it doesn't...directly. I was just using that example to describe the difference in physics between front-engined, FWD and rear-engined vehicles. The forward weight-transfer under heavy braking has usually favored rear-engined cars, whether with discs or drums, in shorter stopping distances.

Can't really comment on that. I don't necessarily see where drums are that much cheaper to produce, unless it simply involves less precision-finishing like what you have on disc-brake rotors. Rotors also have to be made of high-quality metal. Perhaps a technician or brake-repair specialist here on the forum could fill us in on that a little more. I think the main reason why most of the industry switched to discs was their better-resistance to fade and the ability to go through water puddles without losing effectiveness.

BTW, you can thank the British for disc brakes...they were the ones that basically invented them. They were first used on aircraft (along with anti-skid features), then on racing cars, then to production cars. In the U.S. they were first tried on the advanced Tucker Torpedo in 1948, but the company folded, and they weren't used again until Studebakers, Corvettes, and Ford Thunderbirds in the 1960s.

BTW, Jill.....since you have a very recent Corolla, why not give us a short write-up on your experiences and how it is doing......repairs, reliability, general satisfaction, etc....? It doesn't have to be a long narrative like my full-reviews.

 

LED is superior, HID is going bye bye...

Corolla started the trend with LEDs in this class, and now they are adding high beam leds as well on this model, that they call complex-LED.

They will never be standard on all cars because it costs more. New E class in Germany comes with halogen lights standard. Toyota decision to make it standard is marketing decision from Corolla team, not because it costs the same, it does not.

 

You do realize that only Corolla has standard LED lights? Hyundai requires you to spend $27.5k for Elantra to get HIDs.

 

Not exactly sure what you point is. Eventually, LEDs will replace regular bulbs. The cost will also come down to the point it will not cost as much as it does not. Where did I say regular light cost the same as LEDs?

The Corolla LED lights are not standard in all markets outside the USA. In Mexico the same car uses halogen, a 4 speed across the range but no drums. In Australia the Corolla sedan comes with no LEDs. However, the Corolla iM in Australia as self levelling LEDs as an options while the USA Scion iM has projector beams.

 

I have no complaints.

 

I was talking about the kind we don't get here like Matrix beam, laser, etc.. Sure we have intelligent hi-beam technology that detects oncoming light and switch between high and low settings but it's kinda rough. I had a ES300h recently with SS+ and I had to turn the intelligent hi-beam feauture off while driving because the transition is so noticeable. Felt like I was gonna have a seizure as the light flickered on/off. Give me headlamps that can change intensity and curve light away from oncoming vehicles.

 

You certainly took my request literally. Thank You.

 

It will sell well due to simply being a Corolla. This is a game and mentality that Toyota and Honda knows very well, and takes advantage of on many occasions.
What one has to ask themself is, "how many more WOULD they have sold with more conventional styling?" That of course, is a number we will never know. But by just this particular post about the new Corolla, the majority of repliers seem to think it looks disgraceful.

 

Why in the world anybody would buy a Corolla or even a Civic in this day and age with the interesting options out there at those price points is beyond me. That consumer is purely shopping for an appliance, Toyota's decision to make these cars look so radical when the demographic they're aiming for is so not radical is beyond me.

If I were in that range, without question I'd be in a Mazda 3.

 

I agree with you from a purely styling point of view, but the Corolla and Civic have good enough reputations that they would still sell if they were shaped like Corvettes.

..........because of the chassis and steering? That is what attracts a lot of potential buyers to Mazda products.

 

That is also up to personal taste, but in this case, the 2017 Corolla does not look very good.

 

This is my issue with what Toyota is doing with these cars. They are making them radical looking, but then under the sheetmetal its still a cheaply designed economy car with a solid axle and drum brakes when they could do so much better. Make them radically sporty looking fine, but at least make the car match what the outside is selling.

Because its just a much, much better car. Being an economy car doesn't mean anymore that the car can't be dynamic and well made with a good chassis, good suspension and steering, nice high quality interior. When you drive a Mazda 3 it feels premium, interior has nice materials, powertrain is refined and responsive, suspension is well damped and makes it fun to drive. It has an independent rear, steering is better balanced, good brakes. The Corolla is none of that...and it costs more! It appeals to people who don't like driving or care about cars and want cheap, reliable transportation and thats fine...but why style it like an alien landing pod?!?

I think the reality is that LED is the future. They can do more with LED, its cheaper. Currently I'm not 100% ready to make the statement that "LED is superior" across the board. With Lexus vehicles I've driven with LED lights and HID lights, I prefer the HID. Other carmakers have better LED setups.

 

This Prius Prime has Lexus-like adaptive LED lights that can block partial high beam, not just switch to low beam. It detects where the light source is coming from and blocks only that part of high beam.

I believe law is being chaged right now.

 

My point is that you were making it seem they are standard - they are not. Only Corolla has them standard in the USA, nobody else in the class. They will never be as affordable as halogens so manufacturers will keep using halogens, like MB does on their brand new E class.

As to what will happen in the future, I am sure we will be teleporting soon, so we wont need cars. Thats as good as your prediction about all cars using LEDs.


As to Mexico, Australia - not sure whats your concern exactly? We are talking about US market Corolla that has these features standard and many available option. Every market has different setup based on what their marketing team thinks its their priority.

 

I sure hope so