`Toyota to indroduce "TRD" performance division`

[adrenaline]

Toyota announces the name under which its next-gen performance models will emerge...

By MARTON PETTENDY 9 May 2006



FIRST we had Mercedes’ AMG and BMW’s M division, then came Holden’s HSV, Ford’s FPV, Mitsubishi’s Ralliart and even Chrysler’s SRT performance vehicle brands.

Now it’s Toyota’s turn to enter the ranks of bona-fide performance car brands available Down Under.

To prove how serious the Japanese giant is about matching its performance car-making rivals with hot versions of models like the forthcoming Aurion, Toyota Australia has announced it will establish Toyota Racing Development (TRD) as a separate vehicle franchise from Toyota for the first anywhere in the world.

TRD is a division of Toyota Technocraft – the company’s global motorsport and high-performance motoring arm for more than 50 years – and will be headed by Greg Gardner.

It will be charged with producing performance variants of just about everything in Toyota’s vehicle range, starting with the locally designed Aurion large sedan due on sale in November.

Toyota says its high-performance Aurion variant will be launched in the second quarter of 2007, and it’s expected to carry the Sportivo name.

If its supercharged 3.5-litre V6 and the styling concept that previewed it this year’s Melbourne motor show are any indication, the hottest Aurion should – for the first time – give Toyota an opposite number to local tuning houses like HSV and FPV.

The Chrysler Group recently ramped up its SRT performance brand with the 300C SRT-8, which will be followed by SRT versions of Jeep’s Grand Cherokee and the upcoming Dodge Caliber.

Mitsubishi is also expected to give its Ralliart brand some serious clout with a hot version of the 380 sedan and Colt coupe-cabriolet.

But it’s the financial and marketing might of Toyota that will make TRD a formidable force on Australia’s performance car stage.

With styling by Toyota Style Australia and engineering input from TRD, Toyota says the locally-developed Aurion flagship will be unique in the Toyota world.

According to Toyota, it will "offer a complete package with the accent on refined power and athletic driving dynamics".

In a press release issued on Monday, Mr Gardner said TRD was the natural choice for the company’s new range of Australian-developed Toyotas because it has a history of creating race-winners for the brand in motorsports ranging from world rallying and Le Mans sports cars to Indianapolis and Champ Cars in the US.

TRD will also be behind Toyota’s US Craftsman Trucks series campaign and the company’s foray into NASCAR racing in 2007.

"In the market research we conducted, the TRD brand was well recognised, despite the fact that it has never been directly marketed here," he said.

Mr Gardner said TRD Australia would be unlike its counterparts in Japan and the US, where the brand is known for producing performance components.

"TRD Australia will be a complete vehicle range, rather than just an aftermarket parts business," he said.

Beyond the Aurion Sportivo, Toyota is expected to release a Sportivo version of the next-generation Corolla due on sale this year (the current Corolla Sportivo was discontinued this year because of new emissions regulations), while models like Yaris, July’s all-new Camry and even HiLux will also be on TRD’s agenda.

"The Aurion definitely won’t be the only local Toyota to wear the TRD badge," said Mr Gardner. "Vehicles like the Corolla and HiLux are also under consideration," he said.

[2ndclasscitizen]

Neil Bates mentioned this on RPM on sunday, with the Toyota ARC team coming under the TRD banner. When asked about TRD, he mentioned the Aurionand seemed to allude to something coming from the ARC car or the Super2000 car they're building. A new Corrolla GT4 would be nice

[nota]

FIRST we had Mercedes’ AMG and BMW’s M division, then came Holden’s HSV, Ford’s FPV, Mitsubishi’s Ralliart and even Chrysler’s SRT performance vehicle brands.
Sorry to single this quote out but does anyone else get annoyed from reading innacurate claims like this? It makes me :rolleyes: as its yet another historically incorrect statement from an obvious non-expert who doubles as a professional AU journo. Our Martin has obviously forgotten about Holden/HDT & Ford's old SVO from almost 40 years previous. Nissan's later SVO outfit rates no mention either

[fpv_gtho]

Toyotas strong marketing ey? So they'll produce an XR6T competitor and try sell it to us as if its an F6 competitor? :rolleyes:

TBH Toyota will really be fighting to open up a new market by releasing TRD locally, although it might not be so hard. Fords biggest issue with their 6 cylinders was getting the clutch to last....

As long as they can make something desirable, that isnt obviously tacky aka Y series HSV's, they should have what it takes.

[charged]

You all know how I love my rollas, but seriuosly Toyota Aust are drawing a long bow comparing their TRD Avalon to a HSV or FPV products. The Aurion will be in the same ballpark as a NA xr6 or sv6, the xr6t or ss let alone a Clubby or f6 would absolutely pants it. ;)

[Blitz_]

Oh you got to be kidding me, oh well, the more the merrier aye? To be honest, I dont see TRD as a huge threat to mainstream HSV and FPV, but more so, as Charged just pointed out, the in house Ford and Holden products such as the NA XR6 or SV6. Forking out 60K + for a Toyota sedan doesn't sounds like my cup of tea to be honest - the Aurion doesn't look anything flash either, even that concept was shit. Black headlights? Paper cutout brakes and puny rims with a not so inspiring kit - I don't see them advertising something like that agasint the like of the balls against the wall GT, performance car king F6 or the rip roaring Clubbie. All of the beforementioned are imbedded deep in Aussie culture, save for teh F6, but people love it.

[Mr. Jinx]

It'll probably get 16 inch wheels like the current Sportivo lol

[Blue Supra]

Bring it on! make it AWD and itll sell.

[SlickHolden]

I'll wait till they really do it before i believe it:D.
Holden might go Turbo with VE. Ford already has Turbo. So if anything they will compete with the high po 6's and 8's of ford and holden not FPV and HSV.

[charged]

Bring it on! make it AWD and itll sell.

If they give the Avalon twin turbos and AWD it would be a genuine performance vehicle, but a low blow supercharger:p and 17in wheels just doesnt cut it. Just have to wait and see.

[mmm_aapls]

"The Aurion definitely won’t be the only local Toyota to wear the TRD badge," said Mr Gardner. "Vehicles like the Corolla and HiLux are also under consideration," he said.

The only cars that come out of Altona are carmy and Aurion. I wonder what other "local" Toyota's he is refering to.

I think TRD will be a good thing in Aus. Especially since the JDM Camry (And Aurion for that matter) have many more features than Aus. If TRD can introduce some of those options, Charged comments might not be too far off.

[fpv_gtho]

It would make sense to take overseas models and rebadge them as TRD's, like Ford did with the Focus ST and HSV have with the OPC Astra

[SlickHolden]

If there only after the market of Focus and Astra then how can they ever get to FPV and HSV??
They need AWD to counter there RWD-Less selfs in large-sedans:D.

Must admit i love there dum ad's Toyota right now, They are going to change the big Aussie 6, Because theres is based on F1, And the others on Touring cars:p, Last time i looked no Ford or Holden 6 was Touring car based or developed.

[2ndclasscitizen]

I'm not sure how an open-wheeler inspired sedan is supposed to work? So it's going to have inboard, pushrod actuated double wishbone suspension?

[SlickHolden]

And F1 inspired wings.

[kigango123]

with all the attempts that have been ongoing in toyota and the many complaints on the net about toyota quality. i think that toyota is going under.
take a look at shares in the company and see what i am talking about

[Zytek_Fan]

with all the attempts that have been ongoing in toyota and the many complaints on the net about toyota quality. i think that toyota is going under.
take a look at shares in the company and see what i am talking about
Uhhh. What complaints? Toyota's shares are fine. They are a bigger manufacturer than the big three (DaimlerChrysler, Ford, GM)

[6speed]

Oh my. That's new. TRD? I've never heard of that before :rollseyes:

[thatdbeme]

Oh my. That's new. TRD? I've never heard of that before :rollseyes:
thanks for you input :rolleyes:
it is new in an australian context, and this is the australian forum

[crisis]

If there only after the market of Focus and Astra then how can they ever get to FPV and HSV??
They need AWD to counter there RWD-Less selfs in large-sedans:D.


A large(ish) high powered front wheel drive sedan is not going to sniff at FPV or HSV. Toyotas performance market is more about the younger guys who are into the Fast and Furious type cars. Hatches with turbos. That works way better. Too much front wheel HP is a joke. And not pushing over 250kw through any wheels in a larger car is not going to wow anyone away from 300kw HSVs. Toyota make a good product but if they want a high performance car why not drag out a new Supra? Instead of trying to make their mundane sedans into something they can not be.

[adrenaline]

with all the attempts that have been ongoing in toyota and the many complaints on the net about toyota quality. i think that toyota is going under.
take a look at shares in the company and see what i am talking about

Toyota going under? ROFLCOPTER. That's the craziest thing I've heard for a while. And Zytek, GM would still be bigger than Toyota in manufacturing.

[thatdbeme]

with all the attempts that have been ongoing in toyota and the many complaints on the net about toyota quality. i think that toyota is going under.
take a look at shares in the company and see what i am talking about

toyota probably have the best rep in terms of reliability of any car company in the world at the moment.
also they are richest, i heard recently that they fund their F1 program from the interest accrued from their cash holdings. thats a lot of interest.

[mmm_aapls]

Toyota going under? ROFLCOPTER. That's the craziest thing I've heard for a while. And Zytek, GM would still be bigger than Toyota in manufacturing.

Last year, Toyota produced a reported 8.1 million units while GM reported 9.1 million units. On a gross-per-unit basis, GM also wins, so even if Toyota did catch up, the gross value of GM would be larger than Toyota. However, as we all know, GM has serious financlial troubles, and so for now, Toyota is the most profitable albiet smaller manufacturer.

[SlickHolden]

with all the attempts that have been ongoing in toyota and the many complaints on the net about toyota quality. i think that toyota is going under.
take a look at shares in the company and see what i am talking about
The highlighted is Signature material:p

A large(ish) high powered front wheel drive sedan is not going to sniff at FPV or HSV. Toyotas performance market is more about the younger guys who are into the Fast and Furious type cars. Hatches with turbos. That works way better. Too much front wheel HP is a joke. And not pushing over 250kw through any wheels in a larger car is not going to wow anyone away from 300kw HSVs. Toyota make a good product but if they want a high performance car why not drag out a new Supra? Instead of trying to make their mundane sedans into something they can not be.
And just about every car main car in the fast and the furious was RWD or AWD.

[crisis]

And just about every car main car in the fast and the furious was RWD or AWD.
Perhaps I used a little too much licence. :o
I really mean the Civic sub culture. If Toyota were to make a AWD Aurion then it may have some legs. May even do as well as the AWD Magna! :D

[fpv_gtho]

i heard recently that they fund their F1 program from the interest accrued from their cash holdings. thats a lot of interest.

The same has also been said for Red Bull, and its pretty believable for both. Likewise its been said Toyota could accumulate the funds to "buy out" GM with just a few years profit. Keeping them alive may be a different story however.

[Mr. Jinx]

Perhaps I used a little too much licence. :o
I really mean the Civic sub culture. If Toyota were to make a AWD Aurion then it may have some legs. May even do as well as the AWD Magna! :D
Awww...that was harsh! :p

[Blitz_]

Oh cmon, im sure a few of you fell for the AWD magna ads where it effortlessly churns out xr's and ss's :D

[nota]

Oh cmon, im sure a few of you fell for the AWD magna ads where it effortlessly churns out xr's and ss's :D
He's an elderly gent these days but Ross Dunkerton seemed to do more than ok in rallys with his AWD Magna

[nota]

Last year, Toyota produced a reported 8.1 million units while GM reported 9.1 million units. On a gross-per-unit basis, GM also wins, so even if Toyota did catch up, the gross value of GM would be larger than Toyota. However, as we all know, GM has serious financlial troubles, and so for now, Toyota is the most profitable albiet smaller manufacturer.
Wonders what the gross value of GM is .. considering their grossly massive debt vs earnings

I've read that, if all of the arms within the giant Mitsubishi umbrella are considered as one, it is the largest corporation in the world

[SlickHolden]

Perhaps I used a little too much licence. :o
I really mean the Civic sub culture. If Toyota were to make a AWD Aurion then it may have some legs. May even do as well as the AWD Magna! :D
You mean sell them to Hollywood as the next batmobile:D

[Machalel]

I think it's a bold move, and I hope that they do well. They won't be able to knock a chunk out of Ford/Holden, at least initially, but good luck to them trying.

Everyone always criticises and ridicules companies when they try things like this, but personally I think that the more choices in the marketplace the better!

I'd congratulate them for taking a risk! I mean come on guys... this is Toyota... taking a risk... how often does that happen these days?!

[adrenaline]

Well said^^

Although, I criticise Toyota because of their dumb marketing. They tell you their Aurion is an F1 car in disguise, that it's too good for the V8 supercars and that it is the "Future of Aussie 6's". Purely based on that I wouldn't touch a riced Aurion.

And speaking of Toyota's corporate situation, don't they have a 36 billion dollar cash hoard?? I read that somewhere a while back...

[SlickHolden]

Actually i believe we have to many choices in our market. It was mentioned somewhere that we have more models in this country then they offer in china i think it was.

[adrenaline]

Isn't China's auto industry still developing though?

[SlickHolden]

Not sure but the one they said was huge and we offer more models here. And being so small it's made even bigger.
The yanks always moan we get big 4 door cars with V8's and RWD cheap:D.

[6speed]

You don't.

See us Canadian's are smarter:D

[adrenaline]

Not sure but the one they said was huge and we offer more models here. And being so small it's made even bigger.
The yanks always moan we get big 4 door cars with V8's and RWD cheap:D.

Australia is the home of V8 RWD sedans:D

And BTW, What time do you sleep??! I thought I was the last Aussie online at 2:49AM. Then you post at 3:20AM!!!

[SlickHolden]

Australia is the home of V8 RWD sedans:D

And BTW, What time do you sleep??! I thought I was the last Aussie online at 2:49AM. Then you post at 3:20AM!!!
I'm like a weirdo when it comes to sleeping:p
Monday 10.30pm, Tuesday 5.30pm, Wednesday 3.30pm, Thursday 7.30am, Friday-Saturday 12.30am just got up:D. I sleep very weird like i can't control my sleeping habits it's just all over the place.

[syko]

^^
I've noticed that your a bit of a night owl. I'm kinda the same but thats more to do with work than actually insomina.

[acemotorsport]

I'm like a weirdo when it comes to sleeping:p
Monday 10.30pm, Tuesday 5.30pm, Wednesday 3.30pm, Thursday 7.30am, Friday-Saturday 12.30am just got up:D. I sleep very weird like i can't control my sleeping habits it's just all over the place.
if you check when im on i usally here untill 2ish and wake up 12ish sometimes