You asked: A 2021 Toyota Corolla Apex for Driving Enthusiasts?
It must be said that, since the famous promise “No more boring cars” of its president Akio Toyoda, in 2016, Toyota now offers a range of remarkably exciting models, from the simple Camry TRD to the sporty Supra. Now for the Toyota Corolla Apex 2021, another car signed Toyota which tries, by all means at hand, not to be boring.
The press release from the Toyota Corolla Apex 2021 contains some pretty funny superlatives. Phrases like “it captures attention”, “it sticks to the bends” or, again, “a truly dynamic dynamic force” try to convince us that this is a real sports sedan.
Admit it’s hard not to smile, because this is a Corolla!
But Toyota seems serious with its press release. The Apex Edition certainly doesn’t add anything to the powertrain; So this Corolla is still powered by the 2.0-liter “dynamic force” 4-cylinder engine that develops 169 horsepower and produces 151 pound-feet of torque. It can still be paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable automatic (CVT).
In its defense, I have to say that I particularly liked this engine in the Corolla SE, because of its pleasant reaction times, sufficient power and ease of climbing in the towers, qualities that combine particularly well. with the manual gearbox. This engine, although reliable, is however not as powerful as the turbo engines of the Honda Civic Si, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI or, even, the South Korean Hyundai Elantra Sport and Kia Forte GT. Toyota still does not have strong competitors to compete with its models.
The 2021 Toyota Corolla Apex sets itself apart from its rivals in particular when it comes to suspension. In fact, Toyota proudly claims that the Apex edition has been calibrated on the track. It therefore receives new coil springs which lower the vehicle’s ground clearance by some 15 millimeters.
Toyota then added specially tuned shocks with internal rebound springs, solid stabilizer bars 47% stiffer at the front and 33% at the rear, and new bump stops that ensure good ride quality. ride despite lowered suspension.
In addition, the power steering of the Corolla Apex has been recalibrated to give it a little more precision. Blackened and lightened rims of about 1 kilo per wheel will be part of the game. A cat-back type exhaust with 3.5-inch tip will give the Apex Edition a distinct sound. The brakes, however, remain identical to those of a Corolla SE.
A few unique aesthetic elements, such as a bronze and black combination, a cement gray color with blackened roof and mirrors, as well as a subtle rear spoiler will allow the Corolla Apex to stand out even more.
Marketed in only 150 copies, the 2021 Toyota Corolla Apex will arrive in dealerships across the country this fall.
