Toyota Blade to Replace Matrix

[Frank@toronto]

spy shot:

http://cwimg.sv.publicus.com/apps/pbcsi.dl...e=1024&MaxW=800

More stories:

Toyota cuts Matrix with Blade
Matrix' successor will have a Mazda3 feel


AutoWeek | Updated: 02/12/07, 12:06 pm et

LOS ANGELES - Toyota will replace the Matrix in spring 2008 with a sleek hatchback inspired by the brisk-selling Mazda3.

Toyota insiders say the Mazda3 -- the hip cool car in the compact class -- is the visual benchmark for the Matrix successor, which is expected to be called the Blade.

The Corolla-based hatchback will get a narrower greenhouse and thicker C-pillar than the Matrix has.

The vehicle already is sold in Europe as the Auris and in Japan as the Blade.

But the U.S. version will have its own sheet metal, including a different belt line.

Toyota registered the Blade name with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

The Japan-market Blade is powered by a 158-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 161 pounds-feet of torque.

That would be a step up from the Matrix's 1.8-liter engine's 126 hp and 122 pounds-feet of torque

Picture of the Blade:







and Video:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ucrDW9jiWII

[echo7]

seems like the ground clearance is less than the matrix...if is thats the case ...

the rear looks like a versa...

i still like the matrix style..

the only thing I like i the steering wheel...

[mistamatrix]

I would have preferred the Auris to replace the Matrix over the Blade. Nonetheless, the Blade will still be a bit hit in North America if not bigger than the Matrix is/was. That is my prediction.

Why?...

...aftermarket support. There's going to be a demand for it and an enormous potential to supply because of the markets being served...Europe, Japan and North America.

Expect the Auris and Blade parts to be interchangeable especially the goodies underneath the sheet metal.

(I'm having dejavu for some reason.)

[cycleben]

looks like a mazda 3 hatch back, any word on news engines for it?

[echo7]

hmmm matrix, then blade... whats next? rings, potter or maybe narnia

[Frank@toronto]

any word on news engines for it?

The Japan-market Blade is powered by a 158-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine

[XR2003]

With a name like BLADE, shouldn't the styling lines be more sharp and sleek?

[mistamatrix]

Originally Posted by Frank@toronto

The Japan-market Blade is powered by a 158-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine

It's the 2AZ-FE a la Camry, tC, RAV4, etc.

[SPEEDYXRS]

have look at the following link with video of the Press conference on the release of the Toyota Blade in Japan. There is a rumoured Sport Model of the Blade due in Japan August 2007 equiped with a V6 280HP 2GR-FE 3.5L engine.

http://www.nihoncarandbike.com/news-395-X.html

[D Rock]

I like the interior shot that is here. The front exterior is OK, but I am not sure about the Rear -- I agree with Cycleben that it looks like the Mazda from the rear.

Rocks

[Georgenfla]

Those photos look great. I love my Matrix Xrs, but if there is to be a change, I think Toyota did a nice job with this "Blade". I don't much care for the new name. I don't know why they didn't retain the "Matrix" title.

[HL2k]

probably because the sales figures from what I hear are not doing so well

hence why the AWD wasn't available for 2007

[Georgenfla]

If the "Blade" sport model becomes a reality, it would pound the VW VR6 into the pavement. That would be great!

[Yota4Ever]

Looks good but that doesnt matter since the U.S. model is getting fresh sheetmetal which I'm sure will look hot.....some people should learn to read. I think the Blade deserves a big round of

[ycart1201]

would look hot with a drop and some rims!

rear kinda looks like a nissan versa

headlights look like an infinity

Nathan
ycart1201