JDM Toyota Corolla/ Blade Gets the 276HP V6 from the Lexus IS350

[skingg]

Watch Out VW R32!

Toyota has released the upmarket version of its Blade hatchback in Japan. On sale as of yesterday, the Blade Master and Blade Master G come with the 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 as standard equipment. A substantial upgrade over the 2.4L four-cylinder offered in the lower Blade trim levels, the six pumps 276 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Fuel economy is rated at around 23 mpg (compared to 31 mpg for the 4-cylinder), and a sportier suspension tune and larger disc brakes are also part of the package. In terms of appearance, the V6 Blades get a mesh-look grille and model-specific badging. Why should we care, you ask? Well, the speculation has been that we'll get the Blade as the replacement for the existing Matrix, albeit with a different face. Hence, the V6 model is significant, as such an offering here in the US would put the likes of the VW GTI and R32 on notice, at least in terms of on-paper performance stats. A Toyota hot hatch in the states? We'll have to wait and see.

Link - http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/02/japan-toyota-drops-3-5l-v6-in-blade-master-hatchback/

 

[YSSMAN]

Well, the speculation has been that we'll get the Blade as the replacement for the existing Matrix, albeit with a different face.

Hear that people who complain about platform sharing at GM, Ford, and Chrysler?

---

Sounds like a decent ride, but I'd like to see it against the R32 before giving it up to anything. We also must keep in mind that the 300+ BHP R36 is coming, and that may put a cap on Toyota's fun. That is, if it is coming to the US.

...But, not a bad idea. I still hope that Toyota has it in them to make lovable, fun-to-drive cars again. I miss the Celica and MR-S...

 

[McLaren]

Hear that people who complain about platform sharing at GM, Ford, and Chrysler?

At least it's not a clone of 5 other cars.

See, I can play this stupid game, too. What a low you've dropped to dragging things into a new topic.

 

[YSSMAN]

I figured I'd mention it, you know me...

===

And now that I better understand what you were talking about, I apologize.

Toyota still needs to send more of their "cool" products to the US. The Auris and the Aurion have to be at the top of that list.

 

[niky]

Does sportier suspension tune include IRS instead of a torsion beam? That'll probably be a rocket in a straight line (most Toyotas have great acceleration compared to the class), but I wonder if it'll actually handle?

 

[Metar]

Seeing as even the Mazda 3MPS had difficulties handling with 260HP, I wonder what Toyota will do?

 

[Race Idiot]

Toyota still needs to send more of their "cool" products to the US. The Auris and the Aurion have to be at the top of that list.

The Auris isn't cool, it's just a melted version of the previous gen corolla driven by old people. Or another way you could take it is that it's an upscale version of the yaris driven by old people. A MKV Golf has more character than the Auris and thats hardly a car bursting with character.

It's effing boring i'm sure i've seen aurises on the road but they are so damn dull I just can't remember.

So headline is big bulky boring toyota gets bigger engine, becomes marginally less boring but still very boring.

 

[niky]

It's not the 260 hp that's problematic on the Mazda3... it's the torque that goes with it, which is why it has a torque-limiter in the lower gears.

Since the V6 Blade is naturally aspirated, this will be less of a problem... but still a problem. The Corolla platform doesn't have what you'd consider good suspension geometry or handling in the first place...

 

[Jim Prower]

It's not the 260 hp that's problematic on the Mazda3... it's the torque that goes with it, which is why it has a torque-limiter in the lower gears.

Since the V6 Blade is naturally aspirated, this will be less of a problem... but still a problem. The Corolla platform doesn't have what you'd consider good suspension geometry or handling in the first place...

Are you kidding me? I'd think the torque problem on a big-bore V6 would be the same or WORSE than on a Turbo I-4. After all, what advantage do many of the big-bore American sports cars have over their smaller-displacement european competition?

that's right. Torque.

 

[YSSMAN]

The Auris isn't cool, it's just a melted version of the previous gen corolla driven by old people. Or another way you could take it is that it's an upscale version of the yaris driven by old people. A MKV Golf has more character than the Auris and thats hardly a car bursting with character.

It looks better than what we have here, so its "cool" at least in that regard. Anything is better than the Corolla, xB, and xD we have here... So I'll take it.

My problem usually is that when I go and look at new Toyotas, I often make it known that I'm considering a VW Rabbit (Golf) as well. That doesn't make them too comfortable.

 

[Bram Turismo]

...But, not a bad idea. I still hope that Toyota has it in them to make lovable, fun-to-drive cars again. I miss the Celica and MR-S...

+1 there! I've waited so long for this, let's hope it'll be sold outside Japan too! 👍

I'd not be surprised if it doesn't beat the R32 though, VW has done those things much longer then Toyota, but it's very good to finally see a powerful coming up on the market once again

 

[Tornado]

I read about this yesterday on Autozine, and a thought occured: Who cares? It is automatic only (like everything hooked up to that potentially wonderful engine). It weighs nearly 1500 kg. And it competes with the far better Golf R32 and Mazdaspeed 3.

 

[Race Idiot]

It looks better than what we have here, so its "cool" at least in that regard. Anything is better than the Corolla, xB, and xD we have here... So I'll take it.

My problem usually is that when I go and look at new Toyotas, I often make it known that I'm considering a VW Rabbit (Golf) as well. That doesn't make them too comfortable.

MKV Golf and the Mazda 3 are better cars than the Auris, you have both of those so why would you want this dullardmobile. Only cars you are missing out in that class is our Focus and to an extent (ie the sporty models, forget the econospec ones) the Renault Megane.

 

[Bram Turismo]

Might I say that in Norway and Belgium the Auris outclasses the Golf and Mazda, it's the latest Focus that does really well...

(Believe me, my sources are reliable, ask anyone in Belgium for "Test Aankoop" and they'll say "Don't try to discuss with them..."


BTW: YSSMAN; do you guys get the Auris or the European Corolla in the U.S.?

 

[Jim Prower]

Well, I'm not YSS, but I can answer that...NO. Us Yanks get this old thing...

*Yaaaaaawn....*

 

[Kent]

Looks good. 👍
I just hope they get the wheel/tire combo right.
Half the problem with Toyotas here in the states start with "P195/65R 15" and end with "no other option."

Just once I'd like to see what Toyota can do on a set of 215/50... I'm sure my Corolla would feel like a different car with just that one change.
(of course, that's still not enough to change the opinions of the masses on the GTP )

In the end I can pretty much garuntee this isn't coming to the states.
Personally, I'm not even sure Toyota cares to try in America due to the overwhelming anti-Toyota feelings found here.

Btw, I think of the Corolla more like this since compared to the one pictured above it costs less, weighs less, and looks better. 👍

 

[Metar]

It's not the 260 hp that's problematic on the Mazda3... it's the torque that goes with it, which is why it has a torque-limiter in the lower gears.

Since the V6 Blade is naturally aspirated, this will be less of a problem... but still a problem. The Corolla platform doesn't have what you'd consider good suspension geometry or handling in the first place...

Exactly what I meant - even if it doesn't have as much torque compared to power, it still needs a really good suspension and chassis to cope with that power.

 

[Race Idiot]

Might I say that in Norway and Belgium the Auris outclasses the Golf and Mazda, it's the latest Focus that does really well...

(Believe me, my sources are reliable, ask anyone in Belgium for "Test Aankoop" and they'll say "Don't try to discuss with them..."


BTW: YSSMAN; do you guys get the Auris or the European Corolla in the U.S.?

I found the MKV Golf allot better to drive than the Auris in terms of feedback and bodyroll. The Auris is also bland looking compared to the MKV, which is saying something it just screams to me generic mid sized hatchback. I helped my Grandad replace his old yaris with a new Yaris because at least the new yaris wasnt as boring to drive as the Auris was. I had a go with a rental MKII Focus and I was pretty pleased with it, definitely another one over the Auris for me anyway. Dunno about the 3 but it's built on the same platform as the focus and has recived pretty decent reviews.

If I was looking for a car in that class the last car I wouldnt even consider the Auris.

I think your wearing your glasses made by Kiichiro Toyoda on this issue tbh.

 

[Bram Turismo]

No not really, the Auris is definitly better then the last Corolla, which was, however, so much more better looking... (Why the name change Toyota? Why?!!!!)

 

[Tornado]

I just hope they get the wheel/tire combo right.
Half the problem with Toyotas here in the states start with "P195/65R 15" and end with "no other option."

Autozine says it will have 225/45WR17.

(of course, that's still not enough to change the opinions of the masses on the GTP )

Say what you like, but I don't care whose badge is on the car. A slushbox-only compact hatch that weighs as much as a Ford Fusion V6 is not appealing to me. I don't care if it has 280 BHP, because Mazda will sell you one with a 6-speed and 260 BHP; and Volkswagen will sell you one with a 6 speed DSG, 250BHP and AWD. Say what you will about Toyota's excitement these days, but a 3300 pound FF compact car that only comes with a slushbox doesn't scream "gotta have it" to me like the Mazdaspeed 3 and R32 do.

Personally, I'm not even sure Toyota cares to try in America due to the overwhelming anti-Toyota feelings found here.

The Camry won Car of the Year, for chrissakes. The majority of Americans are hardly anti-Toyota.

 

[YSSMAN]

If I was looking for a car in that class the last car I wouldnt even consider the Auris.

Same here, because as you know by reading around here that if it isn't a GM product (Astra) its a VW product (Rabbit) for me. I would love to see more competition in the US market, so Toyota needs to bring the updated Auris here.

...Anything is better than the Corolla as it stands right now. I'd happily take a Kia or a Hyundai (both now surprisingly good car makers) before the Toyota...

 

[Race Idiot]

Same here, because as you know by reading around here that if it isn't a GM product (Astra) its a VW product (Rabbit) for me. I would love to see more competition in the US market, so Toyota needs to bring the updated Auris here.

Yes thank you for telling me which automotive brands you like which you have done in like 9 million of your previous posts. Maybe you should just put it in your sig, GM AND VW OWN BUT I HATE TOYOTA TOYOTA ARE POOPY I DO NOT LIKE THEM BECAUSE GIT R DUN ETC ETC

Still if you gave me a choice of a Torque converter auto Auris with a V6 and a DSG Equipped R32 I would take the R32. Which is pretty much an auto enthusiasts point of view, I realy doubt that anyone is going to buy an Auris because it's a drivers car tbh, it's just automotive whitegoods. Very bland reliable transportation for people who dont care and just want a car that drives them around.

Edit: It just pisses me off because every time I drive my car i'm reminded of what toyota are capable of when it comes to a sporty driver orientated car and then I go to the toyota dealership for parts and see nothing but whitegoods for sale.

 

[foamy_302]

yay now there is ANOTHER car with an ugly look and a heavy motor in an already heavy car.
i think it may be like if chevy put the 38, 4.3, or 5.3 in a cavaier/cobalt.
YAY it might go but i doubt it would turn very well

 

[niky]

@Jim Prowler: Granted. But the point was that the MS3 still has more torque, while the build-up on an NA V6 will be a little more gradual. But yes, it'll probably be a lurch-fest.

It depends a lot on the drivetrain design. A lot of modern FFs torque-steer less with more power than some old ones due to better balanced driveshaft geometry.

RE: Sporty driving versus tire size: True, a lot of the understeer in the Corolla comes from the stock tire sizes, but a lot of it is due to suspension tuning. Toyota just hasn't gotten this right on the Corolla, somehow. Which is a shame... the Corolla is still respectably stiff compared to many modern cars, and is lighter, to boot... a fact that makes it surprisingly quick on the track considering its lack of suspension sophistication.

But there's the rub: the suspension still lets it down in performance driving as you approach the limit, and it could have much better steering. Unfortunately, it's what 90% of Toyota's customers (excluding you and me) want, so that's what they get.

 

[harrytuttle]

I read about this yesterday on Autozine, and a thought occured: Who cares? It is automatic only (like everything hooked up to that potentially wonderful engine). It weighs nearly 1500 kg. And it competes with the far better Golf R32 and Mazdaspeed 3.

And it's front-drive only. No comparison at all, even against the MkIV R32.

And it's a Toyota, so you know it's boring.