Toyota Corolla Poised for Full Redesign as PHEV Launch Nears
Major Design Overhaul Expected for Popular Compact Sedan
Japanese auto brands are famous for their hybrids. Toyota is definitely the number one brand among them. Toyota’s compact sedan Corolla has maintained its position in the US and Chinese markets, Europe, and Southeast Asia. The Corolla, which has continued its lineage for 12 generations, will soon be launched as a 13th-generation redesigned model. The current model has also undergone modern design changes, but the new Corolla that will be launched soon is expected to have a sportier design.
The existing Sedan, Touring, and Sport variants will remain the same, but a plug-in hybrid specification is finally scheduled to be introduced to the Japanese and US markets in 2026. Although no prototypes have been captured yet, an overseas rendering artist recently released renderings of the next-generation Corolla, reflecting Toyota’s latest designs, including the Crown Sport.
Signature Hammerhead Styling Takes Center Stage
Sportier Front Fascia Previewed
According to the rendering, the next-generation Corolla will adopt Toyota’s hammerhead style. The long, sharp headlights and the grille that touches them have become thinner. The lower bumper has a sporty air intake that looks sharper and more modern. The large bumper grille has a mesh-type pattern.
For the rear, it seems to have been inspired by the Toyota Crown. Horizontal tail lamps are placed. The shape that stabs toward the side is maintained but thinner overall, emphasizing the sporty image in the rear. A sculpted volume was added to the tailgate, adding an aggressive impression. The rendering shows basic door handles, but the new Corolla that will be launched may have changes, such as placing door handles on the C pillar to improve aerodynamic performance.
Sport Model Renderings Hint at Performance Variant
Lower, Wider Stance Promises Enhanced Dynamics
Another version of the rendering has also been released. The longer body proportions and lower center of gravity provide a sportier driving experience. The overall design is the same as the basic model, but a sculpted volume was added around the grille to create a strong image. The bumper grille features a horizontal pattern instead of a mesh.
The side air intake has also been expanded, and a line-shaped lamp across the top of the grille has been added. The body shape has also become more sleek due to the roof line that drops lower toward the rear. In the rear case, the tail lamp has become sharper than the basic model and is designed to run horizontally along the entire width. The angular feel of the tailgate has also been strengthened.
Based on a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine
To be launched with various powertrains
As for the powertrain, Toyota’s next 1.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine is expected to be the lineup’s core. It is known to produce about 128 horsepower in naturally aspirated form, and the turbocharged version can produce up to 178 horsepower. This engine will likely be applied to existing internal combustion and hybrid models.
The newly added PHEV model is expected to be equipped with two electric motors on the gasoline engine to improve performance and efficiency. This is expected to deliver even more powerful performance, and expectations are high for the performance of the next-generation Corolla to be launched in the future. The next-generation Corolla will launch in the Japanese and US markets in 2026.
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