Description

The ninth generation of the Toyota Corolla (E120/E130) was a C-Segment car launched in 2001 and facelifted in 2005.

The performance version of the model was the Toyota Corolla T-Sport, fitted with a naturally aspirated 1.8 VVTL-i engine producing 192 hp (141 kw) of power and 180 Nm of torque, mated with a 6 speed manual transmission. The car accelerated from 0-100km/h in 8,4 seconds and could reach a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph). It featured a refined suspension with performance dampers and rebound springs, improved steering feel, larger brakes and shorter gearing. Visually, the car was distinguished by the fog lights, the 15 inch alloy wheels, the roof spoiler and the more prominent tailpipe.

The updated Toyota Corolla T-Sport (facelift) launched in 2005 with a redesigned bodykit that distinguished it from the rest of the Corolla range. It featured a sporty bumper with a new grille and larger air intakes, extended side sills and rear bumper extensions, while it was also fitted with the redesigned headlights and new taillight graphics of the facelifted Corolla hatchback.

The most powerful and fastest derivative of the model was the Toyota Corolla T-Sport Compressor, a special edition launched in 2005. The car was fitted with a supercharged version of the 1.8 VVTL-i engine producing 225 hp (165 kw) of power and 230 Nm of torque. Thanks to the upgrades, the model could accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6,8 seconds (1,6 seconds faster than the regular T-Sport) and could reach a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph). Other modifications included a stiffer suspension and lowered ride height by 15mm. Visually the T-Sport Compressor had the same bodykit with the facelifted model but it was distinguished by the larger multi-spoke 17 inch wheels and the unique rear bumper extension that housed two exhaust pipes.

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