Toyota Corona

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Toyota Corona
Production period: 1957-1996
Class : Middle class
Body versions : Sedan , hatchback , station wagon , pickup , coupe
Successor: Toyota Caldina
Toyota Corona Premio

The Toyota Corona (Japanese: コ ロ ナ) is a car model from the Japanese manufacturer Toyota Motor Corporation .

The Corona was first launched in Japan in 1957. It developed into a world success. In the first generations, the model was considered the "flagship" of the product range, later only mid-range models were produced under this name.

The competition between the Toyota Corona and the Datsun Bluebird between 1959 and 1967 is referred to as BC war . Nissan was more focused on technology, while Toyota put the emphasis on marketing and later also on reliability through quality circles. A first and a second BC war are distinguished. The first started in 1959 and ended in Toyota's defeat. The second started in 1963 and ended in Nissan defeat in 1966 when Toyota overtook its competitor in export markets.

Model overview

Toyopet Corona (T10)

T10
1957 Toyopet Corona 01.jpg
Production period: 1957-1960
Body versions : Limousine , station wagon
Engines: Otto engines :
1.0 liter
(24–33 kW)
Length: 3912 mm
Width: 1470 mm
Height: 1555 mm
Wheelbase : 2400 mm
Empty weight : 960 kg

With the establishment of the Toyopet Corona in July 1957, Toyota added a second luxury model to the range. This ranked below its sister model Toyopet Crown and was the official entry-level model in the upper class . The new model quickly gained its customers. The main competitor was the Datsun Bluebird .

The Corona was available in the S version. It was only offered with a gasoline engine that had a displacement of 995 cm³ and an output of 33 hp. The top speed was 90 km / h. Combination versions of the Corona were also available. These were based on the ST16 and PT16 platforms.

In 1958 the Corona got chrome-plated door handles. Another change was made to the bonnet. This received a tapered hood attachment, which was also made of chrome.

In October 1959, Toyota replaced the old 33 hp engine and now used an engine with a displacement of 997 cc and an output of 45 hp. The new model variant was classified as a P model. With the new engine, the Corona reached a top speed of 105 km / h. At the same time, the front grille was also redesigned. In another change, Toyota no longer used rear seats, but instead used rear bench seats. This made it possible to transport five people, one more than in the models previously built. In April 1960, the Corona T10 was superseded and replaced by the T20 generation.

Toyopet Corona (T20)

T20
1960 Toyopet Corona 01.jpg
Production period: 1960-1964
Body versions : Limousine , station wagon , pickup
Engines:
Gasoline engines : 1.0–1.9 liters
(33–? KW)
Length: 3990 mm
Width: 1490 mm
Height: 1440 mm
Wheelbase : 2400 mm
Empty weight : 940 kg

The second Corona came on the market in April 1960. In order to make the model popular with other customer groups, Toyota expanded the Corona segment with a PickUp variant called CoronaLine .

Toyopet CoronaLine

As an example of the new design, Toyota planned according to European design patterns. English Ford models and French Renault cars were used as templates . The new Corona was finally created in a combination of some of these styles.

With the new variation, an independent model emblem has now also been introduced for the Carina. This was in the hood diadem . Previously, the crown symbol of the sister model Crown adorned the Corona.

To ensure driving comfort, Toyota also introduced an automatic transmission when the model was changed. The buyer now had the choice between a manual three-speed transmission or a two-speed automatic transmission. There were two types of engine available for the T20. On the one hand there was a Toyota P engine with 997 cm³ displacement and on the other hand there was the more powerful Toyota 3R engine with a displacement of 1897 cm³.

Another innovation in the Corona T20 was a rear independent suspension. With this there were very often problems. Due to the dirt on the street, it very often happened that it wrapped itself in the suspension and the wheels could no longer turn. In even worse cases, excessive use even resulted in material breakage. In March 1961, Toyota solved this problem by replacing the rear independent suspensions with leaf springs and an elliptical steel beam suspension . This made it impossible for the rubbish and dirt to get stuck in the vehicle in any way and cause considerable damage. At the same time, Toyota expanded the engine range for the Corona to include the Toyota R engine with a displacement of 1453 cc.

Toyota took third place with a Toyopet Corona Touring 1600 in May 1963 in the 1st Japanese Grand Prix . There Toyota took part in class C-5 with several vehicles of the Corona model.

The Corona was exported under two different model names. In the USA the model was sold as the Toyota Tiara (RT30) in the notchback version and as the Toyota Tiara Station Wagon (T30) in the station wagon version . In Australia and New Zealand, however, it was named Toyota 1900 (RT26LG). A serious competitor there was the Datsun Bluebird .

Toyopet / Toyota Corona (T40 / T50 / T60 / T70)

T40 / T50 / T60 / T70
1964 Toyopet Corona 01.jpg
Production period: 1964-1970
Body versions : Sedan , station wagon , pickup , coupe
Engines:
Petrol engines : 1.0–1.9 liters
(33–74 kW)
Length: 4110 mm
Width: 1550 mm
Height: 1374-1420 mm
Wheelbase : 2420 mm
Empty weight : 945-1000 kg

The third generation of the Toyopet / Toyota Corona was launched in September 1964 and replaced the T20. Meanwhile, a relentless battle broke out between Datsun and Toyota for dominance in the domestic market. This was mostly fought out by both sides through the press and ultimately went down in history as the BC War .

Toyopet / Toyota Corona RT / 40
Toyopet / Toyota Corona RT / 50

Toyota simply renamed the pickup version to Corona Clipper with the new generation . The engine selection was taken over from the predecessor.

In April 1965, Toyota added the Corona 1600S (T60) sports model to the model range . This got a Toyota 4R engine with a displacement of 1587 cm³ and two carburetors. The new engine had an output of 90 hp.

In July, Toyota expanded its model range again. With the Corona RT / 40 and Corona RT / 50 , the company has now upgraded the Corona model series to a luxury model again.

An attempt was made to open up the market with the Corona in November 1965 in Europe. All Corona model versions were also offered here in Europe. The planned sales were not achieved, however, as the vehicles were very difficult to sell and Toyota was still one of the unknown brands in Europe.

Another challenge for the group was the introduction of international standards for the automotive market and new legal enactments in various countries. The aim was to standardize the models within the group. Since almost everything was uniform in the Corona models, the model could be used as a project experiment. And indeed, with the Corona, Toyota succeeded in working out a uniform structure as the first model series and also adapting the vehicle to all new standards and legislative proposals. This made it possible to export the Corona to Africa and South America.

In June of the next year, small changes were made to the front grille. The interior, as well as fittings, benches and new ornaments were now used for the other models and the old ones replaced.

June 1967 gave the Corona family another facelift. The bumpers were replaced and small changes were made to the shape. In addition, Toyota has now established the Toyopet / Toyota Corona Mark II sister model series . The outdated Toyota 2P engine was replaced shortly afterwards by the new 3P engine with a displacement of 1350 cm³.

On August 18, 1967, production in the Corona production halls (Motomachi) was suspended and the production of 80,000 units was celebrated.

In April 1968, Toyota tied the model series more closely with a comprehensive equipment variant. The same style has been used indoors with the Golden Series . For engine were among the sedans 7R - engines with 85 hp and at the sports and coupe vehicles 7R-B used engines with 100 hp.

A generation change of the Corona models occurred in 1970.

The Toyota Corona was built by Shinjin Motors in South Korea between 1966 and 1972 as the Shinjin Corona 1500 (신진 코로나).

Toyopet / Toyota Corona (T80)

T80
Toyota-Corona.jpg
Production period: 1970-1973
Body versions : Sedan , station wagon , pickup , coupe
Engines: Petrol engines :
1.5–2.0 liters
(? –141 kW)
Length: 4170-4481 mm
Width: 1560-1621 mm
Height: 1400-1430 mm
Wheelbase : 2430-2500 mm
Empty weight : 945-1256 kg

Toyota launched the fourth generation of the Corona in February 1970. However, this wasn't just a slightly redesigned model. The entire technology in the vehicle has been revised and brought up to date.

Toyopet / Toyota Corona

  • Silhouette 70 ⇒ entry-level model with moderate equipment
  • 1500 ⇒ model variant with radio and optional decoration
  • 1500DX ⇒
  • 1600SL ⇒
  • 1600DX ⇒ automatic version with all extras; electronically controlled injection (ECT)

In September 1970 the following model versions were added:

  • 1700SL ⇒ equipped with a 6R-B - engine
  • 1700DX ⇒ equipped with a 6R engine
Toyopet / Toyota Corona 1500DX

Another innovation appeared in February 1971 with the 12R , which had a displacement of around 1600 cc and outputs from 86 to 192 hp. This became one of the most popular engines at the time of the oil crisis and helped the Corona in the USA and Canada to a level of awareness not yet known for Toyota.

Toyota changed the Corona again for half a year. Interior and exterior have been completely changed. A year later, the radiator grille was finally changed. The engine selection was also added to the 18R-B - engine with about 2000 cm². However, this was mainly reserved for the newly established hardtop and hardtop coupé Corona 2000SR .

In April 1973, production of the Corona had to be discontinued due to stricter emissions standards and was later replaced by the T100 generation.

In America and Africa, the Corona T80 was only sold with 4-cylinder engines. The 6-cylinder and V6 engines were reserved for Japan, Australia and Europe due to a gigantic number of orders.

Toyopet / Toyota Corona (T100 / T110 / T120)

T100 / T110 / T120
1973 Toyota Corona 01.jpg
Production period: 1973-1978
Body versions : Sedan , station wagon , coupé
Engines:
Petrol engines : 1.6–2.0 liters
(? –96 kW)
Length: 4250 mm
Width: 1610 mm
Height: 1390 mm
Wheelbase : 2500 mm
Empty weight : 1090 kg
Toyopet / Toyota Corona 1600GL
Toyota Corona Station Wagon

On August 31, Toyota Motor Corporation resumed production of the Toyopet / Toyota Corona at the Motomachi plant in Japan . However, the body of the predecessor remained almost unchanged. Nevertheless, Toyota had used the long break. In the revision, Toyota attached great importance to the vehicle design and the safety of the driver and front passenger. The choice of colors was restricted and many chrome parts were installed. In order to give the Corona a more sporty appearance, the idea of ​​moving the exterior rearview mirror a little forwards and providing the dashboard in the interior with all the instruments known up to that point was particularly helpful. Bucket seats were also offered as an option. A large selection of extras helped to carry and improve the new image of the company beyond the national border. Now Datsun was no longer the only competitor in the same class. The Corona now also competed almost worldwide with Volkswagen Derby , BMW , DAF 55 , DAF 66 , Volkswagen Golf and models from locally licensed buildings.

Overview of the model versions :

  • 1600GL
  • 1600SL
  • 1800GL
  • 1800SL
  • 2000SL
  • 2000SR
  • 2000GT

The Corona 1800DX (taxi) was available from December and could be custom-made according to individual requirements.

In February 1975, new emissions regulations ( TTC-V ) were issued in Japan again . However, since Toyota did not have a corresponding engine for the Corona, the company had to get it from other manufacturers. The company's choice ultimately fell on the Honda Thunderstorm with CVCC technology . Only the 19R engine was retained in the new Corona 2000DX .

For the exhaust gas regulations that have already come into force, Toyota finally managed to establish the right engines for the Corona in October. The 2T-U engine with 90 hp and the 2R-U engine with LPG technology and an output of 70 hp were now available for the 1600 and 2000 series . For the 2000SL and 2000SR , however, the 18R-GU with 130 hp was offered.

Finally, in November, the outdated 12-R engine was completely removed from the range and replaced by the 2T-J . Toyota also added the 1600 and 1800 station wagons and panel vans to the Corona model range .

In June 1976, the first Coronas were fitted with catalysts for the first time after approval by the supervisory authority. However, these were only optionally available in the 2000 series models DX, GL and SL. In Europe these were already installed as standard.

In November 1976, the Corona lost its rank as the most popular national car in Japan. Between December 1973 and October 1976, the Corona was the best-selling automobile in Japan. Many of them went to authorities such as the police , fire brigade and post office.

In January, minor changes to the exterior and interior followed. For safety, among other things, ELR seat belts have already been installed as standard. The taxi version has now also been brought into conformity with the current emissions standard.

Toyota finally made the last changes to the Corona T100 in October 1977. Both the interior and the exterior have been slightly revised again. In order to improve the image for the Corona, the hardtop coupé Corona 1800MT was also established.But this was also able to help the T100 generation to a new upswing and the model was finally discontinued in September 1978.

In North America (T110 / T120) the Corona was offered as a notchback sedan, station wagon and hardtop coupé. Only the 1600 and 2000 variants were available. Here the new model had larger rear lights and wider bumpers.

Toyota Corona (T130)

T130
1980 Toyota Corona (XT130) CS sedan (2006-11-26) 01.jpg
Production period: 1978-1982
Body versions : Sedan , hatchback , station wagon , coupe
Engines:
Petrol engines : 1.6–2.2 liters
(57–99 kW)
Length: 4290 mm
Width: 1655 mm
Height: 1400 mm
Wheelbase : 2525 mm
Empty weight : 1085 kg

The Toyota Corona T130 made its debut in September 1978. For the first time, however, the brand name had been uniformly aligned with Toyota . In Japan, the Corona was previously sold as Toyopet . During the revision to the new model, the model got square headlights and new bumpers. The newly introduced liftback looks similar to the normal sedan, but it has its own body.

Toyota Corona CS
Toyota Corona CS
Toyota Corona Liftback Luxury Edition
Toyota Corona Liftback Luxury Edition
Toyota Corona Hatchback B

In the sixth generation, the Corona was also built outside of Japan for the first time. Toyota now had the model manufactured using CKD kits in its new factory in Altona, a suburb of the Australian city ​​of Melbourne , and the New Zealand city ​​of Thames .

Motor selection Japan:

  • 1600 cc ⇒ 88 hp
  • 1800 cc ⇒ OHC: 95 PS; DOHC: 105 hp
  • 2000 cc ⇒ OHC: 105 PS; DOHC: 135 hp

Engine selection Australia and New Zealand:

  • 1600 cc ⇒ 88 hp
  • 1800 cc ⇒ OHC: 95 PS; DOHC: 105 hp ( E-TT131 )
  • 1900 cm³ ⇒ Holden Starfire engine with 78 hp
  • 2000 cc ⇒ OHC: 105 PS; DOHC: 135 hp
  • 2200 cm³ ⇒ Holden Starfire engine with 104 HP

A few months after production started, Toyota had to recall about 4000 units due to problems with the rear axle and fixed this problem. The only vehicles without this defect were the LPG models . As a result, some units were even fitted with new brake boosters, which have now also been incorporated into series production. The 2000CX was also equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

In August 1979 the Corona got a uniform Toyota emblem. In Japan, the Corona logo or the Toyopet lettering had been used mixed up until then. A few days later, the 1800SL units were fitted with automatic transmissions. The 1800 series also got power steering as standard.

On the 25th anniversary of the DX (Deluxe; March 1981) sedan, Toyota made small improvements to the vehicles. At the same time, the new Corona top model, the Corona 2000GT , was presented. However, this did not go into series production until July 1981.

Toyota Corona (CT141 / T140 / T150 / T160)

Toyota Corona (CT141 / T140 / T150)

CT141 / T140 / T150
CORONA ST140.JPG
Production period: 1981-1998
Body versions : Sedan , hatchback , station wagon , coupe
Engines:
Gasoline engines : 1.6–2.0 liter
diesel engine
Length: 4430-4570 mm
Width: 1660 mm
Height: 1415 mm
Wheelbase : 2500 mm
Empty weight : 1165 kg

The seventh generation of the Corona was introduced in January 1982. But a year later, the Corona model series split into two camps.

Toyota Corona Hardtop 2000GT
Toyota Corona 1600GS Taxi LPG

In October, the sports model Corona 2000GT , which now had an 18R-GEU with around 1800 cm³, was added to the model range. In most foreign markets, however, the 3T-GTEU with 118 kW (160 PS) was used for the 2000GT , as the 18R-GEU did not comply with the local regulations.

The taxi model with its own generation designation CT141 was initially only available with diesel engines. A liquefied gas version did not go on sale until December 1982. The Toyota Corona could be equipped with the Back Sonar system, making it the first car with an ultrasonic -based parking aid.

Toyota also brought new engines to the rest of the Corona models in October 1983. The 12T-J and the 5K-J were added to the engine range. These models were mostly sold in the domestic and Australian markets. The older engines were mostly retained for the remaining markets. The 1600GT was given the 4A-GEU as standard . The new Corona GT-R versions, on the other hand, were also equipped with a sports package. The interior has also been completely redesigned so that the new top models stand out from the rest of the model variants.

On August 2, 1985, Toyota abolished the hardtop model and replaced it by expanding the GT-R series. After sluggish sales of the GT-R models so far, Toyota changed the rear lights, grille and the front section, which made the model look sportier.

In December 1986, Toyota Motor Corporation changed the taxi (CT141). Changes were made to the door panels and the front section. A new addition to the program was the Corona Taxi A60 with a petrol engine (Super). Compared to the diesel and LPG versions, the new A60 was shortened by 140 mm. The C-pillar, on the other hand, was moved 40 mm to the rear so that the passenger had more footwell. There was also a change in the diesel variant. This received the newly developed 1C-2C engine. The station wagon version got the somewhat more powerful 1C engine.

A year later, the production of the taxi model was stopped in December. In November 1991 the diesel variant was also discontinued. Only the sedan was still in production until 1998, unchanged. The model generation was abandoned in Australia and New Zealand as early as 1987.

Toyota Corona (T150 / T160)

T150 / T160
Toyota Corona 1985.JPG
Production period: 1983-1989
Body versions : Sedan , hatchback , station wagon
Engines:
Otto engines : 1.8–2.0 liter
diesel engine
Length: 4370 mm
Width: 1670 mm
Height: 1365 mm
Wheelbase : 2515 mm
Empty weight : 1005 kg

Built in Australia and New Zealand as the T150 and seventh generation, it was officially the eighth generation in Japan as the T160. For the new model, Giorgio Giugiaro developed a completely new body. In Europe, the model was represented by the sister model Toyota Carina II built in Spain and Great Britain . In South Africa and South America the model was produced as a version of the Toyota Corolla .

As standard, a 1S LU engine with a displacement of around 1800 cm³ and an output of 140 hp powered the new Corona. In November 1983 the 1S-ELU (1800 cm³) and the 1S-ILU (1800 cm³) followed. A 3A-LU and a 2C-L with a capacity of 2000 cm³ each were available for the diesel variants .

In August 1985, slight changes were made to the interior and exterior. This also resulted in new models. This was the Corona 2.0GT with a 3S GELU engine and the Corona 2.0GT-R with the 2.0GT-R engine. The SX models were meanwhile equipped with the 1S-ELU as standard. The R models, however, got the E-ST160 . Both engines were available for the newly introduced SX-R model version.

In December 1987, production of the Corona T160 was stopped and replaced by the successor model Corona EXiV . In Altona and Thames , the model was built until 1989 and replaced by the eighth (in Japan already ninth) generation.

Toyota Corona (T160 / T170)

T160 / T170
Toyota Corona (T170) (front), Serdang.jpg
Production period: 1987-1992
Body versions : Sedan , hatchback , station wagon
Engines: Gasoline engines :
1.5–2.0 liters
(? –121 kW)
Diesel engines :
1.5–1.8 liters
Length: 4440 mm
Width: 1690 mm
Height: 1370 mm
Wheelbase : 2525 mm
Empty weight : 1130 kg

With the replacement of the T140 / T150 generation, Toyota completely gave up the sport models of the Corona model series except for the Corona GT-R coupé . Sister models of the Corona T160 / T170 are like before the South African Toyota Corolla and the Toyota Carina II .

Toyota Corona 4-DOOR 2.0 GLA

Buyers of the Corona T170 had the choice between the four-door sedan, the five-door SF version, the station wagon and the GT-R.

The following motors were available:

  • 1.5 L 3E (petrol; station wagon version)
  • 1.5 L 5A-F (petrol or diesel)
  • 1.8 L 3S-FE (petrol or diesel)
  • 2.0 L 2C (petrol or diesel)
  • 2.0 L 3S-GE (petrol)

In March, the Corona 4-DOOR GT , Corona Liftback GT and Corona SF-GT were added to the model range. A sports package was optional.

Another change followed in August 1988, when Toyota built all-wheel drive into notchback sedans as standard. The new 4A-FE with a displacement of around 1.6 liters was also reserved for the notchback models.

In November 1989, the front grill with horizontal struts was changed to a front grill with vertical struts. The GT and GT-R models got a grill with a chrome-plated grid. Furthermore, the rear lights have been changed to a continuous rear light strip. Due to this change, the space for the license plate had to be incorporated into the rear bumper.

At the same time, the GT models got more engines:

  • 1.5 L 4S-FE (petrol engine)
  • 1.8 L 5A-FE (petrol)
  • 2.0 L NIES EFi with 165 PS (super unleaded)

To celebrate the 10th millionth Corona in May 1990, Toyota Motor Corporation brought out the Toyopet Corona Super Roomy , which was specially designed for the Japanese market . The special model was limited to 500 units and sold out quickly. The basic model of the Super Roomy was extended by 210 mm. Most of the models were converted into stretch limousines at the request of customers.

Production of the series ended in February 1992. The station wagon was replaced by the Caldina .

Toyota Corona (T190)

T190
1994 Toyota Corona 01.jpg
Production period: 1992-1996
Body versions : Limousine , station wagon
Engines:
Petrol engines : 1.6–2.0 liters.
Diesel engines :
2.0 liters
Length: 4520 mm
Width: 1695 mm
Height: 1410 mm
Wheelbase : 2580 mm
Empty weight : 1200 kg
Toyota Corona 4-DOOR EX 2.0 GLA

The tenth generation went on sale in February 1992. The only versions were the four- and five-door notchback sedans. Like its predecessor, the latter was also called SF for sensational feeling . The GT model series and the GT-R were canceled. The station wagon had now also adopted another model series. Sister models of the Corona T190 rolled off the assembly line in Europe as the Carina E , in Indonesia as the Toyota Corona Absolute and in Thailand as the Toyota Corona Exisor . In Spain, the Corona rolled off the assembly line without a name change and ranked next to the Carina E. In South Africa, the sister model was called the Toyota Corolla .

Model overview:

  • EX Sedan ⇒ 1.6 (petrol); 1.8 (petrol); 2.0 (Diesel 2WD / AWD)
  • EX sedan ⇒ 1.8 (petrol); 2.0 (petrol)
  • GX ⇒ 1.6 (petrol); 1.8 (petrol); 2.0 (Diesel 2WD / AWD)
  • Salon ⇒ 1.6 (petrol); 1.8 (petrol); 2.0 (Diesel AWD)

In February 1994, Toyota made changes to the body to make the model more affordable. The front grille was incorporated into the body so that it shows the vehicle color. A cheaper side impact protection was also installed. In January 1996, production of the Corona was finally phased out.

Corona Premio (T210)

In parallel with the replacement of the Carina E in Europe by the Avensis, the Corona Premio was introduced for the Japanese market. It was offered from 1996 to 2001 and then replaced by the Toyota Premio .

Web links

Commons : Toyota Corona  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Koji Nakae: Cultural change: a comparative study of the change efforts of Douglas MacArthur and Carlos Ghosn in Japan. In: MBA thesis. 2005, accessed June 26, 2019 .
  2. ^ Tetsuji Okazaki: The Evolution of the Financial System in Post-War Japan . In: Business History . tape 37 , no. 2 , 1995, p. 107-119 , doi : 10.1080 / 00076799500000059 .
  3. Passenger cars from Japan. In: Motor vehicle technology 1/1959, p. 20.
  4. ^ Auto, Motor & Sport, Issue 11/1982, page 62 ("News - The latest from technology").