http://t.wieck.com/PV/2003/11/04/TYT2003110460119_PV.jpg

The Toyota Corolla XRS sport sedan was first shown in November 2003. Featuring a newly tuned version of Toyota's 2ZZ dual overhead cam engine and six-speed manual transmission (found in the Celica GT-S and Corolla Matrix XRS), the car should be able to outrace the Ford Focus SVT and Honda Civic Si. The increase in power will be complemented by improved ride and handling, thanks to a sport-tuned suspension and new steering improvements.

The 1.8 liter engine produces . The engine has been retuned to deliver a broader and stronger mid-range power curve, but continues 170 horsepower but only 127 lb-ft of torque - roughly the same torque as the standard Corollathe variable valve timing and lift system for a turbo-like rise in power starting at 6,000 rpm. The result, along with the Corolla's relatively light weight, is a zero-to-sixty time under eight seconds coupled with good throttle response - and gas mileage of 25 city, 32 highway.

The new Corolla XRS will be powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder DOHC engine that produces 170 horsepower and 127 pounds of torque. The engine will deliver a broader and stronger mid-range torque than the previous versions of the 2ZZ engine. And, it will feature a VVTL-i variable valve timing and lift system that produces a supercharged-like rise in power from 6,000 to 7,800 RPM. The result is a compact sport sedan that blends sub-eight-second zero-to-sixty acceleration with exceptional throttle response throughout its broad power band.

The XRS features a sport-tuned suspension that includes a front connecting rod damper developed by Yamaha. The damper is mounted between the shock towers to produce improved ride and handling without compromising NVH. In addition to the performance damper, the XRS features increased rate coil springs and shocks on all four wheels for improved roll and pitch, and a ride height that is lower by a full half-inch.

The suspension stands on larger 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels and Michelin performance tires, an upgrade from the standard 15-inch wheels on all other Corolla grades. It is complemented by a steering system that features a more rigid steering column, producing less vibration and improved response. A power steering rack developed for the XRS allows for better steering feedback.

There are also cosmetic changes including sport seats, color-keyed bezel surrounding the grille, silver-colored center cluster and switch plates, a leather-like shift boot with a leather shift knob, and unique badging.

The Corolla XRS will be built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada (TMMC) in Cambridge, Ontario alongside the Matrix. It will reach dealerships on May 1st, 2004. Annual sales of the XRS are projected at approximately 5,000 units.

Another torqueless wonder from Japan. Sad...

Originally posted by zx3matt
Another torqueless wonder from Japan. Sad...

You realize a Zetec only puts out 8 more ft-lbs...

Originally posted by Egz
You realize a Zetec only puts out 8 more ft-lbs...

I'm sure he does, but does the Zetec have 170hp? No, what is the torque numbers on the SVT? That's a more likely comparison. You just compared 130bhp and 135ft-lbs tq, with 170bhp and 127 ft-lbs tq. Thats like a rhino with no balls. Torque makes the world go round. Compare the SVT torque with that, I'm not worried about it, after all its a corolla, and I hate toyota anyways. Mostly because I hate their dumb camry commercials. I just checked the SVT makes 18lbs more torque than that thing does, and it also says that it produces most of its power above 6000RPM, sounds a bit strange to me, I'd also like to know what they call lightweight.

hehe.. you said balls [hihi]

4 get the corolla it looks like a little dwarf car ,, P.O.S

Standard Toyota Corolla S has an all-aluminum 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve VVT-i 4-cylinder
with 130 hp @ 6,000 rpm; 125 lb.-ft. @ 4,200 rpm

Focus Zetec has 130hp @ 5300 rpm; 135ft-lbs tq @ 4500. That's 10lbs more torque and .2 liter larger engine for less money.

[thumb]

Originally posted by Egz
You realize a Zetec only puts out 8 more ft-lbs...

If that motor is anything like the one in the Celica, then the Ztec may be just a little more, but it will be at a much lower rpm, and at a broader range of revs.

Sorry to PO, but seriously, don't you think it is sad that the 180hp (Toyota), and 200hp (Acura) engines have less torque and at higher rpms than our lowly Foci, and with the benefit of vtec-type technology?

AHH AMERICAN POWER!!! GOTTA LOVE IT!

Oh, I'm all for torque. Why do you think I have a 2.3l? Emissions?

I was just stating that its torque values aren't that much lower, considering its even a smaller engine. But compared to a SVT, the SVT should walk it.

I wonder if Toyota will bring over the hatchback version to compete against the ZX3. I think currently it's only offered in CAN.

But man have you notice lately that a lot of Toyota's models tend to look like other company's cars?

There sure are a lot of import-haters on this forum. Personally, I like this car. I'm glad to see that Toyota is returning the Corolla to what it used to be back in the 80's - something for everybody. If you just want cheap basic transportation, you can buy the base model. If you want something a little nicer or a little sportier, the midrange models. If you want something with a lot more sport, the new model. Remember the Corolla GT-S? Still has a huge following in Japan, thanks to the whole drifter scene. And for all the Toyota-haters, how many of you know that Kicknzx3, this forum's top poster, works for Toyota??

horror story about someone winning this car!

Originally posted by 00focus
4 get the corolla it looks like a little dwarf car ,, P.O.S

know what your talking about before you talk like that...that car is built 10 times over better than the focus. and truthfully, i rather the new xrs over the focus.

this car is gonna be pretty quick and will run with svt's...only thing is, the normal type s runs 18+...so i can see this being 20, but hell, so was the svt.

in puerto rico the 80's corollas have a HUGE following....
you see a 81 corolla 1.8 doing the 1/4 in 12 seconds...some time even less...they are not street legal thou....but still...

Joel

Haha, Fino, I remember that. That was a pretty cruel joke to play on someone. I forgot that she was a Hooters girl, though. Look at that picture, tell me - how did she get to be a Hooters girl in the first place?? [confused]

i dont know how she got the job! i might be wrong here but is hooters not a bar where the service girls have big HOOTERS?? we aint got any in ireland..... cry cry

[hihi] Yeah, that's the idea.

Corollas look like Echos that forgot to diet. I have always hated them.

^^ thank you.

i was going to say what i say about the srt-4's... as great as they may be performance-wise... it's still a neon. and with this one... well... it's still a corolla. [:)]

I guess the Corolla has a hugh aftermarket for mods.
Check out this custom Corolla with after market cardboard...[hihi]

http://vamp.darkravers.net/VampsCarGraphics/CardboardBodyKitFront.jpg
http://vamp.darkravers.net/VampsCarGraphics/CardboardBodyKitRear.jpg
http://vamp.darkravers.net/VampsCarGraphics/CardboardBodyKitExhaust.jpg

i wouldnt drive that xrs, corrola has always been a girl to me besides the old school ones. 2 of my x gf's and a couple of my moms friends and a pregnant girl at work all drive corrolla's. couple of the s models too. call me shallow but i just couldnt do it. maybe if it ran next to the srt-4 i would :)

anyway, toyota makes great motors, very fine tuned. but id rather drive a gt-s than this, or the srt-4 for the money

hey that chick who worked at hooters was hot...too big of hooters is just plain ol sick...she was hot!!!!! I'd like her workin there! :) corolla=bad

Originally posted by SVT4ME
Haha, Fino, I remember that. That was a pretty cruel joke to play on someone. I forgot that she was a Hooters girl, though. Look at that picture, tell me - how did she get to be a Hooters girl in the first place?? [confused]

ahh the rest of them are under the table....

or perhaps she is talented at other things errr...[paranoid]

kickn its my opinion so i dont really care what u think! no offense please just wondering how would the svt be a 20 my stock 2.0 runs 16.99

I think Kickn is referring to the expected price of the car, as in $20,000. I would hope it could do better than 20's in the quarter mile! [hihi]

i like the AE86 Corolla ONLY!
yet this sucks...

im actually dating a hooters girl right now, she wasnt a hooters girl when we got together tho, just got the job :) ill see if i can get a pic of her to scan. hot lil asian girl :D

Originally posted by 00focus
kickn its my opinion so i dont really care what u think! no offense please just wondering how would the svt be a 20 my stock 2.0 runs 16.99

well you should care, because when your calling a car a pos, that clearly isn't a pos, even your opinion is wrong.

ok well then ehats your opinion thats its not junk

Not so sure I would talk highly about the corolla, here is the first thing I found:

http://www.safetyalerts.com/recall/a/02/v00150.htm

hmm Focal countering Kickn..........this could be interesting

torque > horsepower... in this case ESPECIALLY in the lower rev range. Crikey, my 91 Prelude made 127ft. lbs... my, hasn't Japan come far in the past 13 years...

too bad its ugly as poopie.

Will anyone really care if it is faster than an SI or an SVT? The real question is "Is it faster than an SRT?" or "Does it handle as well as an SI or an SVT?" I think its cool. I like the way different manufacturers are making sub 20 sports cars. The Spec V, SI, Mazdaspeed, & SRT are badass in my book. I think the Lancer Ralliart, Ion Redline, & XRS will be too. I'm glad Toyota is stepping it up with the Corolla because they're one step closer to a Corolla street/rally car.

I also agree w/ Infra -- automakers are really feeding our sport-compact-on-a-budget needs in the USA. Still, I feel criticism of a company's product is perfectly fine, if not required for the advancement and improvement of that company's product.

you are all bashing Japan in general? apparently none of you have or owned a DSM before 1st & 2nd gen turbo models of laser, talons, eclipses.

200 hp 195 torque i belive stock. mine was almost up to 350 hp before I sold it. untill you beat one of these with your focus I would not call jap cars in general pathetic for torque ;)

btw I love my focus and before this I enjoyed my import greatly, I'd buy one again but my 92 Laser was starting to show its age in some parts.

check this... I test drove the Matrix XRS, basically the Corolla XRS but with 10 more horse power and a bit more torque. I took it out on an open road and yeah... after 6000 rpm it finally got some life into it. Now, go out to your Focus and blow that corolla outta the water with your haul ass 2nd and 3rd gears. It won't be able to keep up off the line.

The Matrix XRS is a joke. I hope the Corolla isn't like the Matrix because the Matrix doesn't handle.

Originally posted by CyByte
you are all bashing Japan in general? apparently none of you have or owned a DSM before 1st & 2nd gen turbo models of laser, talons, eclipses.
I'm not bashing Japan at all. My ZX3 will NEVER come close in some aspects to my Prelude. While I have much respect for Japanese engineering and reliability, DSMs hardly represent the lexicon of either of those standards, especially the latter. When they're working, they're AWESOME, though. But honestly, how often is that? They make an excellent second/project car.

The Carolla might be faster, but the Focus lookes cooler.

Red Baron - Did you know you can sell one of your testicles for about $40,000 after taxes? I think $40,000 would be enough for a stick shift. If you sold both of them you'd probably get some sort of bonus. You could probably sell all of your junk and get 7 or 8 manual cars.

in my opinion, the corolla looks prety damn cool. have you guys seen the new mazda 3?? pretty badass i think!! sorry, but the focus is pretty blah to look at.......i know i own one, but theres never been a focus that caught my eye.....not even the SVT, although it is a big improvement over stock. people talk a lot about jap cars being unreliable and junk, and if that is so.......why did toyota just bump chrysler off its No. 3 spot in the auto market?? hate to say it guys, but FORD is next!!! manufacturers like honda and toyota dont need to prove themselves to anyone.......they have a long standing list of reliable cars that are still running out there....its no wonder they are reaching their hands deeper and deeperinto the american market. i wish the big 3 would stop them, as much as i loved all the hondas i owned, i would much rather see an american company come up with a badass looking car that is reliable, fun, handles good, and actually has potential. sorry but 130hp.....hell, even 170hp isnt shit today!! todays modern sport compacts have over 200hp, and even if it doesnt have stump-pulling torque, a stock 200hp honda or toyota will wax any stock focus....SVT or not!! i dont know why everyone hates VTEC cars......thats great technology!! hell, think about where it began......the old muscle cars......they would put a bigger cam in them for more horsepower, but would sacrifice smooth idle and things like that. honda and toyota and many other have incorporated 2 cams in one! its really that simple! sorry, but i would rather my focus have 180hp and 127tq, than 130hp and 132tq!! just wait.......i am sure our cars will have some sort of variable valve timing and lift mechanism before its all said and done......OR>.........a TURBO!!! that would be sweet!!!!! and all-wheel drive!!! i want ford to put out the original focus concept with 300hp, all wheel drive and turbo........then we are talking!! until then, watch out for those SRT-4's passing us all by!!!

whoa buddy, diggin in to the beginning of last month i see... u would rather have less torque?? i cant imagine why?

yo VtecGSRTypeR3000944039, The SVTF has variable valve timing.

I was looking at geting a Matrix before I got my Focus. It drove alright the Focus is way better. And talking with the dealer they said the Matrix is a Carolla wagon, but they named it the Matrix to boost sales.

to answer your question"I hope the Corolla isn't like the Matrix because the Matrix doesn't handle." Infra

AHH AMERICAN POWER!!! GOTTA LOVE IT!

AHH Nissan Power, gotta love it.

175hp
180ft/tq
[8D]

Just a few things to say here, mainly because this I get a kick out of the Forum Trolls that have sprung forth.

Side Note: buttons, and all the other buddies of yours, you did realize this is FOCUS Fanatics right? Not Nissan Sentra Fanatics, frankly the few people I know who have the SE-R Spec V, have wayyyyyy wayyyyy too many problems with them to consider them worthy of anything but a donor car. But again I digress, FOCUS Fanatics, learn to read.

Here is my take on things, be it uninformed or informed or whatever you choose to believe.

Japanese cars have had great success selling low-priced volume-based models for the most part. Their quality varies at times. Some are outstanding, and will run forever, but the body falls off, others aren't that bad, but none of them are entirely exciting in my opinion. There are few high-powered Japanese cars on the market that run in racing leagues, why...because Japan has not yet found a way to provide horsepower while providing torque. NASCAR runs Chevrolet, Ford, and Dodge engines and chassis. Formula runs Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Audi and those likes I believe. I think the only Japanese engine maker that is successful in these pursuits is Toyota.

Most luxury cars come from europe, BMW, Audi, Mercedes. Competing with these is a tight market and has been repeatedly tried by all makers with varying degrees of failure.

Here are my reasons why I don't think that the Japanese Automakers will knock off Chevy and Ford...

The Silverado and the F-series trucks. This is the most dominant sector for these two companys, and a trucks performance is typically driven by torque specs. These two lines of trucks develop so much more torque at low RPM than any Japanese new wave truck they've introduced. I believe it was Nissan that tried a supercharged truck, yeah get that thing boiling and it could move, but when was the last time you tried hauling a boat with that thing, it took an act of god and a 30º decline in order to get it moving.

Second, true muscle. There is no replacement for displacement, and Japan doesn't understand displacement. A corvette, the GT, and any of the other variations of those, how do they make power...the old fashioned way...big cylinders and environmental killing gas mileage. Not by trying to force feed the engine with turbo's. These cars offer huge horsepower and torque, without putting the engine to its pressure limits. You can blow a large displacement engine and put down even more ridiculous numbers. Bottom line, despite what Japan wants you to believe...More is better.

Third, with a few exceptions to the rule, and by few I mean less than 10 that I can think of, Japanese automakers produce very similar style cars, Camry's and Accords, Civics and Corollas and Sentra's. All similar styling. Granted there are many american cars that look the same, but this is where America shows its quality...constant design changes, the Focus is one of the first european designed cars from an american automaker. It's handling characteristics are hailed as being one of the best from any american automaker. The styling is fantastic, you say it looks boring, but it has won rave reviews for it's styling cues. The mustang doesn't look like anything else on the road, the corvette, the impala, the thunderbird, the ssr. When these things pull up beside you, you know what it is, and you know who makes it. I'd be hard pressed to say that when a Japanese car rolls up beside me, a civic, a camry, a corolla. Instead of trying to make cars something they aren't Japan needs to roll up their sleeves and design something new. The Focus was not made from an escort by slapping a few more body accents or ground effects on it. A Sentra SE-R Spec V is just a sentra with bigger wheels a new power plant and body accents. They bumped the engine up .7 liters in order to get the higher hp and higher torque numbers. And for your info, Car and Driver and Motor Trend both said it had generic styling...I agree.

the reason i dindt buy a spec v when i got the chance....

"170 horsepower and 127 pounds of torque."

ROFL, thats seriously sad as hell.


Oh, and sentra's are slow. I made one eat my exhaust in the evo this morning on the way to work. I guess he didnt see the "Evolution" on the back of the car and thought i was a lowly lancer [:D]

mmmmmmm LUNCH![;)]

To be fair to the Japanese car manufacturers, in recent years they have started to bump up the displacement of engines in their vehicles for the American market. The main reason that the cars/trucks have traditionally been so small and have been powered by such small engines is that, after all, they're from JAPAN! A tiny island country. They have size regulations imposed by the government on vehicle width, engine displacement, total power output, etc.

As for the Sentra, I considered it before the Focus, but ultimately turned it down because I couldn't get over the ugly styling, which they keep making worse - the latest one looks even worse. Plus everyone who reviewed the car complained of massive amounts of torque steer...

Another dead thread resurrected...[rolleyes]

The svt produces 145 ft at 5500 rpm. And for the record has vtec type valve timing.

umm the svt has cam timming, and the VTech uses 2 completely different profiles 1 for agressive and another for daily driving, the VCT doesnt "kick in" like the VTech, it just slowly tweaks the timming as you approach higher RPM's

i get 140ft/lbs at 4250 :), but Tq isnt EVERY thing the 99-00 SI have 160hp at 7600RPM and 111tq @7000RPM and still run 15.5's

I do have to agree with whats said RPIJG. I realize I have so much time on my hands that I had to troll around to find something to do. For the record I do respect the focus in both its styling and handling. I've read nothing but good things about it. I was going to buy a 03 SVT in march, but some ford racing team can and snatched them all up. the 04's werent going to show up until the likes of may. At heart im nissan man, ive owned two 300zx's and in my family we've had maxima's, stanza's and even pickups. So naturally I stopped at my local nissan dealer to see the new Se-R. On the test drive, it felt strange (me being use to coupes) It sat higher then I was use to. What I noticed next was the abundant amount of torque. I reminded me alot of my old 5.0 mustang (I was dumb and sold it for a bike) 1/4 throttle would push you back in the seat, unlike the 03 civic Si I had recently test drove. The cars I looked at was Focus SVT, Tiburion GT, Civic si, WRX, Mazda speed protege, and celica GT-S. My first priority was price, then racticality, then overall performance. The WRX was my first choice, I never got to drive a SVT focus, but loved its looks/interior. The Se-R being the cheapest and having the driving characteristics I liked is what i chose.

I am a car enthuisiast so I try to find something in every car that I like. Toyota to me is the worst in styling, all their cars excluding the supra and latest Celica are dull. The sentra has never been anything to write home about. From certain angles I really like the way my car looks. Its only because of the skyline styled front fascia, side skirts, and nice 17" wheels.

I didn't come here to start any wars, just wanted to mingle with follow car enthuisaists.

I'm not gonna write a novel here or anything...I think I can express my feelings like so...

F this new Corrola...TOYOTA CAN EAT MY ASS WITH A SPOON!!!

I'm with you on that toy-yoda comment....Sentras are kinda generic, but we all must admit when it comes to japanese cars, nissan is different, their' engines make GOOD torque, not the 4 bangers but their V6's....ever taken a G35 coupe out, the nice loaded ones with the handling package, it's a 350Z but looks better and has a backseat....it's the only nissan I would ever buy, even the sedan rocks since they added the 6speed to it, no handling package on it yet though....but yeah nissan is the only Japanese car company that makes badass engines, even by US standards, they've only made a couple 4's that kick though

G35= US ghetto skyline

nissan (infinity) and mazda are the only japanese car i would have...actually i would only bu from ford,mazda or nissan or a corvette....

i find japanese car to be over rated....