Separate from its display of tuner cars, Toyota presented its 35th anniversary Corolla XRS, destined to launch in the spring of 2004. Aimed at young, performance-driven buyers, the XRS will feature a newly tuned version of the 2ZZ 1.8-liter/170-horsepower DOHC engine and six-speed tranny found in both the Celica GT-S and Matrix XRS, promising sub-8-second 0-60-mph times while still maintaining fuel economy of 26 mpg city and 32 highway. Underneath is a sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, and Michelin performance tires. Inside, performance-themed accoutrements include sport seats, silver-colored switchplates and instrument cluster, and unique badging. The Corolla XRS will be built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Cambridge, Ontario (Canada) alongside the Matrix, and will arrive in showrooms in May 2004.
