Toyota announced Wednesday that it will offer a high-performance Corolla compact sedan in 2004 to help commemorate the model’s 35th anniversary in the United States. The Corolla first sold in America as a 1969 model; the 170-horsepower, six-speed-equipped Corolla XRS will go on sale in May.

The XRS uses a newly tuned version of the 1.8-liter dual-overhead-cam engine and six-speed manual transmission found in both the Celica GT-S and the Corolla Matrix XRS. Along with 170 hp, the powerplant generates 127 pounds-feet of torque — 10 fewer hp than the Celica GT-S but with broader, stronger midrange torque. It has VVTL-i (a valve timing and lift system) that produces what Esmond called “a supercharged-like rise in power” between 6,000 and 7,800 rpm. “The result is a compact sport sedan that blends sub-eight-second zero-to-sixty acceleration with exceptional throttle response,” he said. Toyota estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

According to Toyota, the XRS’s sport-tuned suspension has increased-rate coil springs and shocks on all four wheels for improved roll and pitch. It includes a front connecting-rod damper mounted between the shock towers to produce improved ride and handling without compromising noise, vibration and harshness. The steering system features a more rigid steering column, producing less vibration and improved response. A power steering rack specially developed for the XRS allows for better steering feedback.

The ride height is a half-inch lower than that of a standard Corolla, and the XRS’s 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are an inch larger than the wheels on other Corollas. The XRS has sport seats; performance-themed trim includes a color-keyed bezel surrounding the grille, a silver-colored center-console cluster and switch plates, unique badging and a leatherlike shift boot with a leather shift knob.

“With the popularity of the sporty Corolla S, the logical next step was to match its youthful styling with a performance-driven powertrain,” Esmond said. “We expect the XRS to follow the course started by the S grade by appealing to younger customers, with an increase in single male buyers.”

The Corolla XRS will be built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada in Cambridge, Ontario, alongside the Matrix. Annual sales of the XRS are projected at approximately 5,000 units. Pricing has not yet been set but will likely exceed S-model pricing by at least $1,000.

http://www.cars.com/news/stories/110...y&aff=national

 

Christ. Honda is taking it up the ass in this segment. Good move by Toyota :thumbup:

 

I like, it looks like now Honda ought to put a 2.0L engine into the Civic.

 

Definitely a good move.....I never thought I would see it...and yes I will say it, the corolla looks better than the four door civic. h: expecially now that you can get one with 170 hp.

 

I've been saying it all along: Honda should have put the K20A3 (160HP) in the Civic Sedan (call it whatever the hell you want) and thw K20A (200HP) in a CTR or Civic Si or whatever...damn it Honda

 

Honda Canada has a Civic Si sedan, its new for the 2004 model year, but its basically an EX w/ 127hp though.

http://www.honda.ca/HondaEng/Models/...4/features.asp

 

it suprises me that toyota is doing such thing. this is like "wont believe it till i hear it" type thing coming from toyota.

:thumbup:

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here it is:





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Wheel gap= - Guess there's gotta be something left to modify.

 

:slap:

Si in Canada = EX in US
SiR in Canada = Si in US

it's been that way for like 12 years :doh:

Samsy: Thanks for the pics :thumbup: it looks pretty good, except for the wheelgap :ugh:

 

yeah, its been the Si for the coupes for years now, but for the sedans it was the EX, LX, and LX sports. Before the Civic sedans only had the 115HP engines because the Acura 1.7EL has the 127HP engine, now Civic sedans in Canada have the 127HP engines.

 

Wow, that's pretty spiffy. Not to mention it's already a pretty quick car. That 1.8 moves quite well.