The 2021 Toyota Corolla APEX Edition is for driving enthusiasts only

You might already know this but the Toyota Corolla is the best-selling car in history, with well over 40 million units built and sold. You might not be aware however that the Corolla also holds a motorsports pedigree. The all-new limited-edition 2021 Toyota Corolla Apex is a tribute to its performance heritage and was designed for driving enthusiasts.

Built on the Toyota Corolla SE, only 150 Apex Edition cars will be available and they will be powered by the potent and fugal 169-horsepower 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine. It will paired to a specifically developed cat-back exhaust system that produces a throatier note on start-up and under wide-open throttle.

Of the 150 units that will be made, 50 will be delivered with the 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (6 iMT) while the other 100 will feature the Dynamic Shift CVT (continuously variable transmission) with simulated 10-speed Sequential Shiftmatic steps, a Sport Mode, and paddle shifters.

To keep the power under control, Toyota has further tweaked the company’s excellent high-strength TNGA-C platform with a unique track-tuned suspension. The chassis was tuned at TMC Higashi-Fuji Proving Ground in Japan, Toyota Arizona Proving Ground and MotorSport Ranch in Texas – This is serious testing. The Corolla Apex Edition’s suspension consists in unique and stiffer coil springs that lower the vehicle by 0.6 inches (15.2 mm). They are coupled to specially tuned shocks with internal rebound springs for increased damping force. There are also new solid stabilizer bars, revised steering and jounce bumpers. The bottom line is that this Corolla handles better and is more responsive than any in recent memory.

The new 2021 Toyota Corolla APEX Edition also looks the part. Lower to the ground, the car’s body includes a black aerodynamic body kit with bronze accents. The add-ons feature a unique front spoiler, fog light covers, side moldings and rear diffuser. A bespoke 3.5-inch stainless steel tip looks right at home alongside the diffuser. Flow-formed 18-inch cast aluminium wheels, designed to be lighter and aid in brake cooling, are also part of this special edition. A rear trunk-mounted spoiler will be available as an option to complete the extra sporty look.

The cabin will contain sport fabric seats, heated upfront, a sporty leather wrapped steering wheel and a moonroof. And let’s not forget must-haves like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and much more.