The New Toyota Corolla Makes a Surprise Appearance

Toyota Unveils New Corolla Concept with Hints of an Electric Future

While the wait for the Lexus LFR continues, Toyota has dropped a surprising bombshell. Although the supercar remains under wraps, the highly anticipated livestream from Japan revealed several intriguing cars, including the new Corolla.

The Corolla concept, though labeled as a concept, appears to be near production-ready, judging by its conventional side mirrors. A closer look reveals a fuel cap on the front fender, suggesting that this might be an electric vehicle (EV). While it’s technically possible that it could be a plug-in hybrid, the Prius already fills that role.

It’s hard to imagine a future without a combustion-powered Corolla, given its status as the best-selling nameplate in automotive history. Toyota would be taking a significant risk by offering it only as an EV, considering the company’s long-held skepticism about the complete takeover of electric vehicles. A more plausible scenario is that the electric Corolla will coexist alongside a combustion-engine variant.

The details remain scarce, leaving room for speculation. One possibility is that this electric Corolla will be sold alongside a nearly identical gas model, much like the new Lexus ES. Alternatively, Toyota might pair this bold-looking Corolla with a more conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) model.

Design Details

The Corolla concept boasts a daring design, featuring pixelated daytime running lights, a ducktail spoiler, and a sloping beltline near the A-pillars. The short hood hints at a dedicated EV platform, although Toyota has been teasing a new ultra-compact four-cylinder engine that could potentially fit underneath.

Full Reveal

The full reveal is set for the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, which opens its doors on October 29 for the first press day.