TRD Aurion released in Aug 2007

[toyrex]

it has bigger wheels, a supercharger AND bigger brakes, STRUCTURAL WORK, stiffened up suspension, new front lip, new rear spoiler, new rear bumper, different interior such as the seats (NOT just coloured like the SS but a proper seat that supports you under spirited driving) and some other things Ive forgotten. Its all detailed in videos circulating from TRD, not hard to find if you actually took the time to consider other options, but you are biased and dont research these things. The XR6T on the other hand only has a turbo added and slightly bigger brakes (not sure if thats std or optional). The rest is exactly the same as a XR6.

And what structural work might that be? A 4 point roll cage with H-Brace underbody bracing with subframe connectors and rear strut brace maybe? Or maybe a fully seam-welded shell is used instead ? Note: The Sportivo already comes out with a front strut brace.

[aussie_camry]

I would say strucutral work if it was only a front strut brace.... its in one of their videos, to the back of the vehicle they have added something to reinforce the chassis, they claim it has a reasonable effect. I dont think anyone expects them to do the kinda work say an Evo has on it over a regular Lancer, afterall thats why an Evo is prity much double that of the base version in cost while the TRD Aurion is only $10k or so extra (nor is it meant to be a race car) ;)

Edited June 7, 2007 by aussie_camry

[CHA54]

here's some specs a mate from toyota quoted me while he was going through the training material the other night:

Power: 241kw@6400

Torque: 400nm@4000rpm

Tyre size: 245/35/19

Front Brakes: 325mm rotor, twin piston alloy caliper

My friend is looking to attend the specialist course to be able to work on the cars when they're released.

[toyrex]

I would say strucutral work if it was only a front strut brace.... its in one of their videos, to the back of the vehicle they have added something to reinforce the chassis, they claim it has a reasonable effect. I dont think anyone expects them to do the kinda work say an Evo has on it over a regular Lancer, afterall thats why an Evo is prity much double that of the base version in cost while the TRD Aurion is only $10k or so extra (nor is it meant to be a race car) ;)

The something that they have added is a rear spoiler, for aerodynamic purposes and looks, pretty much the same as what the HSV Commodores, VRX Magnas have. As far as strengthening the chassis, there's zilch that has been done, not even a rear strut brace. Even the bushes on the sway bars are standard.

[aussie_camry]

^

Well I would have to look around to be 100% certain, Im sure there was more to it then just a rear spoiler. Eitherway I wouldnt care if I was going to buy it, like I said the price difference between the ZR6 and the TRD Aurion really doesnt warrant major changes... theyve upped its power significantly, added onto its exterior looks, some prity noticable changes interior wise, stiffened up its suspension, given it bigger brakes and bigger rims... all in what we expect the $50k bracket. If they were asking $70k then I would say... your right, they need to have done alot more work for that much, but they havent.

[SuperDave]

Found a little article in my local paper about this. Been a while since i read this thread so don't know if it has been covered before.

The supercharged V6 in the TRD Aurion has exceeded performance targets, says TRD chief engineer Stephen Castles. Mr Castles said this included the power output target of at least 235kW for the supercharged 3.5-litre duel VVT-i engine. He said acceleration times were better than predicted when development began two years ago. The TRD Aurion will be the first production car in the world to use the new Eaton twin-vortices supercharger (TVS) which was packaged in Australia by Melbourne's Harrop Engineering. Mr Castles said TRD engineers continually set tougher targets during the development stage. He said the impressive results were achieved while maintaining Toyota's high levels of quality, durability and reliability. Manufacturing of supercharger components was simplified because the unit did not require an intercooler.

If there are any spelling/grammer mistakes they weren't in the original article :P

[jps137]

Is there a more accurate release date other than August 07?

Looking forward to seeing one in the showrooms and reviewed fully by the press (especially the unbiased sectors)

[jonbays]

No idea on the release yet still waiting to see one for sale in a showroom too.

I did ask harrop about an aftermarket supercharger kit and they sent me to TRD who didn't reply.

maybe after a while a kit will come out for poor cousin Aurion owners

[jps137]

No idea on the release yet still waiting to see one for sale in a showroom too.

I did ask harrop about an aftermarket supercharger kit and they sent me to TRD who didn't reply.

maybe after a while a kit will come out for poor cousin Aurion owners

Perhaps the good people at CAPA can help www.capa.com.au I strongly doubt that TRD would produce a Supercharger kit for the Aurion. Have a look at what other markets the Aurion engine is used in (ie. US or Europe) perhaps under the bonnet of a Lexus and you may find kits in those countries as I am told there used to be a supercharger kit for the Corolla available from the US, though apparently there was some difficulty with the whole LHD/RHD issue. On the other hand in Europe where there was actually a Supercharged Corolla for sale (the Corolla Compressor) there was no kit available

Edited July 9, 2007 by jps137

[CHA54]

There's a techincal training day in Sydney for the TRD Aurion mechanics at the start of August

[aussie_camry]

I dont see why there wouldnt be a supercharger available, they had a TRD supercharger for the 1MZ so given that there is actually a model now with a supercharger would be strange if you couldnt get your hands on one.

[Adrian]

I too would be very interested when the supercharger would/when be avalible.

[jps137]

Spoke with Toyota Customer Service today, the release date for the TRD Aurion is still not finalised but will be mid-late August 07

[u54mot]

Press Release:

Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Australia is soon to release an exciting new performance vehicle. In a world first for Toyota, the new TRD Aurion will launch next month. It’s a triumphant moment for the highly experienced and expert engineering team who created this new performance sedan. The car features a supercharged 3.5-litre V6 engine pumping out 241kW, as well as a six-speed automatic transmission. With a premium sporty design for a highly sophisticated feel, the look is inspired by Toyota’s Formula One car. Even the car seats themselves are evocative of racing seats, providing high lateral support with high grip materials.

The new TRD Aurion is also the first production car in the world to use the new Eaton twin-vortices supercharger (TVS), substantially reducing engine noise while improving power and torque.

[dave262]

TRD sounds like a fairly impressive piece of machinery... 241kW isn't something to be looked down upon...

The RWD/AWD vs. FWD debate... each method has advantages and disadvantages. Personally I prefer the FWD, as it is slightly more efficient due to fewer losses in transfer gears (plus easier to maintain due to fewer seals, shafts, gears etc.), and you don't lose as much in-car space due to the cavity for the drive shaft. They are generally better for boat towing too, as when you reverse the boat into the water and try to get out of the water, the drive wheels won't be sitting in the slippery sludge (obviously doesn't apply for AWD).

Handling... well from driving both types of cars, I find AWD the safest in wet weather, with FWD probably second. RWD I always had issues with the back sliding out of control while turning corners and trying to accelerate. During the dry though, all of them handle pretty well. Maybe in the dry RWD and AWD are slightly better...

Either way this is all an opinion, and doesn't take from the fact that the Aurion is great value for money, has a respectable amount of power from the engine with the safety to go with too, while giving one of the best fuel economies of any large car around. All this equates to great competition for the market, and whether or not it does much to affect Ford or Holden, the competition in the end is good, as it equates to savings and innovations which in the end benefit us as the consumer :D

[CHA54]

I don't believe it will be anywhere near the $70k. Somewhere between $50k - $60k is my guess. We'll just have to wait and see.

You were close, $63K for the top spec TRD Aurion, $56.5K for the base TRD car not including ORC's

Edited August 3, 2007 by rollamods

[jps137]

According to Toyota Customer Service

27th August is the release date

Dealerships - there are to be 5 in Sydney Metro Castle Hill is apparently one of them, they couldn't tell me who the other 4 were just that Windsor was not one of them.

[CHA54]

that's interesting, I was told the 20th from guys that did the final training this week. One of the ex-ford guys at the training commented that the car does feel faster than a stock XR6 turbo

Edited August 16, 2007 by rollamods

[selyaT]

I don't believe it will be anywhere near the $70k. Somewhere between $50k - $60k is my guess. We'll just have to wait and see.

You were close, $63K for the top spec TRD Aurion, $56.5K for the base TRD car not including ORC's

That's Evo money

[jps137]

that's interesting, I was told the 20th from guys that did the final training this week.

Wouldn't surprise me Customer Service were a bit out on the Corolla release date too. I suspect 23rd or 24th is probably more likely, get a write up in Friday's paper and get everyone in over the weekend

One of the ex-ford guys at the training commented that the car does feel faster than a stock XR6 turbo

Excellent :D

[jonbays]

August 27th eh thats come round QUICK!

Can't wait

[Soloman]

Im going to have a look at the TRD aurion on the 20th (Next monday) at the showroom in darwin. There are no offical prices as yet.

The soft release date is monday with Toyota announcing it on the thursday sometime.. Ill takes some pics on the monday and post them up.

[CHA54]

the prices are above...

I've got pics, but they're fairly average phone camera quality.

[Buri_ZR6]

the prices are above...

I've got pics, but they're fairly average phone camera quality.

for those who say it gets retarted under heavy acceleration. yes but only in the wet. on dry road put your foot down from 0 and u get no retard movements in the car. very smooth. they said at the time anything over 175kw at the front wheels is ridicolous because of the retarded acceleration but if toyota has managed to fix that on the aurion, im sure they will be fine with the trd version as well.never saw my zr6 act weird on dry. only on the wet wen ı floored it. from take off, the traction control kicks in and backs up the car in the wet. if thats disabled lol wheelspins till 4th gear easy. its all good for trd. i hope they will make the trd perform just the way aurion performs. everyone is worried about those extra 40kws at take offs. i hope trd proves everyone wrong. because they have so far with the aurion having over 175kws and performing well.

Edited August 17, 2007 by Buri_ZR6

[Ben_Yu]

We just had our TRD Aurions arrive today in Darwin , one black and one silver.

Reminds me of how mazda have done up there MPS and differ it from the normal range.

Will take a better look tomorrow as I was still working when it arrived