Toyota’s TRD Division Launches Supercharged Camry in Australia

In Australia, large non-premium luxury sedans (midsize here) are one of the country’smainstream segments. Locally built products from Ford, Holden (GM’s Australian arm), Mitsubishi and Toyota have done quite well. In terms of their performance models, Toyota has had a difficult time catching up to its large sedan competitors, the Holden Commodore and the Ford Falcon, both of which are rear-wheel drive and powered by high-performance, large-displacement V8 engines. To even the playing field, Toyota’s TRD (Toyota Racing Development) division has just come out with something special for the Aurion, the Australian-market Camry.

As far as sedans go, the V6-powered Camry is a pretty mean machine. With a 3.5-liter V6 sporting 268 horsepower, it’s got the grunt to out-accelerate most of its competitors. The upgraded version, called the TRD Aurion is in a league of its own, however, thanks to a supercharger developed by Eaton. The TVS unit helps to improve the car’s output, bumping it up to 323 horsepower and 296 lb-ft of torque and much like its competitors engines its torque is spread over a wide plateau and the power is always on demand. It’sdelivered to the front wheels via the same six-speed automatic transmission that the stock Camry enjoys, which is likely to tax the traction and stability control system quite a bit. The performance gains of this vehicle are impressive - 0-62 mph in 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. The TRD Aurion doesn’t give much up when it comes to fuel economy either, consuming an average of 22 mpg when your foot’s not all the way into the pedal.

In addition to going faster, these upgraded Aurions offer improved braking and handling thanks to special TRD-developed components, plus an exhaust system that not only sounds great, but looks great too. Also included in the package are unique TRD 19-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance 245/35R19 Dunlop tires. Visually, the Aurion also gets TRD-specific front and rear bumpers plus side skirts. Compared to our Camry - even the sporty SE model - the TRD Aurion looks meaner, quicker and slicker.

The interior of the car has also been upgraded. The seats are brand new, and offer more support than the standard versions. There are also other little trinkets added, such as scuff plates for the doors and a TRD-developed steering wheel.

What’s neat about the TRD Aurion is that it’s actually being sold as a TRD product, and not just as a TRD upgrade or a TRD limited edition. Nevertheless, there’s no way to disguise that it’s a Toyota, considering it still wears the Toyota crest on its nose and tail. The TRD Aurion is available in two forms, the performance “3500S” and the more luxury oriented “3500SL”, the latter of which can be had with features such as keyless ignition, navigation, parking sensors and a slightly toned down interior color scheme.

Pricing for the TRD Aurion 3500S starts at $56,990 Australian dollars ($45,699), while the 3500SL starts at $61,500 AUD ($49,316).