canvasColor: '#EEEEEE', // use '#EEAAFF' hex format or TextColor: '#000E3A', // web standard color names TagLinkColor: '#0033CC', TagHoverBGColor: 'transparent', TagFontFamily: 'Georgia', // eg. 'Times New Roman' or 'Arial' TagFontSizeMax: 24, // eg. 24pt TagFontSizeDiff: 3 // eg. 5 };</script><script charset="UTF-8" type="text/javascript" src="http://swicki.eurekster.com/sidebar?groupkey=509052d4-c11e-4155-b1d9-415d25fe07dc&target=_self&numresults=20&format=js&share=ac9cca48-1294-4be2-b1b7-2d0d59587f3c"></script><p style="font-size:9px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; padding:5px 0;margin:0px;"><a href="http://www.eurekster.com/swickibuilder/share.aspx?swicki=toyota-search-engine" style="text-decoration: none;" title="Grab the code to add "toyota-search-engine" swicki to your site!">Grab this swicki</a> from <a href="http://www.eurekster.com" style="text-decoration: none;">eurekster.com</a></p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leighcm Posted August 1, 2008 Author Share Posted August 1, 2008 ?? All I could see of this post was code, and very little content? Is it just my heavily restricted work computer, or is there something actually there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XR2003 Posted August 1, 2008 Share Posted August 1, 2008 ?? All I could see of this post was code, and very little content? Is it just my heavily restricted work computer, or is there something actually there? same here something about transparent Georgia... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XR2003 Posted August 14, 2008 Share Posted August 14, 2008 K&N has made available a CAI for the 2009 Matrix. It is the same as the CAI for the Scion Xb (2nd generation). http://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?Prod=69-8613TS It's for the XRS (2.4L) model. The 1.8L is still stuck with a drop in replacement filter for the 2009s so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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