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“The TRD Aurion’s body shell is really more of a caricature than a scaled-down version of the real car. We are in the final stages of producing the initial test moulds now so the finished product will be on the track later this year.”

The series is a support category for the V8 Supercar Championship and races at some of Australia’s biggest events, including the Australian Formula One Grand Prix and at Indy on the Gold Coast.

Every car in the field runs a spec mechanical package and chassis that is fitted with moulded body shells representing the relevant make and model of the car.

Weighing just 450kg, the cars are powered by a 1.2-litre, twin-cam, four-valve Yamaha engine, producing 91kW at 11,5000rpm and sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.5 seconds.

Although the series has been based around Ford and Holden-derived cars, Aussie Racing Cars director Phil Ward said he does not see the category as a red versus blue battle and hopes Toyota’s involvement will encourage other manufacturers to get involved.

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Mazda drivers Rick Bates and Alister McRae managed a one-two finish on Day One in the 2WD Showroom Competition, matching their previous result in the Prologue - despite Toyota incorrectly claiming victory in its TRD Aurion entry.

Not only did Rick Bates outperform the near-standard TRD Aurion entry competing alongside in the 2WD Showroom category, but also twin-brother Neal Bates in his race-prepped TRD Aurion entry.

Overall the performance of the Mazda3 MPS in the hands of Bates has been phenomenal, finishing the day 24th overall - equal with the brand-new R35 Nissan GT-R of Targa regular Tony Alford.

Jim Richards remains as the man to beat in his 2008 Porsche 911 GT2, finishing first overall narrowly ahead of Steve Glenney and Tony Longhurst in their rally bred Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 and Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec C respectively.

Day two of Targa is made up of 402km, including eight competitive stages over 72km. The field starts and finishes in Launceston and visits the east coast town of St Helens.

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Maximum power has been increased by 28.5 percent to 225kW whilst peak torque has risen by 20.4 percent to 453Nm at just 3400rpm.

More than the equivalent maximum torque of 376Nm produced by the standard HiLux is delivered from just above idle all the way to 5700rpm on the TRD model.

Zero to 100km/h performance jumps to just 7.2 seconds, whilst retaining fuel-economy figures comparable with the standard HiLux at just 12.9 litres per 100km.

Similar to the TRD Aurion, the supercharged HiLux will be available in two model grades - 4000S and 4000SL.

Both grades come standard with twin front airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking and DataDot security.

The TRD HiLux also has specially calibrated monotube Bilstein shock absorbers and 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres.

Other enhancements include larger front brake rotors and calipers, a TRD body kit, sports bar and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever.

TRD HiLux 4000S is priced at $59,990 and the 4000SL at $64,990. The only option is metallic paint at $300.

CarAdvice will be reviewing the new TRD HiLux shortly.

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It’s probably an age thing. I’m over 40 and Paul and Alborz are under 30. That must be it.

241 supercharged kilowatts is a lot of juice to be flowing to the front wheels. Torque Steer. Yes, of course there’s a little torque steer, but it’s entirely manageable and quite a non-event. Just hold the steering wheel properly, with both hands, as you should be and there’s no drama whatsoever.

And if you need to jump on the right pedal and give it a boot full, you’ll be rewarded with ‘blast off’ style acceleration that keeps on going and going, thanks to those 400 Newton metres peaking at a respectable 4000rpm.

Normally I would be physically ill if I had to live with red leather seats in a daily ride, but this colour trim in a black TRD, is stunning.

But before I end up writing another 1500 word review on the TRD, which I have no intention of doing, I wanted to share with you, a few photos of the car which I had shoved in a desktop file and forgotten about.

You can find our reviews below:

• TRD Aurion 3500S Road Test (Paul)
  
• TRD Aurion 3500SL Road Test (Alborz)
  
• TRD Aurion 3500SL Review (Tony)

Anthony Crawford

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Toyota was quick to point out that this is not just a standard ute with a turbocharger, the TRD HiLux also features upgraded suspension, brakes and styling for a total performance package.

The Japanese company says the new performance ute will be just as practical as it is sporty.

“TRD HiLux is a great workhorse vehicle during the week for transporting tools, hauling a trailer and coping with the roughest terrain. When the weekend arrives, its performance and handling can be used by the whole family - carting dirt bikes and other gear, or towing a boat.” Toyota regional manager Sean Hanley

The TRD HiLux joins its sedan brother the TRD Aurion to complete the current TRD line-up.

More info to follow…

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