2007 TRD Aurion SL3500 Road Test
October 16, 2007 by Alborz Fallah
2007 TRD Aurion SL3500 Road Test
CarAdvice rating: 
Recommended Retail Price: 3500S $56,990 – 6sp Auto only | 3500SL $61,500 – 6sp Auto only (model tested).
Options Fitted: Moonroof
- by Alborz Fallah
It was one of those days in Brisbane, the traffic on the centenary highway was backed up all the way to the Jindalee exit, Mogill road wasn’t moving, Coronation drive and Milton road were both blocked, and I was suppose to pick up a car in an hour.
If it was any other car, I would have probably called up and delayed the pickup till the next day, but this wasn’t just another car, it was the all-new TRD Supercharged Aurion and I didn’t want to waste a single moment…
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Nice artice, although ive said this before on other forums: the TRD Aurion is more of a middle manager fleet car… hardly any of these are going to be moved off the showroom floor to private buyers, but fleets will love to give them to their higher ranking officials..
For now, TRD is learning. In 5 or 6 years time, and with the right package the Aurion could well be a ripper…
..or still a dud to drive.
good review, I think the TRD brand has a long way to go before it can be well respected in Australia, and by the sounds of it, this isn’t a drivers car to say the least.
not sure why Toyota just wont go to an AWD platform for this, it makes perfect sense!
The car does look a lot like any other Aurion, even though it has some very nice changes such as the HUGE 19’s… but yeah as much as i was anticipating the launch of the TRD Aurion, it seems like it disapoints when you want some serious driving out of it, but it will still be a great car for day-to-day drives…. funny thing is, i have a TRD badge on my normal Corolla, as you mentioned above, haha.
First review I read and it is not good. Interior looks tacky and overdone, all that power and you need arms like a weighlifter to wrestle with it says not good at FWD and seeing the front is just FUGLY overdone way too busy and curvy. TRD has a long way to go based on this effort. If you are in market for car this size would look at:
1.Mazda 6
2.Mondeo (probably tied with Mazda 6 as looks bigger then Mazda 6)
3.Aurion Sportivo
I agree with Hendrik as they will not sell in numbers!
I like the idea of the TRD Aurion but as I have said before there are 3 things that stand out in a negative light for me:
1. Price
2. 98RON
3. Interior
Toyota may not be aiming this car at those who really want to give their car a ‘go’ but for those who do and having that much torque steer, if what you say is correct, is just incredible.
As a tourer there’s no denying that this is a nice and extremely capable car but what’s the point of having this much power if it can’t be properly controlled.
I wonder how quickly they will de-value for resale?
It’s great to see Toyota getting back into the game so hopefully they will learn a lesson or two from this and future TRD products will be more complete.
The big problem with this car is that it doesn’t fulfil anyone’s purpose.
Whatever your reason for buying transport, there is a better alternative available.
So, it’s like the P76 – should be good, but not many people needed to put a 44 in the boot, and even those who did were never able to get it out again………
And as Grumps says, it needs Pulp which is a big negative.
MINUSES ARE :
* 98 RON FUEL RECOMMENDED.
* PRICE TOO HIGH FOR WHAT IT IS.
* PRETENTIOUS INTERIOR SUITED TO OLDIES.
* ME TO EXTERIOR WITH OVER THE TOP BODY KIT.
* ALREADY HAD ITS FIRST “RECALL/SUSPENDED SALES”.
* AND ITS A TOYOTA!!!!.
Is the TRD fitted with a QUAIFE dif ?
if not – then it should be.
Read a review recently in local mag (oz)about a highly modified vw APR golf fitted with one and there was no torque steer!
http://www.quaifeamerica.com/d...../diffs.htm
I wonder how the TRD Aurion would compare with the NZ developed Maxima Spec R. Personally i think the maxima spec r looks a lot cleaner in design and an interior that suits its purpose. Its performance credentials aren’t all to bad either.
I agree with the sentiments stated, especially the FWD angle (yes I know how hotly debated that is!). It is very expensive, and 98RON is a tough ask. I don’t mind the styling. I would grab the Liberty GT.
Great review as always.
Good review – I agree with most of what you have written. It may be slightly overpriced and of course I’d prefer an AWD drivetrain or even RWD with that much grunt.
Nice job guys! Moon Roof…..hahaha haven’t heard that for a while. So I guess Tony….you still have your kids?
I am a little disappointed ,yep I was expecting a bit of Torque steer but was expecting it to glow in all other areas!
Toyota are more than capable of making an AWD package for this so lets hope their listening and make the changes.
Re the 98 ….I doubt they had any choice after the problem they had with it! I think what had happened previously when it detonated it had either been run on 95 and when run to the rev limiter{that by the way now is 300 revs less}it leaned out and detonated. So it either didn’t have knock sensor or it was faulty.My opinion! Exhaust is real black isn’t……maybe they have it running rich now!!!!!!!hahaha
Quote:
“Exhaust is real black isn’t……maybe they have it running rich now!!!!!!!hahaha”
Hmm well if that could possibly make sense…
If Toyota made ANY changes to the engine management calibration it would have to undergo the complete suite of ADR emissions related testing all over again… Perhaps this is why there was such a big delay for it to come back on sale?
Guys this car was given to me prior to the recall, the build up on the exhausts is actually a noticeable issue with all 3 tests cars we had, even after a clean, it only takes a day or to before it gets dirty again!
It was a joke Ross………in the early days of carburettors and no computers if the exhaust was grey it ran lean black it was rich !
So Ross whats your thoughts on why it detonated and why they have dropped the revs back?
I imagine this post will heat up towards the end of the day!
Alborz – thanks for the update.
Bavarian Missile – It really is hard to say as to why they reduced the rev limiter… I sincerely think that Toyota are not 100% sure as to what caused the problem.
Assuming a faulty knock sensor… – well why reduce the rev limit? A faulty knock sensor issue would most likely present itself in the lower – mid range of the engine where the timing is more advanced. Timing can be aggressively added in at lower rpm to speed up engine acceleration (with little risk of detonation) and then it is gradually pulled out as the chance of detonation increases (Ie as boost increases). Given this, the timing advance at max rpm would be very little. HMM…
So, next scenario (and most likely):
Someone used the wrong octane fuel….
Low octane fuel + boost + no intercooler = detonation.
If the car was hammered for a long time, and it was detonating, the piston loads and cylinder temperatures would skyrocket and obviously bye bye engine.
I would also be curious to know if Toyota also changed the aggressiveness of the timing that is pulled out if knock is detected. Maybe the PCM was only programmed to remove a maximum of say “X” degrees of timing, but on low octane fuel + hot air (no intercooler) + extended high rpm (I.e. higher than normal engine temp) there simply wasn’t enough spark-retard programmed into the PCM, (as they thought “X” degrees was sufficient for any conditions) and as a result, the engine destroyed itself?
I think reducing the rev limit was a precautionary measure as I’m sure that the peak engine power (241kw) is produced more than 300rpm back from where the rev limiter used to be. (I.e. It should not really affect the vehicles performance any if at all). This in itself is an interesting question though… 241kW is made @ 6400rpm – so at what rpm is the redline?? Alborz, can you shed some light on this? If the redline is anything less than say 6650rpm, it most probably will impact on performance to some degree…
A great response back ,,,thanks Ross!
Ross it redlines at 6,500RPM, however TRD have said the rev limiter drop will not affect the power or performance of the car at all, so there is obviously some returning going on there.
Thanks BM.
Thats interesting Alborz…
Do you know if Toyota had to submit the vehicle for the complete suite of emission related testing again? (as well as ADR 81/01 for fuel consumption too…)
It is believable that there is no performance difference even with the reduced rev limiter as the engine calibration could quite easily be adjusted. (It’s easy to get more power at lower rpm when you have a blower attached ;) )
I think its great Toyota are attacking this market and i am interested to see what they do with the Hilux (I would be shocked if that was FWD).
Would anyone know what an AWD drive train would add to the car in terms of cost? As mentioned the car is still $2,000 more than its “competitor”.
So the fact that it is to powerful to power through a corner, not everyone is a track enthusiast. Its not a market there expecting to break. I don’t think they are even banking on a big sell from the start.
To be honest that really would not worry me, as this is a car capable of overtaking and getting off the red light faster than the guy that saw the Toyota badge could think it could. Which is fine for city driving.
I just hope that they don’t give up on the project and strive to make it good.
I think the guy from Moror sumed it up well when they tested this in the latests PCOTY awards .
Quote” Really uninspiring.The highlight is definitely the engine,but the rest of the car just doesn’t inspire performance driving.You sit to high with not enough support…it just does an average job of being something its not…..a performance car is more than just extra power.A lovely family car though!” end of quote.”
I agree Anthony I hope they continue to improve this car.
That should be Motor!!!!!!!!!
NO RWD NO SALE
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAY OVERPRICED, WILL FAIL.PERIOD
CHEERS
F-0
The Pope will be here soon and all look out as you cannot get him to acknowledge anything over then his research and spiel. Dam Idol, infalliable….LOL
Better go before he steps out of the Toyota Popemobile. Dam the Popemobile is bulletproof reliable. Must admit it always gets around and have never seen it broken down so must be well assembled and designed…
Alborz – you stated that torque steer is an issue but that to the side, what was the handling and braking like. Can it remain composed on winding roads and reacts postively with input.
How were the brakes, HSV’s are renouned for brake fade but are the brakes on this machine more inspiring or should i say – fade resistant.
All that said, how was the quality and refinement of the vehicle. Do you consider the engine calibration to be well adjusted for the blown engine.
Alborz – you stated at the start of your article that you were expecting disappointment.
Were you disappointed or not.
You also stated that you would choose this car over a GT Liberty because of the sound of the supercharger. I find it confusing why you would choose this car based on the reason stated alone. I get the impresion that there were other attributes of the TRD Aurion you liked but have not detailed.
You choose the car for the sole reason you stated just doesn’t seem quite right.
Can you explain yourself a little more indepth please.
I am not being rude, i am just politely prodding for more information.
I really think it says alot about how biased some people are when they try to attack its exterior looks, its a stunning vehicle.
That aside, interior is growing OFF me especially the colours offered and the price is waaaaay to high.
Ross its brakes are good and from what Ive read its handling is decent, many reviews have stated this.
As for darkness on exhaust, what do you think the inside of ALL exhausts looks like!?!? Its because essentially the exit of the exhuast is inside that square tip, so thats why the darkness builds up and is more evidence than a tradtional exhaust…nothing to do with running rich.
Thanks for telling me the brakes and handling are good Paul, but I think you meant to reply to “Rodrega”, not myself.
Looks not too dissimilar to normal Aurion’s with tweaked front bar, leather splashed here and there, pinball machine start button. For all its worth the exhaust pipes who finished look great. Seems big $$$$ for something you need arms like a weighlifter to wrestle with. If your in the market to spend $61k for this thing, do yourself a huge favour and nab a class car like Mazda 8 and you will save with wads of money in your pocket. Or go the whole hog and go to auction houses like FOWLES MANHEIM or PICKLES and nab yourself a low kms Mazda 8 with new car warranty remaining as you will be very greatful you did! Goes like lightning and looks sporty and not pseudo trash like the front curvy bumper bar on this mirage of a car!
Alborz,
from the photo with the exhaust you obviously took that photo to prove a point. from that photo it actually looks like oil and not your typical carbon build up. was it oil? the way it appears splattered means pretty much one thing.
this wasnt a sign that the engine you had was about to go aswell do you think?
also well summed up on the interior. you say it looks like every other aurion interior and ill add camry interior too. the steering wheel is straight out of a ‘02 mod camry and is boring as.
guys alborz beat me to it, if it did have AWD it would be $80K worth of uninspiring vehicle. (not to say it wouldnt handle better just the feel of it wouldnt change)
i dont doubt that the brakes would be good as the first time i drove a camry (of the new gen) it was the first thing i noticed. i had a few stabbs at the brake pedal as i didnt expect it to pull me up as quick as it did. brakes are very touchy and actually it seemed a bit “all or nothing” till i got used to it. (thank god i wasnt carrying eggs on the back seat)
id say the torque steer is part of handling so if torque steer is hard to handle then that sums up handling to me. there is no point in having good suspension if you are going to ruin it with torque steer. you wont notice “sports handling” round town and when you try to use the suspension (drive it harder) then torque steer ruins it
QUOTE Toyota_Paul = “As for darkness on exhaust, what do you think the inside of ALL exhausts looks like!?!? Its because essentially the exit of the exhuast is inside that square tip, so thats why the darkness builds up and is more evidence than a tradtional exhaust…nothing to do with running rich.”
I think most people realise this is carbon build up. (Makes you wonder how clean it really runs) and it happens to every car. TRD’s prob, as you said, is the exhaust exits at the start of that square tip. They really do look great while clean. I’d go BLOODY NUTS tho having to clean those every bloody time I drove the car. Great looking design, poorly executed.
QUOTE Toyota_Paul = “I really think it says alot about how biased some people are when they try to attack its exterior looks, its a stunning vehicle.”
Stunning in your eyes, looks pretty good in mine but not “stunning”, but other people may say “meh”, or really hate it. Personal opinion is allowed here, isn’t it?
QUOTE Toyota_Paul = “As for darkness on exhaust, what do you think the inside of ALL exhausts looks like!?!?
Because most people that pay $60,000 would expept a car who’s tacky bodykit had at least been well thought out and didn’t get carbon build up from the exhaust. For that much money it should come with an exhaust tip that fits into the bodykit rather than just have the normal aurion exhaust poke into a pretend plastic square exhaust tip.
My opinion of the TRD Aurion, its a good car, thats worth $45k, not $60k.
Yeah thats right my R1 motorbike with stainless Yoshimurai aftermarket pipe is manufactured better and dont get crappy splatter anywhere!
Hey Paul not my exhaust……I have stainless extensions and they are always spotless inside.
Rodrega said….HSVs are renowned for brake fade???? They are? I thought these days Brembos were on just about all high performance cars
KFC …..your a crack up ………pope mobile.!!!!!!
KFC……….You have a homasaki…..{motor bike} . Cant ride one but would love to learn one day……..! The sheer acceleration is enough to make a girl well……….excited!hehehehe
Went out with a guy that once tried to beat the world record on the back wheel …….no idea if he did or not! Scary being on the back wheel as a pillion passenger doing 130 clicks though. Rod Watson ……..you listening????lol
Paul hasn’t had a go at me yet. I must say I’m disappointed.
There…..there…….Maybe he too is disappointed ?
a gas powered vehicle doesnt get carbon build up on the exhaust tip. thats what vehicle doesnt. also (off topic but) their oil stays golden till the day you change it aswell so if you ever look at one second hand dont check the oil to see if it ever gets changed.
does anyone else reckon the build up actually looks like oil rather than typical emmission build up?
MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TOO much splatter!
Well Missile, I don’t think what I said was out of line, but going on what I’ve read on here, I expected to be bombarded by now with my simple assertions.
Missile… Yeah Yamaha R1 149 rear wheel horsepower. I have had mine serious up to 305kms hour only once. Rapid acceleration like in 6th gear you hit the throttle at 100kms and the LCD readout goes up rapidly to the 305kms I got to – like getting a slingshot at warp speed pushing bike.
My bike is rear wheel drive through chain setup offering great handling and due to its proportioned weight being well matched front and back it is great. And also it has a very low centre of gravity and weight wet of 172kgs means lethal as!
Its very quite at the moment…….before the storm you think!
On a different note Benny Cousins has been pulled up in the West driving erratically …in his Toyota Klugger…..
Toyota Klugger? What happened to the Merc he ran from last time?
Oh and pulled up with NO shirt on in Northbridge{suburb of Perth} A bunch of work men dobbed him in……now if he had come to Kalamunda I am sure he would have been safe with no shirt on …..Every one is old where I live!!!!
well i must say i have a FWD motorbike and it has massive acceleration advantages over the heavy and useless RWD set up.
NO NO NO NO NO dont go there but i couldnt help my self ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
it was just a light dig for those who didnt get it
KFC ……..that sounds AWSOME!!!!!!! I hope you wear leathers!!!!!!!!
Yer right…..Hey Andrew………..shhhhhh ,I am cracking up !!!!
I have given my side and Iam waiting for a response from the Korean side (Hyosung) and others. My bike has a steering damper (and that is not on others) so handles better, faster and more responsive to rider input. So you have my side…BUT you have none to indicate with all this massive power what would happen in FWD mode. SO DER Iam out of this Toyota post….LOL
Hey Klink do you take pillion passengers??????????MMMMMM Promise I am good on the back of a bike!!!!
I know a lady same age as my MUM 60 that had a Harley {different kettle of fish I know,for posers} She had a sticker made up for the back that said NO FAT CHICKS………..Cobra 045 you know who that is ha!Hope your enjoying the Gold Coast mate!!!!!!!!!!