What Is It?
2004 Toyota Corolla XRS
What's Special About It?
After surprisingly strong sales of the cosmetically enhanced "S" trim Corolla, Toyota decided to turn it up a notch and release a sport model with some real teeth. The all-new XRS gets the same 1.8-liter VVT-i four-cylinder found in the Celica GT-S as well as its six-speed manual transmission. Notorious for its peaky power curve, Toyota claims that the version in the XRS is tuned to produce a broader range of torque, but its ratings of 170 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque suggest otherwise. Revised springs and shocks result in a one-inch lower ride height while a strut tower brace and 16-inch wheels further enhance its corner-carving potential. The interior is gussied up with sport seats, silver gauge trim and a leather shift knob.
Why Should You Care?
If you like the performance of the Celica but can't fathom the idea of wedging yourself into one everyday, the Corolla XRS provides a somewhat more practical option. It's not likely to have the same kind of ultraprecise cornering manners as the Celica, but given that the stock Corolla is already a fairly stable ride, the XRS should be able to hold its own in the ever-expanding world of hot-rod economy sedans. Sales are scheduled to begin May 1 of next year. — Ed Hellwig
2004 Toyota Corolla XRS
What's Special About It?
After surprisingly strong sales of the cosmetically enhanced "S" trim Corolla, Toyota decided to turn it up a notch and release a sport model with some real teeth. The all-new XRS gets the same 1.8-liter VVT-i four-cylinder found in the Celica GT-S as well as its six-speed manual transmission. Notorious for its peaky power curve, Toyota claims that the version in the XRS is tuned to produce a broader range of torque, but its ratings of 170 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque suggest otherwise. Revised springs and shocks result in a one-inch lower ride height while a strut tower brace and 16-inch wheels further enhance its corner-carving potential. The interior is gussied up with sport seats, silver gauge trim and a leather shift knob.
Why Should You Care?
If you like the performance of the Celica but can't fathom the idea of wedging yourself into one everyday, the Corolla XRS provides a somewhat more practical option. It's not likely to have the same kind of ultraprecise cornering manners as the Celica, but given that the stock Corolla is already a fairly stable ride, the XRS should be able to hold its own in the ever-expanding world of hot-rod economy sedans. Sales are scheduled to begin May 1 of next year. — Ed Hellwig
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