VIDEO: What if Toyota Made a Cute Darth Vader Commercial?

Everyone seemed to love Volkswagen's Darth Vader Super Bowl commercial. In fact, some people out there liked it so much that they wanted to see what it would be like had Toyota made the ad. Well now we know (which is half the battle). Needless to say, the Toyota version isn't as heartwarming. It is quite entertaining, though. Check out the clip below for 1:08 of dark-sided hilarity.

READ MORE - VIDEO: What if Toyota Made a Cute Darth Vader Commercial?

This 1980 Toyota Corolla TE71 Packs a Big-Block 454 / 7.4-liter Chevy V8

Let us introduce you to our find of the day; a 1980 Toyota Corolla TE71 Coupe retrofitted with a big brawny classic American V8 powerplant. This wolf in sheep's clothing was once powered by a small four-cylinder engine but now comes with a 454 cubic inch (equal to 7.4-liters) big block Chevrolet V8 powerhouse that drives the wheels through GM's Turbo-Hydramatic 400 transmission.

According to the eBay seller, "with 13 inch tires it only goes about 65 [we'll assume he's talking about mph here] at 4000 rpms, but it gets there in about 4 seconds" and while driveable, the car needs some TLC to be road-worthy. The current bid on eBay is $3,251 but the reserve has not been met yet.

READ MORE - This 1980 Toyota Corolla TE71 Packs a Big-Block 454 / 7.4-liter Chevy V8

This 1980 Toyota Corolla TE71 Packs a Big-Block 454 / 7.4-liter Chevy V8

Let us introduce you to our find of the day; a 1980 Toyota Corolla TE71 Coupe retrofitted with a big brawny classic American V8 powerplant. This wolf in sheep's clothing was once powered by a small four-cylinder engine but now comes with a 454 cubic inch (equal to 7.4-liters) big block Chevrolet V8 powerhouse that drives the wheels through GM's Turbo-Hydramatic 400 transmission.

Read more »

READ MORE - This 1980 Toyota Corolla TE71 Packs a Big-Block 454 / 7.4-liter Chevy V8

Toyota Releases Pricing for 2011 Corolla and Matrix Facelift

Toyota has announced retail prices for the U.S. market facelifted 2011 Corolla and the soon to be released 2011 Matrix. For the 2011MY, the Corolla received some minor exterior and interior appointments and is offered in three trim levels (Corolla, LE and S), with prices starting from $15,600. The base Matrix starts from $18,545.

Read more »

READ MORE - Toyota Releases Pricing for 2011 Corolla and Matrix Facelift

2011 Toyota Corolla Facelift: First Official Photos, will Debut at LA Show

The Los Angeles Auto Show will be opening its doors to the members of the press tomorrow, but Toyota can't wait to share its facelifted 2011 Corolla sedan. The Japanese firm's bread and butter model has received a mild makeover along with some equipment upgrades. It will go on sale in the States in December.

The most obvious visual changes concern the front end which gains new bumper, grille and headlamp designs. At the back, there are newly styled tail lamps as well as a revised turn lid and rear license garnish. Other changes include the slightly larger side-view mirrors, an engine undercover that promises to improve air management under the car and new wheel designs.

The S model seen in these photos features a standard body kit that adds a front spoiler, rocker moldings, and upper and lower rear spoilers.

Read more »

READ MORE - 2011 Toyota Corolla Facelift: First Official Photos, will Debut at LA Show

Toyota to Bring Numerous Race Cars at Goodwood Including a 700HP Celica GT4-X and the Lexus LF-A

Toyota to Bring Numerous Race Cars at Goodwood Including a 700HP Celica GT4-X and the Lexus LF-A

At next month's Goodwood Festival of Speed that runs from July 3 to 5, Toyota plans to bring a variety of race cars led by the Lexus LF-A that will be making its first appearance on British soil. The V10-powered supercar will be joined by another competition Lexus, the racing IS F that competed along with the LF-A at this year's Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race.

Panasonic Toyota Racing will be back at Goodwood with the TF108, the last F1 Toyota to be designed before FIA introduced its current restrictions on wing sizes and additional aerodynamic elements. Toyota's F1 driver Timo Glock will be present at the event to drive the TF108.

The Toyota Sprint Series will be represented for the first time on the hill climb with the 700HP Fensport Celica GT4-X AWD. Other Toyota cars that will be on show (but won't compete) at the Goodwood event include Alain Prost's Andros Trophy Auris that features a carbon fibre bodywork and a tuned version of the Lexus RX 3.0-litre V6 engine, the Aygo Crazy and iQ Gazoo plus various rally cars such as the Group B Celica Twin-cam Turbo, Celica ST185, Celica GT4 ST205 and the WRC Corolla.

READ MORE - Toyota to Bring Numerous Race Cars at Goodwood Including a 700HP Celica GT4-X and the Lexus LF-A

Toyota to Bring Numerous Race Cars at Goodwood Including a 700HP Celica GT4-X and the Lexus LF-A

At next month's Goodwood Festival of Speed that runs from July 3 to 5, Toyota plans to bring a variety of race cars led by the Lexus LF-A that will be making its first appearance on British soil. The V10-powered supercar will be joined by another competition Lexus, the racing IS F that competed along with the LF-A at this year's Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race.

Panasonic Toyota Racing will be back at Goodwood with the TF108, the last F1 Toyota to be designed before FIA introduced its current restrictions on wing sizes and additional aerodynamic elements. Toyota's F1 driver Timo Glock will be present at the event to drive the TF108.

The Toyota Sprint Series will be represented for the first time on the hill climb with the 700HP Fensport Celica GT4-X AWD. Other Toyota cars that will be on show (but won't compete) at the Goodwood event include Alain Prost's Andros Trophy Auris that features a carbon fibre bodywork and a tuned version of the Lexus RX 3.0-litre V6 engine, the Aygo Crazy and iQ Gazoo plus various rally cars such as the Group B Celica Twin-cam Turbo, Celica ST185, Celica GT4 ST205 and the WRC Corolla.

READ MORE - Toyota to Bring Numerous Race Cars at Goodwood Including a 700HP Celica GT4-X and the Lexus LF-A

Toyota Builds 5,000,000th North American Corolla

On Tuesday August 19th, Toyota quietly celebrated a very important milestone in its history with the production of the 5 millionth North American built Corolla. Introduced in 1966 in Japan, the first Corolla came to the United States in the summer of 1968. It took the Japanese automaker 18 years to begin manufacturing Corollas in the States with the first models being assembled at New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI) in Fremont, California in 1986. -Continued

Two years later, in 1986 production commenced at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada in Cambridge, Ontario. Overall, more than 30 million Corollas have been sold worldwide, making it one of the best-selling cars of all time.

Via: Toyota Open Road

READ MORE - Toyota Builds 5,000,000th North American Corolla

662,178 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Pontiac Vibe Models Recalled

This month’s first recall concerns 662,178 MY 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix and subsequently its Pontiac sibling, Vibe due to a problem with the front electric powered windows. The driver and front passenger door glass bolts may loosen and come off, leading the door glass to separate from the window regulator.

This could cause the door glass to bind and shatter during operation of the power windows, causing driver distraction and/or injury. Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger door glass bolts with newly designed bolts free of charge.

READ MORE - 662,178 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Pontiac Vibe Models Recalled

662,178 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Pontiac Vibe Models Recalled

This month’s first recall concerns 662,178 MY 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix and subsequently its Pontiac sibling, Vibe due to a problem with the front electric powered windows. The driver and front passenger door glass bolts may loosen and come off, leading the door glass to separate from the window regulator.

This could cause the door glass to bind and shatter during operation of the power windows, causing driver distraction and/or injury. Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger door glass bolts with newly designed bolts free of charge.

READ MORE - 662,178 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Pontiac Vibe Models Recalled

2009 Toyota Corolla

2009 Toyota Corolla

2009 Toyota Corolla

Transmission

• 5-Speed Manual Transmission With Overdrive

Steering

• Tilt Steering Column
• Telescopic Steering Wheel
• Power Rack and Pinion Steering

Suspension

• Independent MacPherson Strut Front Suspension With Shock Absorbers
• Semi-Independent Torsion Beam Rear Suspension With Shock Absorbers
• Rear Stabilizer Bar

Electrical

• 2 Front Power Outlets
• 12-Volt Battery

Braking & Traction

• Electronic Brake Assistance
• 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
• Front Power 274-mm Ventilated Disc and Rear Power 229-mm Drum Brakes
• Electronic Brake Force Distribution

Safety

• Passenger Airbag Cutoff Sensor
• Front and Rear Automatic Locking Retractors
• Front Seatbelt Height Adjusters
• Rear 3-Point Center Seatbelt
• Front Pretensioners With Force Limiters
• Front Side Airbags
• Side Head Curtain Airbags
• Driver Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment
• Passenger Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment
• Active Head Restraints
• Side Guard Door Beams
• Trunk Anti-Trap Device
• Front and Rear 3-Point Seatbelts

Anti-Theft & Locks

• Child Safety Door Locks Located On Rear Doors
• Vehicle Anti-Theft Via Engine Immobilizer

Remote Controls & Remote Releases

• Remote Fuel Door Release
• Remote Trunk Release Located Inside Vehicle

Seats

• Cloth Seats
• Rear 60/40 Split Folding Bench Seat With Headrests
• Front Dual Reclining Bucket Seats Manually Adjusts 4-Ways Total With Driver Adjustable Seat Height and Adjustable Headrests

Storage

• Glovebox
• Covered Lower Console Storage Located On Floor
• 2 Front and 2 Rear, 4 Cupholders Total
• Front Dual Door Mounted Storage

Instrumentation

• Warning Lights Include Brake System, Door Ajar, Electrical System, Low Fuel, Oil Pressure and Seatbelts Unfastened
• Digital Clock
• Tachometer
• Exterior Temperature Gauge
• Tire Pressure Monitor

Interior Lighting

• Trunk Light
• Delayed Courtesy Light

Exterior Lighting

• Daytime Running Lights
• Halogen Headlights

Entertainment, Communication & Navigation

• Radio Data System
• AM/FM Radio With Speed Sensitive Volume and 4 Speakers Total; CD Player; MP3/WMA Player
• Front Auxiliary Audio Input Jack
• In-Glass Radio Antenna

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning

• Interior Air Filter
• Manual Air Conditioning

Interior, Design, Decor & Floor Covering

• Carpet Located In Passenger Cabin and Trunk
• Carpeted Cargo Mat

Wheels & Tires

• Compact Spare Tire
• Steel Wheels, 15-In. X 6-In
• SBRP195/65R15 All-Season Tires

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers

• Rear Window Defroster
• Dual Black Power Adjustable Exterior Rearview Mirrors
• Front Dual Sunvisors
• Intermittent Windshield Wipers

Exterior, Design, Paint & Finish

• Metallic Paint (If Selected)
• Front Air Dam
• Front and Rear Body Color Bumpers

READ MORE - 2009 Toyota Corolla

Toyota Recalls More Than Half-A-Million Corolla and Matrix Models

Toyota has launched a safety recall involving approximately 539,500 Corolla and Matrix vehicles sold in the U.S. The recall concerns 2003 and 2004 Model Year Corolla and Matrix models equipped with power windows. According to Toyota, the driver and front passenger door glass bolts may loosen and come off, causing the door glass to separate from the window regulator. Vehicles that are equipped with manual windows are not involved in this campaign.

The Japanese carmaker said in a statement released today that it will notify owners of the involved vehicles with a Special Service Campaign letter via first class mail beginning in late April. As usual, replacement of the driver and front passenger door glass bolts will be done at no charge to the owners of the vehicle.

READ MORE - Toyota Recalls More Than Half-A-Million Corolla and Matrix Models

Toyota Announces Pricing on 2009 Corolla Sedan

Toyota has released prices on the all-new 2009 Corolla Sedan (see details and images here) that will begin arriving at dealerships in February. Available in five grades – Standard, LE, XLE, the sporty S, and the performance-driven XRS, the Corolla is offered with a pair of 4-cylinder engines, a 132 HP 1.8-liter and a 158 HP 2.4-liter, each of which can be combined with a five-speed manual transmission. The 1.8L engine can be matted to a 4-speed automatic transmission while the 2.4L engine with a 5-speed automatic. The Corolla base MSRP will range from $15,250 to $19,950. -Details after the jump

PRESS RELEASE 2009 COROLLA

Nearly 40 years after the Corolla was introduced to American drivers, an all-new, 10th generation 2009 Corolla will continue to offer the quality and value for which the brand has long been known. The new Corolla with an all-new body that delivers increased interior and luggage room, more power, more economical engines and an all-new chassis and suspension.

The Corolla will come in five grades – Standard, LE, XLE, the sporty S, and the performance-driven XRS. A standard body kit on S and XRS models helps to modify aerodynamics and enhance the Corolla's sporty look – these include a front spoiler, rocker moldings, upper and lower rear spoilers, and for improved air management under the car, engine undercovers.

The Standard, LE and XLE will be equipped with one of the all-new engines. The 1.8-liter 16-valve, DOHC four-cylinder engine, will produce 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. One of the engine's most important features is its use of Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) on both the intake and exhaust camshafts that helps it achieve outstanding performance and economy.

For those who desire just a bit more horsepower and torque, there is the 2.4-liter engine which produces 158 hp at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine is completely redesigned for use in the new Corolla XRS grade. The 2.4-liter engine transmits its power through the five-speed manual transmission, but is available with a five-speed automatic. The automatic transmission can be manually shifted sequentially.

Airbags are installed in the steering wheel, instrument panel, front seats and side-roof. Side curtain airbags that help protect passengers in the front and rear seats in the event of a side impact are standard. Front seats employ active headrests as standard equipment. Toyota's Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard on all grades of the Corolla. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC) and cut-off switch available is available as an option.

The all-new Corolla is equipped with an array of standard performance and convenience features. Among the many features on the Standard grade are P195/65 R15 tires, a heavy duty rear window defogger, AM/FM/CD audio with four speakers that is also XM® satellite capable, air conditioning with air filter, intermittent windshield wipers, two 12-volt power outlets, daytime running lights, black manual folding power mirrors, power steering, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 60/40 split folding rear seats, and much more.

In addition to standard features on the Standard grade, the LE grade adds power windows with driver-side one-touch-down, shift-activated power doorlocks and color-keyed manual-folding power mirrors.

As well as the features on the LE grade, the XLE grade adds P205/55 R16 tires with full wheel covers, variable intermittent wipers, remote keyless entry, Optitron gauges, center console with sliding armrests, wood grain trim, and driver and passenger rear-seat pockets.

Besides the Standard grade features, the sporty S grade also features standard P205/55R16 tires with full wheel covers, color-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers, fog lamps, front sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, black headlamp housing, chrome exhaust tip and AM/FM/CD XM® capable audio with six speakers.

In addition to S grade features, the XRS grade adds rear deck spoiler, P215/45 R17 tires with alloy wheels, sport strut tower brace, VSC with TRAC and cut-off switch, XRS scuff plate, leather-trimmed shift lever and knob, cruise control and interior chrome accent.

Additional standard equipment on the XLS grade includes VSC with TRAC and cut-off switch, P205/55 R16 tires with 16-inch alloy wheels, a JBL audio system with AM/FM/six-disc CD changer with MP3/WMA playback capability, XM® satellite and eight speakers in six locations and navigation system with AM/FM CD with MP3/WMA playback capability.

The Corolla Standard grade will carry a base MSRP of $15,250 for models with a manual transmission and $16,050 for models with an automatic. The LE grade with automatic has a base MSRP of $16,650 and the XLE grade with an automatic a base MSRP of $17,550. The S grade will carry a base price of $16,320 for a manual transmission model and $17,150 for models with an automatic. The MSRP for the premium XRS grade will be $18,760 for a manual transmission and $19,950 for models with an automatic.

READ MORE - Toyota Announces Pricing on 2009 Corolla Sedan

SEMA: 2009 Toyota Corolla S3 Concept

Along with the all-new, 10th generation Corolla Sedan (click here for images & details), Toyota also presented a supped up concept version of the compact sedan at the SEMA Show. The Corolla S3 is fitted with a vivid bodykit that includes a razor-blade style front grille, new bumpers, integrated rear spoiler and humongous 20-inch billet alloy wheels. Powering the Corolla S3 concept is a supercharged version of the 2009 Corolla XRS’ 2.4-litre engine while Toyota also upgraded the brake and suspension systems. -More photos after the jump

(Opening Picture Modified by Carscoop)

READ MORE - SEMA: 2009 Toyota Corolla S3 Concept