Australian Car Advice | News Blog

Yesterday GoAuto published an interview with Toyota’s senior executive director of sales and marketing, David Buttner who strongly suggested that a Toyota Camry or Aurion Hybrid are being strongly considered.

Better yet, there is a good chance the Hybrid variant will be built right here in Australia. With Kevin Rudd’s labor promising a $500 million dollar “green fund” to support the production of locally made alternative fuel vehicles (if it wins the next election), Toyota is keen to produce the Hybrids right here in Australia.

“We’ve spoken in the past about the potential of building a hybrid vehicle locally – either a Camry or an Aurion – and we’re still very interested in pursuing that because we believe the momentum is very much there in relation to concerns about the environment and the long-term sustainability of the automotive world if we just rely on straight gasoline-powered engines,” Mr Buttner told GoAuto.

What will a Hybrid Camry/Aurion mean for the Ford Falcon & Holden Commodore? Current GM Holden Boss Denny Mooney recently announced Holden is looking at both Hybrid and Diesel variants for its popular Commodore, meanwhile Ford is looking at Hydrogen for the future.

Read the full interview at GoAuto.

The first few of the as yet unreleased Toyota Aurion TRD’s have already been snapped up by Queensland police taking 11 for highway patrol work. They will accompany a fleet of Aurion Sportivo V6s already in police paint.

The already potent 200kW 3.5L Quad Cam V6 engine has been fitted with a new Eaton twin-vortices supercharger packaged in Melbourne by Harrop Engineering. Final power output has not yet been revealed, however Toyota has commented that the “TRD Aurion is quicker than expected”.

With the fuel efficiency of a V6 and power to worry a V8, the Aurion TRD is favourable among highway patrol applications due to its forgiving front wheel drive arrangement.

The TRD Aurion is confirmed to be released within the next four months, with the TRD Hilux scheduled for a November debut.

“Total engine performance is one of the key positives of the TRD Aurion package,”

TRD Australia chief engineer Stephen Castles says.

“The TVS unit has performed really well and definitely helped deliver the engine performance we need.”

Source

The new Toyota Aurion undergoes crash testing here in Australia.

The Aurion tested is the current model in the Australian market.

It seems that with all the Falcon Orion hype, Toyota is taking any chance it can to push its new TRD Aurion. Hidden in the back of a recent press release is Toyota’s new TRD Aurion.

Click for larger version

Click for larger version

CarAdvice has been advised that the TRD Aurion and TRD Hilux will be available in two trims respectively.

TRD Aurion:
TRD Aurion 3500S
TRD Aurion 3500SL

TRD Hilux:
TRD Hilux 4000S
TRD Hilux 4000SL

It appears that the ‘S’ models (most probably standing for ’supercharged’) will be at the bottom of the TRD range in each model, whilst the ‘SL’ models (presumably ’supercharged luxury’) will feature extra features to appeal to the punters with a bit of extra cash.

The TRD 3500SL will probably feature some of the additional gizmos and gadgets that the current Presara features - such as Xenon HID headlights and satellite navigation.

Initially suspected to go up against the likes of Holden’s performance arm HSV and Ford’s performance arm FPV, Toyota said that it would go up against cars like the Alfa 159, VW R32 Golf, Subaru Liberty GT Spec B and Mazda6 MPS instead, culling any thoughts of an all-wheel-drive road tearer.

Toyota Racing and Development chief engineer Stephen Castles today confirmed the upcoming supercharged Aurion, will perform better than previously expected.

The 3.5-litre dual VVT-i V6 engine which is found in the base model Aurion is supercharged for the TRD range. Although no exact power figures were given, Mr Castles said the TRD Aurion will have at the very least 235kW.

“The total engine performance is definitely one of the key positives of the TRD Aurion package, the TVS unit has performed really well and definitely helped deliver the engine performance we need.” Mr Castles said.

The extra power has also improved the 0-100km/hr times for the TRD Aurion, Mr Castles again would not confirm an exact figure (which leads us to believe the car is still under final stages of development), but said final acceleration times are even better than predicted.

The TRD Aurion will be the only production car in the world using the new Eaton twin-vortices supercharger (TVS). The supercharged is packaged locally by Melbourne-based Harrop Engineering. One of the reasons Toyota has picked the TVS superchargers is due to design, the Eaton-designed unit does not require an intercooler.

Mr Castles said without the quality of the standard Aurion V6 engine, the supercharging process would have been near impossible.

“It was a great benefit to have such a well-designed, sophisticated and well-built engine to work with from the start,” he said.

Toyota expects the TRD Aurion in showrooms by mid August this year.

We recently wrote an article asking our readers if they would fork out their hard earned cash for a Toyota TRD Aurion, the poll sitting on the sidebar so far reflects a 44% response of “No Way” to our question with 27% undecided and 29% really keen.

It seems that Toyota has a lot of work to do to establish the TRD brand in Australia to the same status as HSV and FPV (of thats even possible). However given Toyota’s somewhat unlimited marketing budget, they have began their crusade as of today.

Senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said the upcoming supercharged TRD Aurion will compete directly against premium performance models from Europe and Japan.

Mr Buttner has been comparing the Aurion to cars which, in reality the TRD Aurion will only match in comfort and refinement. He has compared the TRD Aurion with the like of Alfa Romeo’s 159, Volkswagen Golf R32 and the mighty Subaru Liberty GT spec.B.

“There is a range of vehicles priced from $50,000 to $60,000 that have reshaped the performance-enhanced market in recent years. This is where the sales growth has occurred over the past 10 years - and this is where we are positioning the TRD Aurion,” he said.

Mr Buttner agrees the TRD philosophy is rather different from the “muscle car” ideology of HSV & FPV.

“TRD stands for an optimal blend of performance, refinement, handling and Toyota’s traditional quality, durability and reliability. TRD is a bold innovation for Toyota. It adds individual character and enhanced performance to the outstanding integrity offered by all Toyota vehicles.”

The problem with the statement above is relatively clear to any car enthusiast, Toyota have started the entire package on an inferior platform, much like the TMR 380, supercharging a Front-Wheel-Drive is never going to produce a true sports car.

There have been many heated arguments on CarAdvice regarding this issue, but we feel that at the end of the day, with the exception of very few Sports cars (e.g. the Honda Integra) a Front Wheel Drive setup is not beneficial for a car as big as the TRD Aurion (or the 380).

The TRD Aurion’s supercharged 3.5-litre V6 engine is expected to put out at least 235kW which is roughly 15 per cent higher than the standard engine’s 204kW (running on 98 RON).

As was mentioned earlier, comparing this power output to the likes of the standard SS Commodore and the XR6T/XR8 shows the Aurion running a little short.

“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,

It will distinguish itself by delivering its ample reserves of all-around performance in a way that is enjoyable and relaxing to drive all day, every day,” he said.

It is clear now that Toyota is not targeting the Aurion at the car enthusiasts, rather those who are a little to embarrassed to find themselves in a STi Liberty or HSV but still want to stand out a little from the crowd.

The Toyota TRD Aurion is expected in showrooms in August, with the second model TRD vehicle (the HiLux) set for release late this year. The TRD HiLux is Based on a 4WD Double Cab, it will feature a supercharged 4.0-litre V6 engine that Toyota claims will lift power greatly over the standard engine’s 175kW.

Previously whenever we’ve discussed the Toyota Aurion, readers have gotten themselves into some sort of argument for and against the upcoming performance orientated Aurion from Toyota Racing & Development. In Australia, when it comes to home grown performance cars, for decades now, there has only been two choices, a HSV (Holden Special Vehicles) or a FPV (ford performance vehicles).

The TRD Aurion is expected to cost more than the Ford XR-6 Turbo and Holden’s SS Commodore but less than the HSV/FPV cars, so the question is simple, would you buy a Toyota TRD Aurion (poll at the end of article).

So whilst Toyota Australia continues to deny that the Aurion is a direct competitor to any HSV/FPV car, its obvious that Toyota’s reasoning is due to the fear that the TD Aurion will not live up to the standards of HSV/FPV cars. Firstly, its not a V8, and whilst that is no longer an issue with the 6 Cylinder Turbo-charged FPV Typhoons putting the majority of HSVs stable (and V8 offerings from FPV themselves) to shame, the biggest issue is the Front-Wheel-Drive factor.

However, one aspect that needs to be questioned is Toyota’s entry into the “aussie performance car” market. Both Holden and Ford have been doing this for decades and whilst Toyota as a brand has a huge and rich motorsport history, as far as Australian bred performance cars go, its not exactly a household name.

Essentially the Aurion follows the same principle as the other two big name manufacturers, take your standard family sedan, put some performance parts in it and call it a performance car. For Holden & Ford this works wonders, but whether or not it will work for Toyota is another story.

“We don’t want Toyota drivers to think it’s too loud, but Toyota buyers must think it’s more sporty. The key to attracting people to the Toyota brand is to have something different.” TRD corporate manager Greg Gardner.

So what do you get? a Supercharged V6 engine putting out around 235kW of power (not yet official), six-speed auto box (no manual), bigger wheels and tyres, improved brakes, upgraded seats & interior, and a sports body kit to give the car a mean and aggressive look.

Toyota has been working hard for the last two years to get this car to the showroom, initially starting with a supercharged Camry and then moving onto the Aurion. No doubt that TRD has taken note of the success of Fords XR-6 Turbo range and realized that the Australian buyer is no longer just after raw V8 power, that there is now a market for force fed six-cylinder engines in the performance sector.

The whole idea of the TRD Aurion isn’t really to make money, the idea is to create a halo car that will help increase sales of the basic car. In saying that, TRD hopes to sell around 1,000 cars in the first 12 months.

“I will be happy if a TRD car brings someone into a Toyota dealership and they buy something else in the range.” Mr Gardner said.

Pricing for the TRD Aurion has not been finalized but there are some clues to what we might expect :

“It’s going to be more expensive than a Falcon XR6 Turbo ($44,000) or a Commodore SV8 ($45,000) … but it won’t be as expensive as an HSV or FPV car. It will not be priced against the Falcon XR6 turbo, though. It’s a lot more than just an engine upgrade.” Mr Gardner said.

From that we can gather that, one, Mr Gardner hasn’t realized the Holden have dropped the SV8 model from its lineup (there is the SS and SS V now), and two, that the Aurion is going to cost around $47 - 50,000.

So if we just simply compare the SS commodore and the XR-6 Turbo to the TRD Aurion (which is more expensive) this is what we get.

Ford XR-6 Turbo : Power 245kW Torque 480Nm @ 2000rpm-4500rpm - $44,000
Holden VE SS Commodore : Power 270kW Torque 530Nm @ 4400rpm - $45,000
Toyota TRD Aurion : Power 235kW Torque unconfirmed - ~$47-50,000

So will we buy a TRD Aurion? Its not an easy question to answer before we get our hands on the car. But as far as spending around $50,000 on an aussie performance car goes, its hard to look past choices from the big two established brands!

The TRD Aurion will be on sale from August 13th.

If you haven’t voted already:

These pictures were taken today (by Mr Paul Maric) of what we believe is the Toyota Racing & Development (TRD) Aurion.

Looking Good Toyota! The TRD Aurion is set to come with a supercharged V6. Given that the current Aurion puts out 200kW of power, the TRD version should be one hell of a car!

Its a great day when even Toyota is offering its family cars with 18-inch alloy wheels! It is the first time Toyota has offered 18s as an option on any of its cars in Australia. Seems like with the next Toyota Supra in the works, and Toyota working hard on the Supercharged Aurion/Camry, the need for a sportier images is at the top of the agenda!

Toyota’s image isn’t the best, obviously they’ve never looked through a Bob Jane T-mart magazine, but nonetheless, the 18s combined with low-profile tyres help make the aurion look just a little more sporty, and of course you can always impress your mates!

Other styling accessories include a rear spoiler, which further enhances the sporting appearance of the Aurion, in addition to the Aurion-branded scuff plates (already available on the Camry Sportivo). Toyota says all these extra genuine accessories will help preserve potential resale value.

“Toyota Genuine Accessories are tailored to fit Toyota models,” said Gary Nettle, Corporate Manager, Sales and Marketing, Toyota Customer Services Division.

“When creating accessories our designers give strong consideration to the specific engineering of the Toyota models concerned.”

Aurion owners can also now add ParkAssist reverse-parking sensors, these sensors emit audible warning tones to help drivers reverse safely and to minimise damage, ensuring greater confidence when manoeuvring into tight spaces. A great little toy even for the most skillful driver.

Of course, there is nothing like an optional upgrade than a stereo system, and Toyota has brought out two upgrade kits:

• a Satellite Navigation Audio System featuring four-in-dash MP3-compatible CD Changer and Radio,
• or a six-in-dash MP3-compatible CD Changer and Radio.

I have to admit, with the Aurion looking more and more like another Avalon, the resell value of these cars isn’t going to be affected too much by the addition of 18″ wheels and a spoiler. Infact if anything, I would recommend sticking with the standard wheels till the tyres are ready for replacement and then buying a set of aftermarket 18″ wheels (with tyres) for a much more reasonable price!

Toyota has gone mad. If you’ve been on this site long enough, you would have noticed that we tend to run a fair few ads for the Toyota Aurion, this isn’t really our choice, we simply source out our ad space to Google who then sell it of to the highest bidder. Whilst I am eagerly awaiting the new Aurion, I have to say that the amount of money Toyota is going to spend on marketing for the Aurion, is going to be gigantic.

Toyota says that come the 5th of November (Sunday), they are going ballistic with TV/Radio/Paper/Street Signs/ Web ads for the Aurion prior to its launch later in the year. The main aim and focus of the new ads is to let everyone know that “the game has changed“.

The TV commercial devised by Saatchi & Saatchi, will feature during Toyota’s flagship sponsored program 60 Minutes on the Nine Network. Other networks will run 60-second versions, also from Sunday night. Dominating the TVC is a posse of helicopters patrolling above city streets at night - enacting a modern version of the game Spotlight.

The helicopters and their spotlights zero-in on all those cars that can’t avoid the light - those that haven’t changed with the times (you can bet these are Commodores and Falcons). They are eliminated from the game because they are found to be too cumbersome, use too much fuel or lack dynamic abilities - unlike the Aurion that “conquers” the city and wins the game.

Toyota Australia divisional manager sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said the TVC highlights the fact that Aurion has the most power and best fuel economy among naturally aspirated Australian six-cylinder cars.

“The Australian large-car market has been much the same for more than 40 years - dominated by just two players,” Mr Callachor said.

“We’re letting the market know that, with Aurion, there’s a new player in the game - and that the game has changed. No longer are Aussie large-car buyers limited to the cars their dad bought or what won at Bathurst.

“It’s no longer enough just to have brute force. You have to have both power and economy; you have to have performance and control. In addition, safety, reliability and the environment really matter in today’s world.

“Aurion was designed and engineered to deliver on the unique demands of Australian large-car buyers - and it’s built here in Australia. It’s the modern alternative to the traditional Aussie six-cylinder car and we think it will appeal to the 80 per cent of potential business and private buyers in this large market segment.”

Shooting the 90-second TVC involved five helicopters plus a camera helicopter, five 35mm cameras placed strategically around the city, a crew of 153, more than 100 extras and two directors. Some scenes involving helicopter footage were computer-generated.

Toyota somehow managed to convinced 269 building owners in the Wellington CBD to leave their lights on for the five nights to create the stunning city-and-bay skyline seen in the TVC - a scene not dissimilar to Manhattan. Mr Callachor said the marketing campaign and “the game has changed” theme were based on research with large-six owners and intending purchasers.

The new TVC was heralded by two 15-second “introductory” TVCs that aired from last Sunday (29 October). This ended a series of teaser ads that have played over the past nine months - possibly the longest pre-campaign in Australia’s automotive history.

Mr Callachor said the Aurion campaign is comprehensive and includes a “media first” - full wraparounds of selected newspapers from 5 November. Saatchi & Saatchi executive creative director David Nobay said it was clear from day one that this was going to be a special launch.

“The communication is ultimately only as powerful as the promise - and with the new Aurion we had one hell of a promise,” Mr Nobay said.

“Our confidence in the new Aurion has been translated to a very bold campaign. The campaign is a powerful demonstration of single-minded integration, too, with a myriad of touch points all banging home the message with equal confidence.

“Using an unsigned (so far!) Aussie band from Bondi called Sound Casino to create our theme was a great accent on our idea - pure Aussie talent, but so much fresher than the usual ‘car-ad rock’ fare.”

If your really keen to know, details of the media campaign are outlined below

TV

• 3 x teaser TVC (February-October 2006)
• 2 x 15-second “introduction” TVC (from 29 October)
• 90-second launch TVC, 60 Minutes (5 November)
• 60-second launch TVC on all networks (two weeks, from 5 November)
• 2 x 30-second TVC (ongoing)
• 3 x 15-second TVC (ongoing)

Print

• Wraps of selected newspapers and sports sections of major newspapers throughout Australia
• Ownership of official magazine of Australian International Motor Show
• Comprehensive schedule

Street signage

• “Live” billboard - real car used in front of billboard, Sydney Airport
• Signs pointing to Australian International Motor Show
• “Landmark” outdoor billboard sites

Online

• Banner ads using the Spotlight creative
• Microsite - aurionV6.com.au

Toyota is really keen on letting everyone know that the upcoming “Commodore Killer” - the Toyota Aurion, isn’t just another fridge on wheels. Its hard to get the Toyota Avalon out of my head, and with that mind, I can’t think that highly of the Aurion, just yet. Nevertheless, Toyota Australia has unveiled a dramatic red and black sports concept sedan based on its new Aurion large car.

The Aurion Sports Concept, created by Toyota Style Australia, is one of the stars of the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. It features aggressive styling and aerodynamics with integrated front and rear air-dam diffusers, a prominent two-tier rear wing and 20-inch five-spoke dark charcoal alloy wheels.

Other special features include a floating grille frame with embossed mesh insert and twin exhaust pipes integrated into the rear bumper. Paul Beranger, Manager of Styling and Design at Toyota Style Australia, said the show car was an advanced styling concept from Toyota Australia’s young design team.

“The Aurion Sports Concept is a vision for the future styling direction of Toyota Australia’s sports-car image,” Mr Beranger said.

“Many of the design cues are likely to appear on production vehicles that go beyond Aurion’s new sports range, the Sportivo SX6 and ZR6.

“Our creative team is continually experimenting with ideas for the Australian customer. Previous programs such as Cross Runner and Sportivo Coupe have been winning concepts with the Australian public, and now the launch of the Aurion brings a whole new range of opportunities for Toyota to move into more niche market segments.

“This sports concept is just one example where we are testing the market and encouraging feedback from the public.”

Mr Beranger said Australian drivers were unique in wanting both a sports car and a family car in the one package.

“The Aurion Sports Concept is one possible solution, with styling themes slanted heavily towards the sports car end of our youth market,” he said.

Toyota likes to point out that the Aurion Sports Concept is purely an exterior styling exercise, in otherwords, its still got the same engine as the basic Aurion. Nevertheless, with 200kw, its not too bad. Toyota Australia is still keeping under wraps many of its styling and engineering plans for future models.

I am however very keen on Toyota selling a TRD version of the Aurion, hopefully a Turbo or Supercharged version of the Aurion will be released within the next 12 months.