Toyota attempted to launch its own performance brand in Australia during the 2010s and its medium sedan model the Aurion was to be the hero model.
The Aurion was assembled in Australia from 2006 until 2017, but to help launch the new model back in its early stages the Japanese brand elected to launch a performance variant using its newly released Toyota Racing Developments or TRD tuning entity.
At a time when Australian performance was producing great products such as the Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo and rivals included the Subaru Impreza WRX, TRD went down a different path as its supercharged Aurion was front-wheel-drive.
Featuring tuned suspension and a supercharged 3.5-litre V6, the TRD Aurion was capable of matching the XR6 Turbo, while providing an understated appearance on the outside. A smart body kit made it identifiable rather then garish and 19-inch rims ensured the lowered TRD enhanced Aurion ensured its performance credentials were on display.
Another difference was the fact it came with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Weighing at 1610kg, the TRD Aurion was able to race to 100km/h in just six seconds rivalling the performance FPV and HSV models of the day.
To further enhance TRD’s performance credentials, motorsport activities followed as Neal Bates took on Targa Tasmania in an example with long-time co-driver Coral Taylor again calling the notes where the pair won the Modern Competition category.
A second entry was rallied by Simon Evans and was leading the class until an engine malady dropped him out of contention with just four stages remaining.
The Bathurst 12 Hour was planned next again spearheaded by Bates, but this failed to occur and the TRD name soon disappeared from sight leaving one hot Aurion behind in limited numbers.