The TOM'S Corolla Turbo project in 1999 was a notable effort by TOM'S Japan to bring its high-performance tuning expertise to the Southeast Asian market, particularly the Philippines. By collaborating with Kilton Motors, TOM'S aimed to enhance the Toyota Corolla Altis, a popular sedan, to compete directly with the Honda Civic SiR, which was a favorite among car enthusiasts.
Key Features and Components
Aero Kit and Turbo Unit: The project included a stylish aero kit and a bolt-on turbo unit designed to boost both appearance and performance.
Components and Fabrication: Various off-the-shelf Toyota parts, like the turbo and intercooler, were utilized to keep costs down. Custom components included a welded tubular stainless steel turbo manifold and downpipe, aluminum intercooler piping, and a 3-inch mild steel exhaust.
ECU Tuning: TOM'S used its own programmable ECU for tuning, achieving an estimated 150hp at the wheels.
Driving Experience and Performance
Test Vehicle: The test vehicle, equipped with the TOM'S kit, showcased a sporty bodykit with a hood scoop, front bumper air dam, and a tall rear wing. It also featured exclusive 15x7 alloy wheels.
Turbo Performance: The small turbo provided quick spooling and minimal lag, making the car very responsive. The engine's power delivery was strong, easily lighting up the front tires up to third gear.
Publicity Stunt: In a drag race event, the car, driven by actor and TOM'S works driver Jomari Yllana, reportedly achieved an 11+ second, 167kph run down the 1/8th mile.
Market Reception and Rarity
High Cost: The TOM'S package had a high price tag of around P160,000, in addition to the cost of the Corolla Altis, making it affordable only to a few.
Limited Sales: Despite the efforts to market the car, only a handful of body kits and four complete vehicles were sold. These vehicles are now considered rare, with some still believed to be in their original condition.
The TOM'S Corolla Turbo remains one of the fastest and most powerful Corollas ever sold by local dealers in the Philippines. While opinions on its aesthetics varied, its performance and rarity have cemented its status as a unique and notable part of automotive history in the region.
