2009 Corolla at SEMA

[Gears]

I was looking at the pictures of the 09 Toyota Corolla. It looks like the front end is a mini copy of the Camry and the back end stayed the same.

I was hoping that Toyota would try to make it at least a little more modern looking, didn't their designers see what Honda did with the Civic?

IMHO Toyota missed the boat on this, it just looks like a mild make over.

[a.k.a. Patrick]

A pic would be very beneficial!

[BigAl3]

it seems that most all the newer toyotas have the camry look/influence to it...

2009 Corolla S (kinda looks like a camry and scion fused together)


i'd rather take the civic anyday...

[BlackElantraGT]

More evolutionary than revolutionary. I actually prefer the rear of the previous gen. a bit better.

[RTexasF]

I think it's cool that 'Yota is bringing back the Corolla version (forgotten the name) with the 2.4l engine and six speed tranny.

[Jek Hawkins]

NO! You didn't do the Civic justice! lol, coupe FTW!

And IMHO, I don't care for the new Camry's front or the new Corolla's front. Just strikes me as too...nosey! I might've liked the new look better if the crest were separate from the body and right smack-dab in the center of the grille where it used to be. And the last Civic Sedan picture is just astonishing! That body kit should be stock rather than dealer option; best Civic sedan I've seen yet!

[BigAl3]

Originally Posted by Jek Hawkins

NO! You didn't do the Civic justice! lol, coupe FTW!

i would of posted the coupe, but since we're talking about the corolla which is a sedan. here's a pic of the coupe for you...

[todd@bsaw]

I'd figured out a few years ago how car makers develop their design cues to 'evolve' their images. I'll put it out in steps from the Audi designs over the last few years:

1) Have an "edgy" new sports car or flagship model that stays popular for years.
(1998-2005 Audi TT)

(2002 Audi RS6)



2) Show a concept car at various auto shows to gauge public and media attention with varying design cues.
(2001 Audi Avantissimo)

(2003 Audi Nuvolari Quattro)



3) Develop a revolutionary "new" sports car design in a concept car for a new model that is futuristic but similar to the previous sports car.
(2002 Audi RSQ from "I, Robot")

(Even the police squads in the movie look like the current A4)

4) Show the flagship model with cues from the futuristic concept.
(2002 Audi A8/S8 Concept, released 2003)



5) Follow the modern design cues to the most popular and lowest priced model.
(2003 Audi A3)



6) Release previous "edgy" design to the whole lineup.
(2004 Audi A4)

(2005 Audi A6)



7) Turn the original concept car into a limited production model or new flagship car.
(2006 Audi R8)

(2007 Audi S5)



... and the cycle continues. For the next Audi model designs, look at the recent R8 and RS4. I've seen this cycle continue for almost every car maker. Look at the newer Hondas and the original S2000. Look at the newer Lexi and the concept from "Minority Report". Look at the ugly BMWs compared to the original Z3.




I think I took way too much time explaining this, but it was fun.

[RallyMSP]

Originally Posted by Gears

I was looking at the pictures of the 09 Toyota Corolla. It looks like the front end is a mini copy of the Camry and the back end stayed the same.

I was hoping that Toyota would try to make it at least a little more modern looking, didn't their designers see what Honda did with the Civic?

IMHO Toyota missed the boat on this, it just looks like a mild make over.

ummm why change the formula when the current car is outselling the newer civic? Its like a 7 year old design!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They are playing it safe and smart. #1 goal is making money and thats what they have been doing for a long time. Check out the 09 matrix...thats puuuuuuuuuuurty

[Dave1]

Originally Posted by todd@bsaw

I think I took way too much time explaining this, but it was fun.

Yeah it was.....

Thanks for the pictures and captions......

[Autofan]

Yeah every Mazda Toyota looks the same very very boring.

[Jek Hawkins]

Originally Posted by BigAl3

i would of posted the coupe, but since we're talking about the corolla which is a sedan. here's a pic of the coupe for you...

I kno, I kno, I was just giving u a hard time

And altogether, I actually find myself caring very little about Toyotas these days. Not only do they have...questionable styling, they are really NOT entertaining cars for driving purposes. And as a whole, I see Japanese cars just getting uglier and uglier with the years, with the exception of Hondas. Overall, Mitsu's Eclipse is waaaaaaaaaaay too techno IMHO, Toyota's putting noses on their cars ???, Nissan's sticking to pretty decent, admittedly, Mazda's Kabura and whatever that new one is, ehh????? WTH? Subaru's new STi really needs some help, it's just a darn Mazda3 with a scoop... Ugh... Even the US seems to be catching on, Nitro really needs a little help, the new Camaro needs less techno, Ford is doing pretty well, but I take issue with the Edge... Euro cars are the stylistic ones, too bad they're so expensive... All these are IMHO, tho, say what u will, but I won't argue anyone for their opinions.