JDM Toyota Corolla gets 280HP V6

Posted Thu Aug 2 2007 9:30 AM by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Toyota has released a hotted up version of the Japanese domestic market Blade hatch featuring a 3.5L V6 engine with 280hp (206kW) and 345Nm (254lb-ft) of torque. The Blade is sold in Europe as the Auris and in other markets as the Corolla, and it’s expected that these markets will also get the new V6 version, as we reported in an earlier story. To give you an idea of just how much power this is, Volkswagen's Golf R32 hot hatch only gets a 250hp (184kW) powerplant.

The new model comes with a six speed manual as standard as well as a new six-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shifters. Other features include 16in brake discs with upgraded calipers, and 17in alloy wheels with 225mm tires. There's no word on whether there will be any sports suspension changes or improvements to the chassis.

To differentiate the car further, designers have added a mild sports bodykit with unique badging at the tail end. Who said Toyota only made boring cars?

Reader Comments

Thu Aug 2 2007 10:21 AM
Hanakoala says

Do your homework people. The Blade is not called an Auris in Europe. The 'Auris' is called the 'Auris' in Europe... the Blade is a different car (same chassis and doors/roof) with higher spec levels and larger engines which - correct me if I'm wrong - isn't sold outside Japan at this stage.
Thu Aug 2 2007 10:57 AM
admin says

True, the Blade is different to the Auris and Corolla models sold outside of Japan but these differences consist of minor styling variations and a few unique engines. However, as you have pointed out the cars share the same chassis and body design and many of the features and engines that appear on the JDM version will eventually filter across to the international models.
Thu Aug 2 2007 11:05 AM
Rob_Uk says

Hanakoala - they ARE essentially teh same car. It\\\'s like saying the Vauxhall VXR8 isnt a Holden Commodore.

This looks like a nice package from Toyota. I agree they make boring cars but maybe they will get some new models like that hybrid sports car.
Thu Aug 2 2007 2:21 PM
Hanakoala says

If the EU Auris is actually a Blade, then why does the EU Auris have the JDM Auris head lights/tail lights, spec level, lower capacity (even diesel) engines etc? It wouldn't be because it's actually an Auris would it?

All I'm saying is, the Blade is not sold in Europe badged as an Auris. It's a JDM Auris that is sold as an Auris in the EU.
Thu Aug 2 2007 8:07 PM
biturbo says

Toyota make only boring cars, that won't change soon.
Their idea of performance car is a FWD with more power that can be ever used.
How about their "top of the line" sport-scar, Lexus SC430? Pig heavy, lowest power in the class and looking like an inverted bath tub :)
Fri Aug 3 2007 1:50 AM
Herman L says

16' brake discs??? with 17' wheels?

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