TRD launches twin hotties

The wait for Toyota's first performance tin-top, the TRD Aurion is over. And the new Toyota performance arm has arrived to taunt local V8 hot-shops and the likes of STi, Ralliart, VW's R-division and others with not one, but two models.

Priced at $56,990, just under the luxury car tax threshold, the TRD Aurion 3500S (S signifying sports) kicks off the range. Sitting above it, at the head of the hot Aurion offer is the $61,500 'sports luxury' flagship, the 3500SL.

Though the 3500S and 3500SL differ in equipment levels (see below) they share the same engine -- a bespoke supercharged version of the standard front-wheel drive Aurion's 3.5-litre transverse V6.

Developed by TRD in Australia in conjunction with V8Supercar regular Harrop Engineering (more here), the dual-VVT-i Quad Cam 2GR-FE V6 engine features the first series production application of the new Eaton TVS (Twin Vortices System) four-lobe supercharger.

Harrop Engineering selected the supercharger, designed and cast the casing and inlet manifold and designed the supercharger drive system. The company also carried out the engine finite element and airflow analyses before handing the project over to TRD's own engineers.

After TRD's work and over 100,000km of testing as far a field as central Australia, the end result is an output of 241kW at 6400rpm and 400Nm of torque at 4000rpm.

And it's not just all top-end either. According to TRD, the supercharged engine betters the standard Aurion's torque peak of 336Nm at just 1800rpm and has better than 300Nm of torque available from 1250rpm through to redline.

This output is enough to sprint the TRD Aurion from zero to 100km/h in 6.1sec. Toyota says the standing quarter (read: 400m) is dispatched in 14.2sec. And although fuel economy isn't expected to be high on the priority listing of buyers, Toyota says the vehicle returns an impressive ADR81/01 combined figure of 10.9lt/100km.

In both versions, the V6 is matched to a recalibrated version of the six-speed automatic transmission that graces the standard Aurion. There is no manual transmission option offered.

The TRD models also get a unique uprated brake package that features twin-piston calipers and vented 325mm discs at the front, and 310mm ventilated rear discs with single piston calipers

Though it's the 'base' TRD model, the sporty 3500S is well-equipped with power windows, mirrors, drivers seat, et al, climate control air and all the usual mod-cons. Inside it's separated from the run of the mill by a TRD red steering wheel, TRD scuff plates and alloy sports pedals, leather door trims and red leather/alcantara combination sports seats.

The rear seat has been reprofiled to what Toyota terms "a two plus one" configuration.

Exterior upgrades include TRD front and rear bumpers, body-coloured rear spoiler and side skirts and TRD badging.

The car also features rear underbody bracing and "aerodynamic enhancements", Lexus-style Optitron gauges and a six-disc CD stacker.

Aside from the $430 ask for metallic paint, the sole option offered to 3500S buyers is a "moonroof" and interior lighting upgrade. It costs $1995.

The TRD Aurion 3500SL raises the offer further with full leather interior, piano black dash and door highlights and colour-keyed steering wheel and gearshift. Also included are dual-zone air, six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, keyless entry/start and park sensors.

The SL is further set apart via special badging, grille and bumper accents and silver-finish alloy wheels. Just two exterior colours, Ink and Silver Ash, will be offered for the SL "to preserve a feeling of exclusivity" Toyota says.

The model also gets additional rear body reinforcement which the maker claims optimises body rigidity and improves handling.

Two option packs are offered for the 3500SL -- the combination moonroof and lighting pack (as per the S) at $2025 (put the extra $30 down to LCT) or the same equipment plus a satellite navigation system and Bluetooth connectivity priced at $5952.

Both the S and SL models will feature unique build numbers which are recorded via standard DataDot security tagging and a dash-mounted build plate.

Once tipped to challenge the best from HSV and FPV head-on, Toyota has carefully managed expectations of the front-wheel drive TRD Aurion's power output and performance credentials as the launch of the car grew closer (more here). Nonetheless, packing over 240kW, the TRD is perhaps the most powerful production front-wheel drive saloon on sale in the world today.

According to Toyota sales and marketing boss, David Buttner, the TRD Aurion is positioned 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.

"The standard Aurion engine is the most powerful naturally aspirated six-cylinder powerplant in its class. [On the TRD Aurion] The Eaton supercharger lifts performance to a new plane with instant throttle response and excellent acceleration at low engine speeds, Buttner said.

"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," he said.

The Aurion will be the first of a range of models that will be sold through a specialised network of TRD dealers. Selected from existing Toyota dealerships 26 initial TRD dealers will feature "dedicated zones… to showcase the TRD range", says Toyota.

A further 15 dealers will be added to the TRD network later in 2007 in time for the brand's launch of a supercharged V6 version of the HiLux all-wheel drive Double Cab.

2007 TRD Aurion specifications

Engine
Type: Six cylinders, 60 degree V-formation, chain-driven DOHC with roller rockers, four valves per cylinder, all alloy, cross-flow heads, cast-iron cylinder liners
Capacity (cc): 3456
Bore x stroke (mm): 94.0 x 83.0
Compression ratio: 10.8:1
Fuel system: Sequential multi-point electronic port fuel injection with ACIS, hot-wire airflow meter
Fuel type: 98 RON PULP
Fuel tank capacity (lt): 70
Fuel economy (lt/100km): 10.9
Carbon dioxide (g/km): 257
Emission rating: Euro IV
Max. power: 241kW at 6400rpm
Max. torque: 400Nm at 4000rpm

Drivetrain
Transmission description: U660E six-speed automatic, electronically controlled with lock-up torque converter and artificial intelligence shift control

Steering
Type: Rack and pinion
Operation: Power
Turns lock to lock: 3.2

Brakes, etc
Front: Ventilated discs, 325mm x 32mm with alloy dual-piston front calipers
Rear: Ventilated discs, 310mm x 18mm with alloy single-piston front calipers
System: ABS anti-skid brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist
Traction Control: Std.
Vehicle Stability Control: Std.

Suspension
Front: TRD sports suspension with increased coil spring rates and re-tuned shock absorbers, ball-joint-mounted anti-roll bar
Rear: TRD sports suspension with increased coil spring rates and re-tuned shock absorbers incorporating internal rebound springs, ball-joint-mounted anti-roll bar

Wheels, etc
Rims: 19 x 8J alloys
Tyres: 245/35ZR19 93Y

Body and dimensions
Type: Monocoque, four-door sedan
Length (mm): 4890
Width (mm): 1820
Height (mm): 1460
Wheelbase (mm): 2775
Front track (mm): 1572
Rear track (mm): 1562
Ground clearance (mm): 104
Towing capacity braked/unbraked (kg): 1600/500
Seats: 5
Luggage capacity (lt): 504

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