Next-gen 2014 Toyota Corolla caught testing in U.S.

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Toyota

Given the level of competition in the compact segment, these recent spy photos show that Toyota is getting serious with its next-generation Corolla. As the second-best-selling nameplate in the world, the last few Toyota Corolla redesigns have been rather minor, but based on these pictures, the new car will get much more competitive styling.

The boxy lines of the current Corolla seem to be replaced with a sportier look that includes a sloped hood and a shorter decklid borrowing design cues from new cars like the 2013 Toyota Avalon and 2012 Toyota Camry. From what we can see of the front end, the headlights have a rounded, scalloped shape similar to the new Avalon while the taillights match the L-shaped design of the Camry. The car pictured here appears to be a higher trim level, with what appear to be HID headlights, fog lights and possibly even LED taillights. Like the outside, the interior of this test mule is heavily cloaked with camouflage, but we can make out the new three-gauge instrument cluster that replaces the current car's two-gauge layout, and this upscale model includes chrome trim around the edges.

In terms of powertrain changes, an updated version of the 1.8-liter four will likely bring more power and better fuel economy, and big changes should come to the transmission. A six-speed automatic should replace the aging four-speed used in the current Corolla, and there's speculation a continuously variable transmission could be offered. Since a 40-mpg EPA highway rating has become the de facto standard in the compact sedan segment, we expect vastly improved fuel economy numbers from whatever new powertrain Toyota drops in this car.

Production of the 2014 Toyota Corolla is expected to begin during the second quarter of 2013, so we wouldn't be surprised to see this car on display at the L.A. Auto Show or Detroit Auto Show.

Next-gen 2014 Toyota Corolla caught testing in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Aug 2012 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Sales Reclaim spot as world's largest Automaker

Toyota has pushed ahead of General Motors and Volkswagen as the worlds largest automaker in the first half of 2012.

According to a new Bloomberg report, the 4.9 million units sold by the Japanese automaker in the first six months of 2012 represents an impressive 34-percent jump. Toyota's sales beat out GM by 300,000 units and VW by 520,000.

Still, The General's sales were up 2.9 percent to 4.67 million vehicles sold, while Volkswagen moved 4.45 units, an 8.9 percent increase. While Toyota has enjoyed success in its top markets, North America and Japan, GM and VW have struggled with the economic crisis in Europe.

The results pave the way for Toyota, led by President Akio Toyoda, to reclaim the lead in annual global auto sales from GM a year after the tsunami in Japan and floods in Thailand roiled production. The recovery in production helped Toyota’s sales rebound in the U.S. and Japan, its two biggest markets, while GM and Volkswagen struggled with a shrinking European market.


The Japanese automaker was able to accomplish this even in the wake of the disastrous tsunami in its home market and flooding that occurred in Thailand. According to IHS Automotive market analyst Rebecca Lindland, the strong start may be followed by a downturn in momentum:

Toyota previously took the top spot as the largest global automaker from GM back in 2008 amidst the American financial crisis, but General Motors reclaimed that title in the wake of Japan's natural disasters.


http://www.bloomberg.com/news/print/2012-07-25/toyota-extends-global-sales-lead-over-general-motors-vw.html