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Toyota Launches New Corolla in Japan
10 October 2006
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| The new Corolla Fielder. |
Toyota announced the Japan sales launch of the completely redesigned Corolla sedan—now known as the Corolla Axio—and the completely redesigned Corolla Fielder small station wagon. The Corolla is currently sold in more than 140 countries and regions, and cumulative sales since its introduction in 1966 have exceeded 30 million vehicles.
The Axio (the 10th generation sedan) and the Fielder both offer a choice of a 1.5-liter or Toyota’s newly developed 1.8-liter engine (2ZR-FE) and Super CVT-i (Super Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent) transmission. The 100 kW (134 hp) 1.8-liter engine develops 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque with fuel consumption of 5.8 l/100 km (40.5 mpg US). The 81 kW (109 hp) 1.5-liter engine develops 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) of torque with fuel consumption of 5.5 l/100 km (43 mpg US).
The 2ZR-FE, announced earlier this year (earlier post), replaces the 1ZZ-FE in the line-up. The 1.8-liter engine uses Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) to enable optimized control of both intake and exhaust valve timing at various speeds and loads. The 1ZZ-FE with VVT-i varied timing only on the exhaust valves.
The use of Dual VVT-i and ultra-light pistons, along with efforts to reduce friction loss among parts through mechanisms such as using roller bearings in the rocker arm valve train, helps deliver at least 5% greater fuel efficiency than that achievable by conventional engines and clean exhaust emissions (equivalent to 75% lower than the maximum allowed by 2005 emissions standards).
Toyota has also applied its new Eco Drive Indicator to the vehicle to raise the driver’s awareness of environmentally considerate driving and to contribute to higher fuel efficiency. (Earlier post.)
New equipment on the compacts includes a Pre-crash Safety System using millimeter-wave radar and an Intelligent Parking Assist system.
Toyota reportedly will delay the launch of the new Corolla in the US until 2008. (Earlier post.)
October 10, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (12) | TrackBack (0)
Comments
Posted by: allen_Z | October 10, 2006 at 07:10 AM
The equation was applied incorrectly to convert kw to hp.
It should be 134hp if it has 100kW (1hp = 746W) and 109hp for the 81kW motor.
Posted by: Patrick | October 10, 2006 at 07:36 AM
Will be a good thing to have more efficient <2-liter consumer choices -incl. a small station wagon near 40mpg- will soccer moms downsize?
Posted by: fyi CO2 | October 10, 2006 at 07:55 AM
In the U.S., the station wagon on the Corolla platform is the Matrix. So, does this mean that the new Matrix will the same as the Fielder?
Also, are these MPG estimates based on the Japanese combined cycle tests? I believe these tests render much higher apparent MPG than EPA, which for most people, overstates MPG.
Posted by: t | October 10, 2006 at 08:45 AM
Hopefully they'll bring the CVT to North-America this time (they didn't in the Yaris), or at least use a 5-speed automatic like Honda.
Posted by: Michael G. Richard | October 10, 2006 at 08:53 AM
Props to Patrick,
Still, not bad.
_
T,
Point taken. It seems like all govt. ratings are off, due to dated driving/equipment profiles, used during tests.
Posted by: allen_Z | October 10, 2006 at 10:46 AM
Miscalculations on power corrected. Thank you.
Posted by: Mike | October 10, 2006 at 03:47 PM
t, the matrix is simply based on the corolla platform, but actually bears little resemblance to the fielder. the fielder is more of the corolla verso of europe, which isn't the matrix. the matrix is a purely american model.
Posted by: lensovet | October 10, 2006 at 11:55 PM
Allen:
As I understand it, new Corolla will be introduced in US as 2008 model, which means 2007 calendar year.
Pleased to see that Toyota moved to roller-bearing rocker arm valvetrain, which arguably is the best. No word on hydraulic lift adjusters, thought.
Move to VVT transmission is quite bold, being tradition-breaking to US market. Hope it will work with buyers.
Posted by: Andrey | October 11, 2006 at 01:59 AM
There are some engine tuners whom prefer mechanical adjustment of the valve tappets rather than hydraulic adjusters.
Posted by: Patrick | October 11, 2006 at 07:40 AM
It all depends on valvetrain. For cams directly pushing through hydraulic adjusters to valve steam (practice up to date favored by Toyota), insertion of hydraulic adjuster in-between is only nuisance to high-performance tuner (yet it vastly increases service intervals, which is of no concern to performance geeks). If cam is working (through roller followers) on rocker arm, adjusted by hydraulic leash adjuster, said hydraulic adjuster have no effect on performance whatsoever. But still it vastly benefits for longetivity of valvetrain. This technology is preferred by, as I know, BMW and Nissan, and arguably is the best available as of today.
Posted by: Andrey | October 12, 2006 at 01:48 AM
I think Toyota is watching how well customers react to Nissan installing CVT's on the Versa, Sentra, Altima and Maxima models. If it's positive, then expect Toyota to use the Super CVT-i transmission on the next-generation Corolla and possibly Yaris models within the next 24 months.
Posted by: SactoGuy88 | October 19, 2006 at 08:29 PM
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The relatively high Torque to HP ratio may make it feel like it has more pep than one would expect from a 75 or 60 hp engine.
_The delay of launch, till 2008 for the US market, is to protect their reputation of their brand. This car would still sell well, especially if launched Spring or Summer 08. Periods of higher gas prices, are driving the sales of subcompacts, and hyrbrids.
_On the other hand, looking 2 years out and predicting the future may be hazardous. By then, unforeseen events/developments, may make the current $60-$70 ga environment, go away. Events, could also make hydrocarbon fuel, unavailable. Miscalculation, on the part of the players in Northeast Asia, could make for the resumption of the Korean War. Millions could die, and there Will be economic ramifications.