LexFather

http://www.caranddriver.com/carnews/...ota-blade.html

2009 Toyota Blade - Car News

The Matrix replacement should get more power and a sharper name.
BY DAVE VANDERWERP, February 2007

Rumor has it that when Toyota replaces the aging five-door Matrix hatchback in the spring of 2008, the Corolla-based vehicle will take on its Japanese-market name, the Blade.

The Blade currently sold in Japan is powered by a 158-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder, the same power source as in numerous Toyota products, including the Camry. That would be a useful improvement over the Matrix’s current 126-hp, 1.8-liter four. All-wheel drive is optional, as it was on the Matrix until 2007, when it was dropped along with the more-powerful, high-revving 164-hp, 1.8-liter engine choice.

However, the Blade will get unique sheetmetal for the U.S. that will be substantially different from the Japanese-market Blade shown here. The Matrix never sold all that well in the U.S., and insiders say Toyota will be targeting the popular Mazda 3 with the Matrix’s replacement.

whoster

hmmm


i've slowly become attracted to hatchbacks and this might be a promising new hatch.

MR_F1

they need to make it look like this

tcheung87

Agreed! Love the Caldina.

tuan92129

Looks like a g35 to me...

STIG

I agree! forget about blade. bring us CALDINA.

ElitistK

iTrader: (4)

finally, toyota decides to bring another JDM car to the US.

94lex83457

Caldina FTMFW, but this looks very good too. It's a shame we will get something so different (so says the article)

chrispy

iTrader: (21)

i can see future "JDM conversions" happening. looks like a g35 wagon.

mmarshall

It's good to see the AWD version come back to the U.S. market. Dropping the AWD version this year was a big mistake on Toyota's part .....that was the only AWD vehicle Toyota sold here that could compete directly with entry-level Subaru AWDs. The AWD RAV4 and Highlander are both too tall and SUV-ish to compete directly with Subaru Imprezas and Outbacks.

Lexmex

I don't think that the Matrix ever sold well down here either. We only got 1.8 lt engine with no AWD or any high hp models. I think Toyota eventually had to lower the price if I remember correctly.

MR_F1 is right, they should bring the Caldina. I have some friends in Latin America who have told me this little vehicle has been a good workhorse. Looks like a car, but can run like small truck, very durable.

MSMLexIS

I really want the Caldina especially the 265Hp turbo AWD model. Sadly the closest well get will be the caldina wheels on the Matrix M Theory.

Koma

iTrader: (3)

The Caldina is more Camry sized though, correct?

blacksc400

iTrader: (4)

The only JDM toyotas they really need to bring is the Crown and Wish!!!!
They are so attractive... drop in the new 4.7 from the LS460 to the crown... ohhh... I will buy it in a heartbeat!!

MR_F1

Caldina GT-4 ftmfw