GStateOM

There are people that will buy it. There are people that will simply look at straight line performance numbers and buy. Considering the Camry V6 now is already a mid 14 second car (assuming the Corolla has the same engine), a 268 HP Corolla AWD would more than likely be a 13 second car.

I agree that this will not be the regular Corolla, but rather the highest end Corolla. Safe bet that there will be suspension upgrades, brakes, etc, but there is a market for it. Might just not be a big one. Not everyone cares about balance and handling and instead, just go for the 0-60 and 1/4 mile numbers.

As for the Corolla XRS, I think an auto tranny option might have gone a long way for the mainstream.

Nextourer

True. They did have an auto option for the 03 Matrix XRS.

however, I think Toyota wanted to appeal to the enthusiasts and by not offering an automatic, the potential buyers can ensure that "posers" won't be cruising around in it and rather stick with the Corolla S.