ALL-NEW 1998 TOYOTA COROLLA: MORE CAR...LESS MONEY

It's larger, yet lighter. It's faster, quicker and more powerful, yet considerably more fuel efficient and lower in emissions. It handles better, steers more accurately, yet provides improved ride comfort and lower noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Perhaps most important, it sets a new standard in its class for crash-worthiness and occupant safety. It's the all-new, completely re-designed 1998 Corolla. In every key area, it's a better car than before. And when it debuts this fall, it also will cost less.

POWERTRAIN - Buy The Corolla Here

The 1998 Corolla is equipped with an all-new powerplant. Available on all trim levels, the in-line four-cylinder, 1.8-liter, 16-valve, dual overhead cam, all-aluminum engine produces 120 horsepower at 5,600 rpm,15 more than its predecessor. Torque also is improved over the previous version by five pound-feet to 122 at 4,400 rpm. Added performance is not accomplished at the expense of fuel economy. Although final EPA mileage estimates have yet to be certified, fuel economy should improve by approximately 10 percent. This new engine also is 64 pounds lighter than its predessor. Toyota engineers accomplished this by implementing many design changes to the configuration and operation of the engine itself. An aluminum cylinder block combined with a serpentine drive system work together to significantly reduce weight. Further reduction was accomplished by reducing the number of parts in the cylinder head and block. Not only does the cylinder block reduce engine weight with its new aluminum-alloy construction, but its design help reduce NVH. A ladder-frame construction in the lower crankcase along with reinforcement ribs to the rear and bottom portions improve the engines coupling rigidity with the transmission. The new engine also adopts a a slant-squish combustion chamber which increases knock resistance and combustion effciency. Torque was improved by utilizing a specially-designed aluminum intake manifold - a design adopted from high-performance racing engines. One of the most notable changes in the new engine design is the use of a timing chain to drive the camshaft. More durable than a timing belt, the eight-millimeter-pitch, maintenance-free roller chain is a single-stage system that helps to reduce engine size. The roller chain pins are chromed to improve their wear resistance. Current and foreseeable emissions requirements have been met thanks to several improvements. The exhaust manifold exhibits superior heat resistance with its stainless steel construction. The engine has been turned 180 degrees, locating the exhaust manifold at the rear of the engine compartment. This places the catalyst closer to the engine, reducing converter warm-up time and lowering emissions. A two-way exhaust control system, and improved main muffler support, ensure that Corolla is as quiet as it is powerful. The all-new Corolla also features Toyota Direct Ignition. This system improves ignition timing and reliability by eliminating the distributor and delivering power output from the ignition coil directly to the cylinders. Built exclusively in North America, Corolla will be available in three trim levels: VE, CE and LE. All come standard with five-speed manual transmission. A three-speed automatic transmission is available on the VE models while an optional four-speed electronically controlled transmission is available on the CE and LE trim levels.

BODY, CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION - Buy The Corolla Here

Corolla's sporty exterior performs as well as it looks. With a lower coefficient of drag than the Supra Turbo, the Corolla's superior aerodynamics live up to its sleek image. Designers implemented a flush-surface design, which lowers the height variance between the glass and pillars along the doors. This characteristic, along with minimized flush-mount moldings, improves Corolla's aerodynamics while reducing wind noise. Increased front headroom combined with a redesigned rear door opening line make the new Corolla easier to enter and exit. An 8.4-inch increase in width to the trunk opening makes loading luggage and other items easier. Corolla's all-new body structure was redesigned to be more rigid, contributing significantly to improvements in handling stability as well as a considerable reduction of NVH. These improvements ultimately increase overall riding comfort. NVH is minimized through the strategic placement of the same noise absorbing materials used in Camry and the Lexus luxury sedans. Sandwich vibration dampening panels installed on the front and sides of the vehicle work with dash insulators in the front to reduce engine and road noise. Asphalt sheeting along the floor panels reduces the amount of road noise transmitted in to the passenger cabin. Additionally, wind noise is reduced by foam sealing materials installed in the cross-section areas around the cabin. Corrosion-preventive sheet steel has been applied to areas most vulnerable to rust to improve the vehicle's overall resistance to corrosion. Galvannealed sheet steel is installed along the undercarriage, as well as along the sides of the engine compartment. Zinc-iron alloy and double-layer Galvannealed sheet steel is used in the hood, trunk and side-door edges for maximum protection. As a finishing touch, corrosion-preventive wax is applied to areas where moisture is most likely to settle, such as the hood, door and cowl. Hemming adhesive and paint sealer are applied along the edges of the hood, trunk and doors to further reduce the risk of rust.

SAFETY - Buy The Corolla Here

Toyota's passive safety body structure considers all current and foreseeable crash test criteria in the U.S., Europe and Asia, as well as Toyota's own stringent set of propietary criteria. Toyota engineers are convinced that third-party crash test results will confirm that Corolla delivers best-in-class crash worthiness. Toyota's goal was to achieve an impact-absorbing body crush zone to help absorb as much collision energy as possible, while effectively distributing the energy to the entire body frame, thus reducing the collision impact on the occupants. Corolla's rigid, lightweight, reinforced unitized body composition features front and rear crumple zones and side-impact beams. Designed to fold progressively, the crumple zones help absorb harmful energy and transfer energy away from the cabin. As a result, the cabin space can be maintained to the maximum extent possible in collisions from many directions. New safety equipment for 1998 also includes optional side impact airbag supplemental restraint systems (SRS), standard front seatbelts with pretensioners and force-limiters, five-mph bumpers and interior energy absorption materials. These safety features work with Corolla's passive safety body structure to help absorb the impact energy of a collision. Corolla features optional side impact airbag (SRS) technology for the first time in 1998. Designed to help cushion an impact from the side, these airbags are mounted in the edges of the front seat backs so that they remain in the ideal position relative to the occupant, regardless of where the seat is adjusted. G-sensors located low in the center pillar provide quick and accurate detection of side impact and ensure timely airbag deployment. Front seatbelts for 1998 include pretensioners and force-limiters for the first time. These new features work together to help restrain occupants during an initial impact, then, by keeping the load on the belt from exceeding a preset value, help cushion the shock to a person's chest area. Corolla's five-mph bumpers are constructed with Toyota Super-Olefin Polymer (TSOP), which is more scratch resistant than traditional polymers. TSOP also is recyclable. Energy absorption material (soft upper interior ) is another safety-related feature on the redesigned Corolla. Comprised of reinforced construction materials along the front and side edges of the interior, these liners are specifically designed to help soften the impact between an occupant and the vehicle. Daytime running lights with automatic control provide appropriate lighting intensity at the appropriate time.

INTERIOR - Buy The Corolla Here

An all-new interior was developed for Corolla with an emphasis on comfort, quiet and ease of use. The cabin embodies a sense of space and comfort due to a lower beltline and light, subtle, two-tone color combinations. This sense of space was not achieved at the expense of utility. The ventilation controls are an easy-to-use dial type design. Corolla's seats are easier to adjust, thanks to a full-length, slide-bar design for the front seat and a convenient release in the trunk to fold down the rear seats. Storage space has been improved as well. Not only is the glove box three times larger than the previous generation, but a two-DIN storage box with lid has been added to the console. The console lid also comes with a convenient, integrated holder for sunglasses on the CE and LE models. Small amenities have not been overlooked. Corolla's front cup holders feature an improved design to hold large cups, coffee mugs and even drink boxes. A cup holder also has been added for rear passengers. A small storage box has been added to the left of the steering column for more convenient access. Occupants can keep track of the outside temperature with an LCD gauge, standard on all LE models and optional on CE models equipped with the Touring Package's tachometer.

COLOR AND TRIM - Buy The Corolla Here

Corolla's new design is complemented by nine exterior colors and two coordinating interior colors. New for 1998 are Ruby Pearl (with Light Charcoal or Pebble Beige interior), Sandrift Metallic (with Pebble Beige interior), Light Copper Mica (with Pebble Beige interior) and Mystic Teal Pearl (with Light Charcoal or Pebble Beige interior).

LIMITED WARRANTY - Buy The Corolla Here

Corolla is backed by a comprehensive warranty package from Toyota. A 36-month/36,000-mile basic warranty applies to all components other than normal wear or maintenance items. Powertrain items are covered for 60-months or 60,000 miles, while a 60-month/unlimited mileage corrosion perforation warranty covers corrosion to the body sheet metal. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.

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