By: Jeffrey Ross
Autotropolis.com
The annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas is primarily known for showcasing aftermarket accessories and displaying tricked-out show cars.
Lately, manufacturers have recognized the unique opportunity this auto show allows and many have begun debuting new concept and production cars. 
Toyota, one of the leaders of manufacturer accessorizing, used this years SEMA show to debut two of its more popular cars Toyota debuted the 2009 Corolla and Matrix. Both cars will go on sale February 2008 and feature a much more angular and aggressive design than the cars they replace.
Like its predecessor, the 2009 Toyota Matrix will continue to share a platform with the Corolla. Unlike the previous generations, however, both cars will now share similar sheet metal especially up front. The Matrix keeps the same overall shape that made it popular when it was introduced in 2003. The 2009 Toyota Corolla looks like a shrunken Camry, which should be a move in the right direction considering the recent success of the latest Camry redesign. 
The Matrix lineup grows to three distinct trim levels: standard, S and XRS. The Matrix S and XRS feature stylish body kits and interior upgrades that add to the aggressive look and stance of the 2009 Matrix. All-wheel drive is an option on the Matrix S, while the XRS trim level is upgraded with a leather-trimmed steering wheel, a rear deck spoiler and the 18-inch, ten-spoke wheels. The Corolla lineup expands as well and now offers five trim levels: standard, LE, XLE, S and XRS. Unfortunately, the Corolla S will not get all-wheel drive like the Matrix S. 
Inside is where the two cars really distinguish themselves from each other with the most notable differences being the gauge cluster and the center stack. The gauge cluster on the Matrix features three individual chrome-trimmed pods while the Corolla uses a more basic and less flashy two-gauge cluster. 
Breaking from the recent trend that almost every redesigned car has seen lately, both the Corolla and the Matrix retain similar dimensions to the outgoing models. The Matrix continues to offer a more utilitarian interior with its major competition being some of the smaller crossover SUVs on the market. The plastic-lined cargo area and folding front passenger seat gives the Matrix a versatile interior.
The standard engine is an all-new version of Toyota’s 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with Dual VVT-i capable of 132 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual transmission will be standard with a four-speed automatic available. On the Matrix, preliminary fuel economy ratings are 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway with the automatic transmission (a 1 mpg increase for each is expected with the manual transmission) while the Corolla is a tad better with estimated ratings of 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway with both transmissions. 
The upgraded engine is the 158-horsepower 2.4-liter, DOHC four-cylinder engine with VVT-i and comes with a choice of two five-speed transmissions: either in manual or automatic. The Corolla with the 2.4-liter option gets 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, while the Matrix with the same engine gets a slightly lower 21 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.
Starting prices should be available closer to launch, but are expected to be similar to the current Corolla and Matrix starting MSRP of $14,405 and $15,510, respectively.