When designing the new 2009 Corolla, Toyota changed its design approach, going from individual styling for individual markets to a unified global design. For inspiration, design engineers and stylists moved to Turin, Italy for four months. The result: a more youthful and sporty style, far more European, according to the company. The new design, Toyota says, “conveys an image of strength, solidarity and stability, requiring a larger frame and a completely reworked package.”
The new design is wide and low; overall width has been increased by 2.4 inches, and overall height reduced by 0.8 inches. Overall length increased by 0.4 inches, while the wheelbase remains the same at 102.4 inches. Overall passenger volume increased by 1.7 cubic feet.
On sale continuously in the U.S. since 1968, the toyota Corolla has sold more than 30 million units worldwide since its introduction in Japan in 1966. The Corolla has been the best-selling car in Japan for most of that time, and for the past 20 years, has been the second best-selling model in Toyota’s North American lineup. In summary, the Corolla is the world’s all-time best-selling passenger car. With the introduction of the all-new, 10th-generation Corolla for the 2009 model year, Toyota hopes to maintain and build upon that success.
