Toyota Aurion 2013 News

He is the man you definitely want on your side. Senator Carr is the most impressive politician I have met, at least on the car business, since the late Senator John Button in the early 1980s. Button set the original review agenda for the car business and now Carr is driving the motor industry into the 21st century with a clear picture, incredible energy, and a genuine understanding of what it's all about. His enthusiasm was obvious this week as he helped open a new production line at Hella in Mentone which will supply lamps for the update of the Toyota Camry and Aurion later this year. "I'm only here as eye candy today, and I'll let our hosts tell you about the plant and what it means for Hella, Toyota and Australia," Carr says, weaving humour into a serious message. "But I can't pass up this opportunity to re-affirm the government's central messages about manufacturing. "First, that we want Australia to be a country that makes things. And, second, that we want it to be a country that makes cars." That is great news for all the people in the motor industry, but also the Australians who share a common history that is wrapped around the ability of the automobile to conquer the vast distances in our country. Carr has found money and support for the industry but stresses that companies must also work together as part of his new Car Plan. "The success of any industry depends on what companies do together - how much they can rely on each other and how closely they collaborate. If anyone wants to know what a vigorous, creative and competitive Australian component sector would look like - well, it would look like this: "Hella delivers the inputs Toyota needs, at the right price, to the right standard and - as Toyota has taught every manufacturer in the world to say - "just in time". It took the German-owned lighting specialist just nine months to get its new Kaizen line operational and global boss Dr Juergen Behrend says the benefits will flow well beyond the two founding partners. "What we have learned with Toyota will also benefit our other customers, like Ford and Holden," Behrend says. So it's becoming more and more of a family affair, with the Godfather stressing the need for a shared commitment. "The industry is only as strong as its weakest link, so we have to ensure that every link is rock solid," says Carr.

It seems the Toyota's supercharged TRD Aurion is ready for the road, judging by this example spotted on the Hume Highway between Yass and Gundagai. While Toyota has issued a frontal photo of its high-performance Aurion, this is the first glimpse of its rear spoiler and hi-tech-looking peepholes for the twin exhausts. Check out also the big wheels - 19-inches by the look of them - and TRD-issue red calipers. As previously seen, the frontal treatment introduces a stronger-jawed look than the mainstream Aurion. The relatively restrained rear treatment looks like its keeping with TRD's philosophy for its go-fast Aurion, a position somewhere between Subaru's Sti division and the V8-powered glorious excess of HSV and FPV. “TRD stands for an optimal blend of performance, refinement, handling and Toyota's traditional quality, durability and reliability,” Toyota marketing chief David Buttner says. The TRD Aurion's door badges, bearing the Mercedes-like designation of 3500 SL, are no doubt calculated to add to its up-market image. With about 235kW and substantial torque lift from its 3.5-litre supercharged V6, Buttner compares the TRD's performance with refinement formula to the Alfa Romeo 159 or Volkswagen Golf R32. We'll be able to decide for ourselves when the TRD Aurion is launched next month; it is expected to be priced about $60,000. Aside from the usual local Holden SS and Ford XR suspects, there's not a surfeit of biggish sedans to offer comparable bang for these kind of bucks, with Mitsubishi having shelved plans to put the hot supercharged TMR version of its 380 into production. A front-wheel-drive and presumably cheaper version of Alfa Romeo's currently all-paw-only 159 V6 is part of the revision planned for the 2008 range. Volkswagen says the R36 version of its Passat V6 4Motion will arrive either by the end of 2008 or early 2009. With Toyota having long since expunged any remotely stirring models from its line-up (who'd have thought it possible to feel nostalgia for the Celica or the last MR2?) it will be amusing to see if buyers cotton-on to what seems the borderline bizarre idea of a high performance car with this maker's badge. Indeed, if it's only half-decent, the TMR would serve to provide the only spark of excitement in Toyota's utterly vanilla line-up. It's not as though a company whose perennial sales success seems as assured as the coming of the dawn actually needs such a gadget, which makes it all the more gratifying that they're having a bit of go. Still, Lexus money for an Aurion?  

The countdown has begun for Toyota's push into Ford and Holden's heartland. The new TRD contenders will be in showrooms within four months and the Aurion V6 and HiLux have been out for final verification work, as they are prepared for battle against SS Commodores and XR Falcons. More signs are also pointing to a V6 RAV4, that shares its 3.5-litre engine with the Aurion, becoming the third TRD model. The two confirmed starters are familiar to anyone who has been to a major motor show this year, but still the HiLux looked impressive when photographed last week. The TRD operation is now moving from test and development into full-scale assembly work being done in Melbourne by Prodrive, which also holds the rights to fast Ford road cars in Australia. The Aurion will be out first and, even though the HiLux is confirmed for November, Toyota Australia is still trying to keep full details secret. The car is likely to be available from September; the press preview drive is scheduled for late August. “The car is coming in the third quarter. At this stage, that's all I can say,” Toyota spokesman Mike Breen says. “It's all done. It's ready to go. You have basically seen it at the motor shows. It's supercharged V6 et cetera.” The first TRD Aurions have already been ordered, Queensland police taking 11 for highway patrol work. They will join a batch of regular Aurion Sportivo V6s already in police paint. The HiLux is more subdued than that unveiled at the Melbourne Motor Show in March, but still promises plenty of go with a similar supercharged engine. “The HiLux is in November,” Breen says. “It is undergoing final testing. It's the 4.0-litre petrol engine, supercharged.” Toyota has confirmed the TRD Aurion is quicker than expected, using a new Eaton twin-vortices supercharger packaged in Melbourne by Harrop Engineering. “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.” Work on the engine has also been done by the Orbital Engine Company in Perth, which focused on testing and component development.  

A third model, not a TRD Corolla but probably something in the 4WD family, will follow. Toyota's objective is simple but difficult, even for Australia's No.1 carmaker — it must attack the special vehicles heartland occupied by Holden Special Vehicles and Ford Performance Vehicles. Toyota Australia says it is not directly aiming at the homegrown heroes with TRD (Toyota Racing Developments), but it's obvious to anyone who knows the car business that the cars will be measured against the V8 hotrods from HSV and FPR. Toyota is taking a different path with its TRD Aurion and HiLux, partly because it must (they have no V8 engines or rear-drive cars for the job) and partly because it believes it can win a slightly different following by going with supercharged V6 engines, more emphasis on comfort and refinement, and a slightly less obvious styling direction. However, the message is the same. "This is how we show people we have thrown off the cardigan — forever," TRD corporate manager Greg Gardner says. Gardner leads a team of 15 at TRD, but is able to tap the talent at Toyota Style Australia and will rely on Prodrive, the British company that controls Ford Performance Vehicles, for final assembly of the TRD Aurion and HiLux in Melbourne. The mechanics of the job are relatively straightforward: V6 engines, bigger wheels and tyres, improved brakes, upgraded seats and cabins, and predictable body bits. But it is the packaging that is really tough, and doing it without any heritage. Gardner and his team have to win new customers without driving existing owners away. "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," he says. TRD has been in the works for more than two years, as has the Aurion. It is the final development of a project started with a supercharged Camry for motor show display and technical testing in engine bay, suspension, brakes, and more. "The basics are there in the Aurion. It's a good chassis and a good base vehicle," Gardner says. "It is pointing in the right direction. It responds well. "And the driving has come out well." On the HiLux front, the TRD model is a double-cab four-wheel-drive with a supercharged 4.0-litre V6 engine. The final pricing is still being set, together with the TRD presence in Toyota Australia showrooms, but Gardner is aiming for about 1000 cars in total in the first year and much more than that in impact. "It's not huge volumes. But it is hugely important," he says. "We see this as a brand-building exercise, not incremental sales. "I will be happy if a TRD car brings someone into a Toyota dealership and they buy something else in the range." TRD is not talking about price or performance just yet. But the Aurion will have at least 235kW to be fed to the front wheels through its six-speed automatic gearbox. The focus for the HiLux is on torque. The Aurion has 18-inch alloy wheels, special sports seats and a body kit. The HiLux, meanwhile, gets similar treatment — but with underdone alloys — and is pitched as a work-and-play family hauler. "The TRD Aurion will be on sale on August 13 and the TRD HiLux on November 12." Gardner is prepared to hint about Aurion pricing, but without going into details. He says: "It's going to be more expensive than a Falcon XR6 Turbo or a Commodore SV8 ... 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." TRD has been a semi-official hot-up business in Japan since the 1970s, and made a successful transition to the US in the 1980s. The TRD logo has been on racing cars and came to Australia in 2006 on the sides of the championship-winning Corollas campaigned by Neal Bates and Simon Evans in the Australian Rally Championship. It is also attached to all sorts of go-faster parts for cars throughout the Toyota range. The chief designer employed on the TRD project certainly knows a bit more than most about special vehicles. Long before he joined Toyota Australia, Paul Beranger headed Nissan Special Vehicles and was the man who brought the Skyline GT-R to Australian showrooms as a local model.

“The Aurion is the new cat that Toyota has set among the established pigeons,” said Best Cars Chief Judge, Ernest Litera. “It’s a terrific well-rounded package of technology and refinement - Toyota has produced a big six that has managed to outstrip traditional rivals in the Australian market.” Base model buyers especially, would benefit from life-saving technology, such as Electronic Stability Control, anti-lock brakes and six airbags. Australia’s motoring clubs – NRMA, RACV, RACT, RACQ, RAASA, RACWA and AANT – judge Australia’s Best Cars. Together, they represent almost 7 million members. After initial road testing of some 220 contenders by the seven auto clubs during the past year, a record 50 vehicles made the final cut for industry-recognised awards in 12 categories. “This figure was a result of the huge influx of diesel models and the ever increasing competitiveness of vehicle manufacturers,” Mr Litera said. “Diesels have really come to the fore this year, with one of Europe’s leading brands, Volkswagen, winning awards for two diesel cars. The Polo TDI was judged Australia’s Best Small Car and the Jetta TDI took the honours in the Best Mid-Size category over $28,000. “The Polo is a very easy car to drive, but it’s still involving enough for those who like to enjoy the experience. Precise German design and engineering delivers top-class on-road ability and it comes with a reassuring four-star NCAP safety rating. “Although the Jetta is not top of the class in the design and function department, there’s little to criticise either. The most crucial scoring areas of safety, environment and build-quality are all strong points for both Volkswagens.” Mr Litera said Honda had brought a level of engineering sophistication to the mid-sized and people mover categories. “The Civic VTi won the Best Mid-Size Car under $28,000 category, while the Odyssey took out the Best People-Mover title for the third year running due to its car-like ride and handling,” he said. “The winners of the two sports car categories were the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Audi RS4 quattro. The GTI created the ‘hot hatch’ class three decades ago and today’s model combines the original’s spirit with modern levels of comfort, safety and performance. It has won this spot for the second year running.” Mr Litera said the Audi RS4 quattro had “clobbered the coupes”. “This car has relegated some legendary machines to secondary status thanks to its 4.2-litre V8 and massively-tyred wheels delivering power and grip. The RS4 is simply an amazing machine to drive,” he said. “Lexus scooped a handful of awards this year, taking home trophies for the Best Prestige, Luxury and Recreational 4WD categories, with the IS250, GS450h and RX350 respectively. The Lexus GS450h offers a glimpse into the future with hybrid technology that offers V8 performance levels with four-cylinder economy, low emissions and whisper quiet efficiency.” The Best Recreational and Best All-Terrain 4WD categories were won by Subaru Forester X and Landrover Discovery 3 SE TDV6. “Both vehicles provide a quality ride on or off-road. The Landrover has come up trumps for the second time running and is clearly at the high-quality end of the all-terrain 4WD market,” he said. Mr Litera said the beauty of Australia’s Best Cars, now in its seventh year, was a strong consumer focus providing new car buyers with the full scoring table on 220 vehicles. “But unlike other awards programs, our assessment also includes input from car buyers on what areas are most important in each vehicle class, such as safety, fuel economy, and so on. “This enables consumers to make a highly informed purchasing decision. “The scoring system has been shaped to reflect the expectations of the car-buying public and rates vehicles on all-round ability in three broad areas; value for money, design and function and on-road ability.” The 2006 Australia’s Best Cars buyers guide reviews 220 cars and will be on sale from today.

Toyota's fuel-economy figures for the new V6 Aurion are impressive. It has confirmed details of the most powerful and fuel-efficient six-cylinder engine in a locally-made car, even though its V6 Aurion will not hit showrooms until November. Toyota Australia says the high-tech imported V6 will have 200kW and fuel economy of 9.9 litres/100km, measured to the Australian Design Rule standard test 81/01. It will also comply with the latest Euro 4 emission standards. The economy is a big boost as Toyota tries to drive home a double-edged attack on the new Commodore and updated Falcon BFII. Even so, the company says the timing is not planned to keep people out of GM Holden showrooms or put the Aurion on to shopping lists early. "We had to submit the figures to the government for the Australian Design Rules," Toyota Australia spokesman Mike Breen says. "Since they were going to be in the public domain we thought we might as well release them." The numbers are good, and better than both the VE and BFII, and show an improvement on the economy side from the 11.2 litres/100km that Toyota managed with its last local V6 car, the Avalon. "That's as the engine comes. I think with the new generation of engines from Toyota we have the specific aim of improving fuel efficiency. There is no special tweaking or testing for the ADR runs," Breen says. The Aurion is in final testing on roads around Melbourne with only the barest of taping over the lights and badges. Although Toyota has revealed its power and economy numbers, it is not talking about the Aurion's exact performance. But insiders at the company hint that the Aurion will be just as quick, or quicker, than the Falcon and Commodore. "Among the Aussie six-cylinder family cars, it will be the leader in performance, delivering the power demanded by Australia's large-car motorists," Toyota's executive director of sales and marketing Dave Buttner says.

Lead singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte was in fine form as the covers came off the new Aussie big V6, belting out the song in black hot pants and fishnet stockings as hundreds of motoring journalists and industry players looked on. The launch of the car was webcast live by Toyota and was watched with interest by executives at head office in Japan. Toyota's new car, designed by Australian designer Nick Hogios, is expected to start at around $35,000 when sales kick off late this year.