year after it was initially shown in Sydney as the Toyota Aurion Sports Concept, and a few months after a closer-to-production version was displayed in Melbourne, Toyota Australia has officially launched the long-awaited TRD Aurion. While TRD-editions of existing Toyota vehicles have been available in many markets over the years, the TRD Aurion is the first vehicle worldwide to be sold as a TRD -- now established as a new, separate brand under Toyota, like AMG is worldwide for Mercedes, and HSV and FPV are for GM and Ford in Australia.
Viewed as a step up from the Toyota Aurion Sportivo in terms of both equipment, appearance, and performance, the TRD Aurion's greatest asset is its Eaton TVS (Twin Vortices Series) Supercharger, which sees its first production car application here. The blower gives the TRD Aurion over 323 horsepower and a torque peak of 296 lb-ft, which is channeled forward via a six-speed automatic with sequential shift. 0-100km/h (62 mph) takes 6.1 seconds, and the car is limited to a top speed of 155 mph. Neither number is particularly earth-shattering compared to other specialty models, but TRD says that the goal was to achieve all-around balance rather than all-out performance. Combined-cycle fuel economy for the TRD Aurion is 21.5 US MPG.
Follow the jump for more, including multiple press releases from Toyota Australia.
[Source: Toyota Australia]
All TRD Aurions get the visual makeover you see above (19" wheels, body kit, special badging), TRD brakes, a TRD-tuned suspension, and a TRD exhaust system. Within the TRD Aurion range, there are two variants on offer. The 3500S is the lower-priced car, which is positioned so that it isn't hit with Australia's luxury tax. Red leather/suede sport seats and interior trim are its most obvious visual indicators. Customers can step up to the 3500SL (the L is for Luxury, shown to the right), which is more expensive and boasts additional standard features the S doesn't have, as well as a more upscale option package that includes satellite navigation. Pricewise, the 3500S starts at $56,990 AUD and the 3500SL opens at $61,500 AUD. Dear Toyota: how about sending us this in LHD as the TRD Camry?
PRESS RELEASES:
TOYOTA INJECTS PERFORMANCE INTO ITS RANGE
Toyota Australia has injected 241kW of style, passion and performance into its range with the launch of the TRD brand and its first model, the supercharged TRD Aurion.
Locally designed and built, TRD Aurion is the most powerful Toyota ever seen in Australia.
It will sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds and is speed-limited to a maximum of 250km/h.
Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing, David Buttner, said the TRD Aurion represented "Toyota plus".
"The TRD involvement elevates Aurion's dynamic capabilities while retaining Toyota's traditional quality, durability and reliability," Mr Buttner said.
"You've got Toyota - plus added style and performance."
Toyota Style Australia styled TRD Aurion's exterior and interior.
TRD Aurion is offered in two grades: 3500S, for sport, and 3500SL, after sports luxury.
Both are fitted with the 241kW supercharged engine, sports suspension, performance brakes, 19-inch alloy wheels, TRD front and rear bumpers, side skirt and rear spoilers, sports seats, power driver's seat, alloy pedals, TRD scuff plates, air conditioning and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The 3500S - with an RRP of $56,990* - is strategically positioned below the luxury-car tax threshold.
The upper-grade 3500SL has added features including Smart Entry and TRD Smart Start, full leather interior, clearance and reverse parking sonars, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, six-way power front passenger seat and TRD floor mats.
The 3500SL has an RRP of $61,500*.
Mr Buttner said the price, specification, value and performance of the TRD Aurion would position it against both local and imported competition.
"TRD Aurion matches the size of the locally produced sports sedans that are priced above it, and it exceeds the performance of its imported rivals," he said.
TRD Aurion is the world's first production car to use the Eaton TVS (Twin Vortices Series) supercharger.
"It offers new levels of efficiency and quietness," Mr Buttner said.
"The standard Aurion engine is already at the forefront of technology - the most powerful naturally aspirated six-cylinder powerplant in its class.
"The Eaton supercharger lifts performance to a new plane with instant throttle response and excellent acceleration at low engine speeds.
"The power is delivered consistently and evenly throughout the rev range, rather than suddenly producing a neck-breaking surge.
"At the same time, it's so fuel-efficient you don't need to be a 'petrolhead' to enjoy exhilarating performance."
TRD Aurion's supercharged 3.5-litre V6 engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift.
"TRD Aurion will provide a balanced driving experience for a sophisticated market, integrating its power with dynamic cornering ability, precise steering response and impressive stopping performance," Mr Buttner said.
"It will distinguish itself by delivering its ample reserves of all-round performance in a way that is enjoyable and relaxing to drive - whether in traffic or on the open road."
TWO MODEL GRADES FOR TRD AURION
New TRD Aurion has two model grades, both with supercharged quad cam V6 engine and six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission.
The two model grades are TRD Aurion 3500S and 3500SL.
Both models have a 241kW supercharged engine, TRD unique sports suspension, TRD performance brakes, TRD unique 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/35ZR19 Dunlop Sport Maxx performance tyres, TRD unique engine cover and TRD sports exhaust system with integrated exhaust outlets.
Interior features in 3500S include TRD red steering wheel, TRD scuff plates, red leather/suede sports seats featuring revised seat bolsters and leather door trim.
Unique exterior features include TRD front and rear bumpers, body-coloured rear spoilers and side skirts, and TRD 3500S grade badge.
The 3500S comes off the main Altona production line with rear underbody bracing, underbody aerodynamic enhancements, smoked headlamps and rear combination lamps, alloy sports pedals, multi-function trip computer, premium Optitron combination meter and six-disc CD changer.
In addition, TRD Aurion 3500S has Data Dot security.
There is one option for the 3500S: the combined option of moonroof, rear personal lamps and sun visors with lamps.
TRD Aurion 3500SL has higher specifications, including dual-zone air conditioning with push-button heater and ventilation controls, six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, Smart Entry and Push Start, and clearance and reversing sonar.
TRD Aurion 3500SL's additional features over 3500S also include plum-coloured full leather seat trim, and colour-keyed (dark grey/plum) TRD leather-bound steering wheel and gearshift knob.
The 3500SL model's additional specifications also include TRD piano black door and dashboard highlights, TRD 3500SL grade badge, unique 3500SL grade bumper highlights, TRD floor mats and a unique TRD alloy wheel silver finish.
TRD Aurion 3500SL also has the added feature of a rear bumper reinforcement to optimise body rigidity and improve handling.
There are two option packs for the 3500SL: a combined option of moonroof, rear personal lamps and sun visors with lamps, and the combined option of those three features with satellite navigation system and Bluetooth™* mobile phone compatibility (satellite navigation units come with four-disc CD changer).