The TRD Aurion: It’s Here!
The TRD Aurion has finally been released after months and months of ‘leaked images’ and dribble. It’s the first time that TRD has ventured outside it’s traditional home of Japan, and the first time a TRD vehicle has been sold directly in Australia, for the Australian domestic market. The car comes in two flavours, starting with the 3500S (‘S’ signifying ‘sports’) and the 3500SL (with SL signifying ‘sports luxury’), priced at $56,990 and $61,000 respectively, add a little for metallic paint at $430 and extras such as a moonroof package for the S at $1995, or a moonroof, lighting, satellite navigation system and Bluetooth pack at $5952 for the SL.
Both models share the same 2GR-FE supercharged 3.5L V6, though the 3500SL comes with more goodies, such as a full leather interior, piano black dash, door highlight, 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, badging, grille, bumper accents and silver-finish alloy wheels and comes in only two colours, Ink and Silver Ash. The SL also receives additional rear body reinforcement which the maker claims optimises body rigidity and improves handling, which seems more a nicety given no additional power over the S.
TRD Aurion: The Specifications
Engine
Type: Six cylinders, 60 degree V-configuration, chain-driven DOHC with roller rockers, four valves per cylinder, all alloy, cross-flow heads, cast-iron cylinder liners. Eaton TVS (Twin Vortices Supercharger) four lobe supercharger
Designation: 2GR-FE
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 (at the flywheel)
Max. torque: 400Nm at 4000rpm
0-100km/h (0-60MPH) : 6.1sec
Quarter Mile: 14.2sec
Top Speed: 258km/h (electronically limited to 250km/h)
Drivetrain
Transmission : 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
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 Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist
Traction Control: Standard
Vehicle Stability Control: Standard
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
Rims: 19 x 8J alloys
Tyres: 245/35ZR19 93Y
Body
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
Weight: 1575–1600+kg (depends on optioning)
What We Think
I find the car reasonably attractive for a sports sedan, with that muscular body line and aggressive front styling. While the interior is a bit ho-hum, it is still a step above the standard Aurion. The power is fantastic, considering that the iconic (Ok, arguably iconic) Toyota Supra debuted with 208KW from it’s twin snailed 3.0L inline 6 and is superseded by the new 3.5L supercharged V6 dumping 241KW on the fronts to make it (again arguably) the most powerful front wheel drive sedan in the world. However, that’s the Achilles heel of the TRD Aurion. Front wheel drive in a big, grunty sedan.
The TRD engineering boffins claim to have nailed the classic problems that plague anything heavy (1600kg+) with big power up front, but I’m not convinced. Big power on the fronts can be fun (and suicidal), but for a possible daily it would soon get annoying, if not outright frustrating. Perhaps Toyota wanted to make use of tried and true Camry architecture; but why? With this fine supercharged power, the Aurion would be better served with a strong rear wheel drive like the Supra or the Chaser; or if we were in the mood to justify that exorbitant price tag, we would be asking Toyota for a strong all wheel drive system. While the 6 speed auto is nice, the distinct lack of a manual transmission is a let down in this big supercharged bruiser.
To summarize, the car looks great, performs well, but is let down by not researching the target market. Buyers want big sixes in manual, and want that power from the rear or all four wheels, and for a good deal less than the asking price AU$60,000 plus.
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