Toyota->ke88 is previewing a litter of its models dressed to the nines in TRD garb at the SEMA Auto Show.->ke216 One of these models is the Toyota Corolla, and for the purpose of this particular exercise, the TRD Corolla provides a fresh take on the world’s best-selling car nameplate. As if that’s reason enough for Corolla->ke1039 owners to jump for joy, there’s also an all-too real possibility that this custom Corolla could find its way on the road in the not-too distant future.

There is a caveat, of course, and Toyota isn’t prepared to make any bold promises just yet. But, it’s no secret that as popular as the Corolla is and will continue to be, it’s the type of car that could have a little more edge to it. This TRD kit accomplishes that in some respects, although not the extent that most people would expect. As the equivalent of a preview model though, it’s presented well enough for customers to at least give it a second look.

Take a gander at the Toyota TRD Corolla and see for yourself if this kitted-up Corolla has a future in the real world. Toyota has said that it’s going to have its ears on the ground in Las Vegas to collect reactions from the public and the media. If those comments come through as positive, then we might be one step closer to finally seeing a TRD kit for the Corolla. Better late than never.

Continue reading to learn more about the Toyota TRD Corolla SEMA Edition.

Exterior

The exterior changes on the TRD Corolla are pretty evident just by how the car looks different from the standard model. The front section benefits from having a custom chin spoiler that’s been added to give the Corolla an extra punch of downforce in the front. Aero-inspired side skirts appear to have been thrown into the mix too, same as the fins on the rear diffuser that sits beside a TRD custom free-flow cat-back single exhaust system. These updates are about as subtle as it gets, but they do serve important functions.

What isn’t subtle is the set of new wheels that TRD fitted into the Corolla. From the standard set that didn’t do much for our imaginations, the TRD Corolla now has a set of bronzed out 19-inch TRD performance wheels fitted into 255-series tires. The bronze paint finish of the wheels strikes a perfect visual balance with the car’s Silver Pearl paint finish.

Interior

There’s not a whole lot going on in the cabin of the TRD Corolla, at least if you don’t count the embroidered TRD logos on the black leather seats. Other than that, expect to see the same cabin as that of the Corolla LE Eco. That’s not exactly going to do much to drum up any excitement for the model, but I’m guessing that the TRD Corolla will have more selling points than what’s being presented now at the SEMA Auto Show.

Drivetrain

To its credit, Toyota did make a few adjustments to the TRD Corolla’s engine setup. For starters, the standard CVT automatic gearbox has been thrown out and replaced with a six-speed manual. Then, there’s the aforementioned new free-flow cat-back exhaust system that should help the car’s 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine exhale more freely. There’s no mention of any performance improvements so for now, expect to see the same 140-horsepower and 126-pound-feet of torque from the four-banger.

TRD lowering springs provide the suspension improvements to round out the exterior changes on the TRD Corolla, as the car now rides an inch closer to the ground in the front and 1.5 inches in the back.

Conclusion

I’ve always been a fan of the Corolla’s longevity. It’s that kind of staying power that has made the model the best-selling automotive nameplate in history. But as long as the Corolla has been around, the word “exciting” isn’t the first thing people think of when it comes to the model. Functional, maybe, but not exciting. That’s a big reason why I fully support Toyota’s proposal to give the Corolla some TRD lovin’.

The concept that’s being shown at SEMA is a nice preview of what we can all expect, but I personally am expecting a lot more out of it if TRD’s really going to be involved. A more dynamic aero kit would be a good start. That or TRD can develop a number of performance modifications to at least give the Corolla a few more horses to work with.

Whatever it is, I want Toyota to see through with this whole exercise, through. I love the Corolla and admit to having owned a version or two in the past. But, it’s time the so-called “best selling car in history” receives some aftermarket attention, even if it comes from Toyota’s in-house performance division.