Licorice grits, liquid nitrogen margaritas, and other concoctions from Bravo’s “Top Chef” Richard Blais were the appetizers to the 11th-generation Toyota Corolla’s unveiling inside the Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airport. A crowd of journalists, Toyota dealers, customers, and guests then watched a 40-minute aerial show by Fuerza Bruta before the 2014 Corolla was lowered from the rafters on June 6. Toyota Division’s group vice president and general manager Bill Fay and comedian Adam Carolla (the 2012 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race winner) bantered about the compact car’s latest re-design with Carolla joking that he should change the spelling of his last name to Corolla.

The 2014 Corolla’s cosmetic changes showcase a new front end design, more pronounced wheel arches and a shorter rear deck, giving the four-door a more athletic appearance. With a 106.3- inch wheelbase compared to the 2013 model’s 102.4-inch wheelbase, the 2014 model gains interior roominess. As one example, the rear seat zone is 2.95 inches longer than the 2013 version. Corolla LE and S models will offer a continuously variable transmission that will help increase the car’s fuel economy. Vehicle production begins in late summer with 2014 models reaching dealerships in September 2013. Although pricing won’t be announced until a few weeks before the car goes on sale, the 2014 edition will offer more standard equipment than the 2013 model.