TRD Aurion get the hots

Toyota executives will boldly pitch TRD (Toyota Racing Development) products to be released on the market later this year directly at established hot-house models from Europe and Japan.

David Buttner, Toyota's senior executive director of sales and marketing, said the TRD version of the Aurion will be marketed against some well-entrenched performance brands.

Toyota is talking up the supercharged TRD Aurion with claims it can match Alfa Romeo's smart 159 sedan, the Volkswagen R32 Golf and the Subaru Liberty GT Spec B in refinement, response and performance.

It is a big call but Toyota claims the racy Aurion is a tough car that offers more than just muscle.

“TRD stands for an optimal blend of performance, refinement, handling and Toyota's traditional quality, durability and reliability,” Buttner said.

“TRD is a bold innovation for Toyota. It adds individual character and enhanced performance to the outstanding integrity offered by all Toyota vehicles.”

Toyota has backed away from pitching the TRD Aurion at locally made cars.

The supercharged 3.5-litre V6 is set to meet a target of 235kW of power which eclipses the standard engine by only 15 per cent.

On those figures it will be outdone by Ford's massively successful XR6 turbo that develops 245kW and costs under $48,000 for the sequential sports shift version.

Toyota plans to feature an aura of sophistication around the TRD brand and as such will try to steer clear of being judged against local Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) and Holden Special Vehicles (HSV).

“The 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,” Buttner says.

A range of vehicles is planned to join the Aurion in the TRD stable and will be phased in over the next couple of years.

It is claimed to be the first time anywhere in the world that TRD has been established as a separate brand under Toyota.

A Hilux based on a 4WD double cab will be the second model to get TRD treatment later this year. It will come with a supercharged 4-litre V6.