The Japanese car maker has unveiled the 2011 Toyota Corolla through photos and details released one day before its public debut at the 2010 Los Angeles Motor Show.
In terms of exterior changes the 2011 Toyota Corolla features a redesigned front bumper and grille, larger exterior mirrors, a revamped rear bumper, trunk lid, rear license garnish and rear combination lamp.
The 2011 Toyota Corolla has also received newly designed alloys and on the S model, the automaker offers a body kit as standard, for a ‘sportier’ appearance.
Under the bonnet the 2011 Toyota Corolla will come fitted with a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 132 HP and 128 lb-ft of torque as standard, which promises an estimated fuel economy of 31.5 mpg combined when mated with the 5-speed manual transmission.
On the 4-speed automatic version the 2011 Toyota Corolla is expected to return 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
The 2011 Toyota Corolla has received a series of equipment upgrades as well, meaning it now includes Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control plus the Star Safety System and Smart Stop Technology as standard.
The 2011 Toyota Corolla price was not announced yet, but the new sedan will hit the market in December, with two equipment grades besides the base model Corolla – the LE ans S.
Toyota press release :
• Exterior Front, Rear Freshened
• Standard Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control
• Standard Star Safety System and Smart Stop Technology
• Toyota Care Complimentary Maintenance Plan
Making
its debut at the Los Angeles Auto show tomorrow, the 2011 Toyota
Corolla – the best selling subcompact in America – will feature new
front and rear exterior styling, new interior design changes, Toyota
Care complimentary maintenance plan, standard Smart Stop Technology, and
two new colors. With a compelling combination of responsive,
fun-to-drive performance, proven value and significant safety
credentials, more than 30 million Corollas have been sold worldwide
since 1966. The 2011 Corolla will go in sale in December.
The 2011 Corolla continues to offer
Toyota’s Star Safety System™ standard, which includes Vehicle Stability
Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS),
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. It also
features the standard Smart Stop Technology brake-override system.
Performance and Efficiency
The
2011 Corolla is available in three grades: the base-model Corolla, LE,
and S. All models are equipped with the 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder
engine, which produces 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque at
4,400 rpm. Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i)
controls valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts to help
optimize performance and fuel economy. Internal components are
optimized to reduce friction.
The 1.8-liter engine is paired with a
five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic Electronically
Controlled Transmission (ECT) on the base Corolla, while the LE model
features the four-speed automatic standard. The four-speed automatic
uses a torque converter with flex lockup for increased fuel efficiency,
as well as uphill/downhill shift control. For a more engaging driving
experience, the driver can shift the four-speed automatic manually by
moving the shift lever to the left from its “D” position into the “S”
position, then pushing forward for upshifts and back for downshifts. An
indicator inside the combination gauge shows the gear selected. The
1.8-liter engine on the Corolla S transmits power through the five-speed
manual transmission or the four-speed automatic.
The 1.8-liter engine has earned an
EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway with
the five-speed manual transmission, and 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway
with the four-speed automatic transmission.
Handling and Ride
The
smooth-riding Corolla is built around a stiff body structure that
relies on high tensile-strength steel, gussets and cross members for its
strength, rigidity and lightweight construction. Front suspension is
composed of a compact, rigid L-arm-type MacPherson strut with a
stabilizer bar. The Corolla’s torsion beam rear suspension employs a
coil-over-shock arrangement that allows efficient packaging along with
solid handling and excellent ride comfort.
Brakes consist of 10.7-inch vented discs
up front for all models and nine-inch drums in the rear. An electric
power-assist steering system uses a compact motor, speed reducer and
torque sensor built into the steering column. The system varies the
amount of assistance according to engine RPM and vehicle speed. The
result is appropriate weight and responsiveness at higher speeds, and
light effort at low speeds. Electric power steering reduces parasitic
losses to the engine, thereby aiding fuel economy. It is also
environmentally efficient, because it does not require hydraulic oil.
Safety
The Corolla
is engineered to absorb and disperse impact energy throughout the entire
body structure, including front and rear crumple zones. Strengthened
door beltline reinforcements help share the impact load, which in side
impacts is also directed to the underbody. A direct tire pressure
monitor system comes standard on every Corolla.
As part of the Toyota Star Safety System,
Vehicle Stability Control automatically adjusts engine output and the
vehicle’s braking force at individual wheels to help control any
discrepancy between where the driver is steering and where the vehicle
is heading.
All Corolla models are equipped with six
standard airbags, including advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted
side airbags, and front-and-rear side-curtain airbags. Seatbelt
pretensioners retract the seat belt at the time of a frontal collision,
and the dual-stage force limiter helps limit the seat belt force applied
to the passenger’s chest. Front seats integrate active headrests. If
the vehicle is struck from the rear with sufficient force, a
cable-actuated mechanism in the active front headrest moves the headrest
upward and forward to help limit the movement of the occupant’s head.
The Corolla also features an energy-absorbing steering column.
Comfort and Convenience
The
2011 Corolla upholds a 40-plus year heritage for providing outstanding
value in standard equipment. All models feature a standard all-weather
package. The Corolla grade features new 15-inch steel wheels with full
wheel covers; P195/65 R15 tires; a color-keyed front grille and exterior
door handles; a heavy-duty rear window defogger with timer; AM/FM/CD
audio with four speakers with MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary
audio jack, and auto sound leveling; air conditioning with pollen
filter; intermittent windshield wipers; daytime running lights; black
folding power mirrors that are larger for improved rear visibility; tilt
and telescopic steering wheel; multi-information display with outside
temperature, instant fuel economy, average fuel economy, average speed
and travel distance; fabric-trimmed six-way adjustable drivers seat;
four-way adjustable front passenger seat; 60/40 split folding rear seats
and a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet.
The popular Corolla LE grade adds
variable intermittent windshield wipers with mist cycle; color-keyed
power heated outside mirrors; AM/FM/CD audio with six speakers with
MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio jack, and auto sound
leveling; cruise control; multi-function in-key remote keyless entry
system with lock, unlock, trunk release, panic and remote illuminated
entry; power windows with driver side auto down; tilt/telescopic sport
steering wheel with metallic accents and audio controls; and power door
locks with shift-activated automatic locking feature.
The sporty Corolla S grade adds newly
designed 16-inch alloy wheels and 205/55 R16 tires; multi-reflector
halogen headlamps with black housing; color-keyed front and rear
underbody spoilers, sport side rocker panels, unique S badge and rear
mudguards; color-keyed rear spoiler, integrated fog lamps; front sport
seats; chrome-tipped exhaust; an new tilt/telescopic sport steering
wheel with audio controls; chrome exhaust tip; sport fabric-trimmed
six-way adjustable drivers seat and four-way adjustable front passenger
seat; metallic style interior trim and analog sport instrumentation.
Options
The Corolla
LE and S grades offer a power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade;
and an AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers,
XM® Radio (includes 90 day trial subscription), auxiliary audio jack,
USB port with iPod connectivity, CD text display function, auto sound
leveling, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth
wireless technology.
The Corolla LE offers a Premium Package
that includes 16-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels with P205/55R16 tires;
integrated fog lamps; power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade;
AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, XM®
Radio (includes 90 day trial subscription), auxiliary audio jack, USB
port with iPod connectivity, CD text display function, auto sound
leveling, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth
wireless technology.
Exterior Design
The
Corolla’s design, created with input from styling studios in Turin,
Italy, strikes a sporty profile. New 2011 exterior-design changes were
made on the front bumper, radiator grille, front lower grille,
headlamps, trunk lid, rear license garnish, rear combination lamp, rear
bumper and reflex reflector. Built on a 102.4-inch wheelbase, the
Corolla provides room for five, and its 12.3 cu. ft. trunk rivals
midsize cars’ trunks in capacity. The sporty profile is the result of
pulling the A-pillar forward and the C-pillar rearward, which also
enhances aerodynamic performance for optimal fuel efficiency.
Character lines sweep from the hood
toward the A-pillars and carry back from the top edge of the front
bumper into the subtle yet muscular front-fender flares. Additional
lines carry rearward at the level of the door handles, emphasizing the
Corolla’s low profile, and sweep down from the C-pillar and along the
top edges of the rear fenders.
Just above the dense mesh grille that
helps form the now familiar Toyota T-face, an interlayer of
anti-chipping coating is used to help minimize paint damage from stone
chips. The side-view mirrors have increased in size for excellent
visibility; heated side-view mirrors are available. The standard body
kit on S the model adds a sporty look while also enhancing aerodynamics.
The kit includes a front spoiler, rocker moldings, and upper and lower
rear spoilers. Engine undercovers improve air management under the car
on all models.
Toyota designers focused significant
attention on reducing wind noise. The A-pillar is specially profiled
for this purpose. The windshield is made from acoustic glass and the
window-frame structure is designed to reduce vibration of side glass.
The windshield molding, wiper blade covers and shape of the cowl air
intake louvers are all designed to minimize noise. Windshield washer
nozzles are partially shielded by the rear edge of the hood, instead of
sitting atop the hood or cowling. Inside, the carpeting is designed to
better absorb noise.
Interior Design
The
2011 Corolla features a number of new interior design features that
enhance its distinctive style. A new seat color and pattern enhances
Corolla’s contemporary looks, while the combination meter design has
been changed with the aim of enhancing clarity. The instrument panel
upper and door trim upper color has been changed, revealing a
sophisticated cabin appearance. A newly designed steering wheel on the
Corolla S is provides a sporty image.
The Corolla’s driving position and front
seats are tailored to a wider range of driver heights. A standard tilt
and telescope steering wheel in all models makes it easy for taller
drivers to find a comfortable position.
A multi-information display presents a
variety of information, including outside temperature, instant fuel
economy, average fuel economy, average speed and travel distance.
The Corolla’s rear bench seat offers
space and comfort for three adults. Careful attention to exhaust system
routing provides a nearly flat rear floor, enhancing comfort for the
middle passenger. Three interior color schemes are available: Ash, Dark
Charcoal and Bisque. The Bisque is paired with Ash Brown trim.
A variety of useable, easy-to-reach
storage spaces provide convenience and usability inside the Corolla.
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.
Limited Warranty
Toyota’s
36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all
components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional
60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion
with no mileage limitation.
