In 2007, Toyota Australia released the TRD Aurion, a high-performance sedan designed to compete with the Ford Falcons and Holden Commodores that dominated the local market. The TRD Aurion was based on the Camry, but with a supercharged 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 323 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful Toyota model available in Australia at the time. The car featured a number of upgrades, including a revised suspension system, larger brakes, and unique exterior styling.
The TRD Aurion was available in two grades: the 3500S and the 3500SL. The 3500S was pitched as the sport-focused entry point, while the 3500SL added luxury-oriented features such as leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. Despite its performance and polish, the TRD Aurion struggled to attract buyers. Its front-wheel-drive layout and high price tag made it a hard sell next to traditional V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive rivals from Ford and Holden.
Toyota’s conservative image also didn’t do much to win over performance-minded shoppers. As a result, production of the TRD Aurion quietly ended in 2009, less than two years after its launch. The car’s failure to catch on can be attributed to a number of factors, including its front-wheel-drive layout and high price tag. Additionally, the TRD Aurion’s performance, while impressive, was not enough to overcome the perception that it was not a “true” performance car.
The TRD Aurion’s acceleration figures, which included a 0-100 km/h time of 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h, were respectable but not exceptional. However, it’s worth noting that the car’s performance was largely on par with current front-wheel-drive hot hatches like the Honda Civic Type R and Hyundai i30 N. Despite its lack of success, the TRD Aurion remains an interesting footnote in the history of Australian performance cars.
The car’s unique exterior styling, which included a subtle lip spoiler and a rear diffuser, set it apart from the standard Aurion. The TRD Aurion’s interior also featured a number of unique touches, including sports seats, alloy pedals, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Overall, the TRD Aurion was an impressive car that ultimately failed to find its place in the market. Its performance, styling, and features made it a compelling option, but its front-wheel-drive layout and high price tag made it a hard sell in a market dominated by rear-wheel-drive performance cars.
In retrospect, the TRD Aurion was a bold experiment by Toyota Australia to create a high-performance sedan that could compete with the best of the local market. While it ultimately failed to achieve its goals, the TRD Aurion remains an interesting and unique car that showcases the capabilities of Toyota’s performance division. Its failure to catch on also highlights the challenges faced by manufacturers in creating performance cars that appeal to a broad range of buyers. Despite its lack of success, the TRD Aurion remains a fascinating piece of Australian automotive history.