Our second report from Down-Under today concerns the official introduction of the Camry based,
sports sedan which is equipped with a supercharged 3.5L V6 engine producing 329 Hp (241 kw) and 400 Nm (295lb-ft) of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift. The front-wheel drive Aurion TRD sprints from 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) in 6.1 seconds while its top speed is electronically limited to a maximum of 250km/h (155 mph). Supercharged engine aside, the Aurion TRD gets a full bodykit, revised suspension and brake systems along with a tastier, sporty interior.
According to Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing, David Buttner, the locally developed and built Aurion TRD will play the role of “an alternative to the locally produced specialist 'muscle cars' with their V8 engines and price tags of over 60,000 AUD”.
However, when compared to the rear-wheel drive, V8 powered Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons, $56,990 for an Aurion TRD 3500S and $61,500 for the better equipped 3500SL, doesn’t sound “alternative” to our ears, especially when you can go buy a 368Hp Holden VE Commodore SS-V for $52.490 (manual gearbox).
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."
TRD Aurion pricing
3500S $56,990*
3500SL $61,500*
Options
Metallic paint $430 (3500S only)
Moonroof $1995 (3500S); $2025 (3500SL)
(Note: different due to luxury-car tax)
Moonroof + sat nav $5952 (3500SL only)
Toyota's proposition in the large sedan segment in Australia, the Aurion, which is essentially a Camry with a different nose job and rear end, has received a nip and tuck for the 2010 model year. Exterior styling changes for the Japanese firm's front-wheel drive sedan that competes against the Holden Commodore (Pontiac G8) and Ford Falcon include a new front mask, LED stop and tail lamps, and new wheel designs across the range, including ten-spoke alloy wheels on the entry-level AT-X model.
All three versions of the Aurion (Prodigy, Sportivo and Presara) get new grade-specific bumpers, radiator grilles, lower aperture grilles, headlamps and fog-lamp surrounds while Toyota's designers also eliminated the sedan's body-side moldings for a cleaner look.
