- Powerful 3.5-litre supercharged 2GR-FE V6 engine
- Refined six-speed automatic transmission
- Supportive front seats
- Impressive dynamics (provided limited throttle inputs)
- Surprisingly compliant suspension
- Torque steer under acceleration
- Tyre noise
- Rear seats don’t fold
- Pre-2009 2GR-FE V6 engine susceptible to oil leaks from a hose on the rear cylinder bank
Overview
Released in August 2007, the TRD Aurion was a large, front-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Altona, Victoria, the front-wheel drive XV40 Aurion was powered by a supercharged 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine that was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a sequential shift function. The TRD Aurion range consisted of 3500S and 3500SL variants (‘sports’ and ‘sports luxury’, respectively).
2GR-FE engine
The 3.5-litre 2GR-FE V6 engine had a die-cast aluminium block and cylinder heads, double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), four valves per cylinder, and variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust cams (‘dual VVT-i’). Unlike the Toyota XV40 Aurion , however, the TRD Aurion engine was fitted with an Eaton TVS (Twin Vortices System) four-lobe supercharger which was driven by a V-belt off the engine’s crank shaft. Furthermore, the engine had a compression ratio of 10.8:1 and required 98 RON premium unleaded petrol.
Although peak torque was 400 Nm at 4000 rpm, more than 300 Nm was available from 1250 rpm. As such, the TRD Aurion could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds.
Dimensions and body
Compared to the Toyota XV40 Aurion , the TRD XV40 Aurion was 65 mm longer (at 4890 mm) and 10 mm lower (1460 mm), though width (1820 mm) and wheelbase length (2775 mm) were unchanged. Furthermore, the TRD Aurion was fitted with sports body kit, rear underbody bracing, underbody aerodynamic enhancements and upgraded brakes, while SL variants also had a reinforced rear bumper to for greater rigidity. Visually, the TRD Aurion could be identified by its smoke headlights and rear combination lights and sports body kit.
Suspension
The TRD Aurion had coil-over suspension with MacPherson struts front and rear, with L-shaped lower arms at the front and dual transverse links at the rear. Compared to the Toyota XV40 Aurion, the unique suspension package for the TRD Aurion included:
- Increased spring rates front and rear (by 11 and 10.5 per cent, respectively);
- A 12 mm lower ride height;
- TRD-specific dampers;
- Increased negative camber, front toe-in and neutral rear toe; and,
- 25 mm front and 16 mm rear stabiliser bars (as per the Aurion Sportivo).
| Variants | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3500S, 3500SL |
3.5-litre super-charged petrol V6 (2GR-FE) | 6sp auto | 241 kW at 6400 rpm | 400 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Safety equipment
Safety equipment for the TRD Aurion included with dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts load limiters and pretensioners.
Brakes
The TRD Aurion had 325 mm by 32 mm ventilated front discs with twin-piston aluminium calipers and 310 mm by 18 mm ventilated rear discs with single-piston aluminium calipers.
ANCAP crash testing
In ANCAP crash testing , the Toyota XV40 Aurion received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 30.03 out of 37. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the driver. In the side impact test, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver. A pole test, which could provided an additional two points, was not conducted.
Features: Aurion 3500S and 3500SL
Standard features for the TRD Aurion 3500S included 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/35 ZR 19 Dunlop Sport Maxx performance tyres, a six speaker sound system with a six-disc CD player and MP3/WMA compatibility, air conditioning, combination leather/alcantara seats, a power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control with speed alert, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a height adjustable driver’s seat, 12 volt power outlet, courtesy lamps, tinted windows, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser. The 3500S was available with Ink, Wildfire, Silver Ash and Diamond White paint finishes and a Dark Red interior.
The TRD Aurion 3500SL was further equipped with dual zone climate control air conditioning, full leather seat trim, power adjustable front seats, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, proximity key with keyless starting and floor mats. Visually, the 3500SL could be identified by its bright silver metallic alloy wheels, mid-grey accented grille surround and mid-grey bumper accents. The 3500SL was available with Ink and Silver Ash paint finishes and a Plum interior.
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