Toyota TRD aurion? Much to gloat about?

[RG]

Originally Posted by geckoGT

Have you driven a TRD or are you just guessing?

Judging by some of his other posts relating to non Ford vehicles in past threads, it's just a guess...

Sent from my GT-I9305T using Tapatalk

[nstg8a]

Originally Posted by geckoGT

I really am quite impressed by ours, the build quality is impressive. Ours now has 95,000km's on it and I am sorry but it is ageing better than any of my BAI, BAII and BF vehicles. It has no rattles or sagging panels. The seats seem to wear a lot better as well.

The engine is a gem, pulls well from idle and if it was RWD many would be singing its praises. Let's face it, the real reason it did not take off in sales is because the Australian large performance market does not like FWD, no other reason.

Yours doesn't have 08 TRD or similar on the plates does it?

[zilo]

Saw another black one in perth yesterday,

stylish executive car without the looka- me, looka- me gawdy look.

It got up and boogied at the lights, easily flogged the kia rental i was in...

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by nstg8a

Yours doesn't have 08 TRD or similar on the plates does it?

No that is not us.

[Nikked]

A bit Euro, yeah?

[nstg8a]

I like that. That's the same as the one I followed through the car wash.

[FG50T]

Why do people say torque steer like it's a negative thing? It's a front wheel drive with no lsd and a lot of power? It's as normal as wheelspin on a xr6t.

[UberKnee]

They're really not a bad car. Just FWD is the devil to most Aussie car enthusiasts.

[wrongwaynorris]

Originally Posted by FG50T

Why do people say torque steer like it's a negative thing? It's a front wheel drive with no lsd and a lot of power? It's as normal as wheelspin on a xr6t.

Because oversteer is easier to induce , infinitely more controlable with throttle modulation , safer and a LOT more fun than understeering off into the boondocks with zero control over it . Just how many frontwheel drive dedicated racing cars are there ?

[wrongwaynorris]

Originally Posted by UberKnee

They're really not a bad car. Just FWD is the devil to most Aussie car enthusiasts.

Remove the words most and Aussies and this will be an accurate statement .

[Bossxr8]

They were actually quite good looking really.

Compare one of these to one of the current Aurion abortions.

[onemanempire]

Just been trawling through an old thread... on the TRD Aurion.

The below (by DFB FGXR6 at the end of this post) is the MOST accurate thing I have read so far, after 46 posts.

After owning one for a few weeks now I can advise on a number of things (positive) about my TRD that's a 2007 model with 120 kays on the clock.
The list is long...

The power delivery is very linear.
Torque steer demands your attention.. I can guarantee you won't be sending a text message to you other half while having your size 9 boot pinned to the firewall... and not bend it. That's a fact.

The gearbox is amazing in the respect of:
It is impossible to tell you have selected drive, from park when the engine is at operating temp. Smoothest trans engagement I have used... ALMOST. The smoothest was in a $220,000 V-10 M6 BMW. To be expected at that price point.
The downside to the trans is: it won't shift up when I command it. In "sports mode" it shifts up when it was callibrated to do so.. unlike the common dores or Falcons. My BA and FG up shifted upon command in sports mode, almost immediately.. as you guys know.

The ride is firm, not harsh. Considering the tyre size is 245/35/19 is to be expected I guess.
It does suffer from tram lining a bit.
Very comfy seats with excellent side support.
Brakes are fade free with excellent bite.
Steering is strange, heavy at lower speeds, and really light at higher speeds.. that doesn't make sense to me, but hey. It is what it is.

Did a major service last weekend which included:
oil + filter (need a special oil filter tool $24 to get the cartridge style cup off) unlike the good ol Z9 on the Falcs.
Cabin Filter
Air filter
Changed super charger oil
Fitted new plugs (rear bank was a learning curve, but do able)
Had the original Denso plugs fitted, didn't miss a beat. I changed them because the book recommends changing them @ 90,000 kms. I'm proactive, not reactive.


As DFB FGXR6 said, the engine / supercharger was developed by Prodrive.
Eaton TVS super...



Yes from memory they had a couple of units go bang early on, but never banged another after they reduced the rev limit.

It has no intercooler, as there was no room for it. Prodrive had just invented a new type of twin scroll TVS supercharger around the time the TRD was being developed that reduced the IAT's by changing the rotor angles to 120 degrees, reducing the drag, and friction, and most importantly, the inlet air temps (IAT's).

The brakes were designed by PBR Australia. The suspension was tuned at Sandown race track for a week. Has different shocks, springs, sway bars and a aluminum rear brace behind the rear bar for increased body stiffness.
I drove one when they were new, and I wanted one. I took it through the Gorge (read, big variety of high and low speed corners) and the TRD couldn't be faulted by me.
Yes, the traction control can be disabled for the current driving session via a complicated "pedal dance".



No I haven't tried it. Would be a waste of time, as the things lights up no problem until TC kicks in.


Just my two cents worth.

One Man

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

From memory, they reduced the rev limit from 6800rpm to 6200rpm after some early engine failures. I was assembled at a separate Prodrive factory in Melbourne.
The TRD Aurion got favourable reviews when new, most praise on the effortless power and capable brakes. They were an ok car, however the pricing placed them against the much more powerful, better looking and capable FPV/Ford and HSV/Holden rivals. The sort of buyer that would consider a Toyota in general wasn't likely to want a blingy supercharged, big wheeled and spoilered Aurion. The same thing happened to the 180kw Railliart Magna. For the price of one of those you could have a 220kw SS or XR8.It failed not because of its ability to handle 240kw at the front wheels, but because of its price and market conditions.

[onemanempire]

The links I posted for you tube failed...I'll try that again...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAmFQBmbErYCheers,One Man

[onemanempire]

and...how to disable the traction control One Man

[onemanempire]

And as a bonus, it's a good looking thing to. I have just finished reading about build numbers, and as far as I can ascertain, there was 603 or so of these rare things..

So that should definitely put them into a "modern collectable" class... for those in the no..





Cheers,

One Man (AKA, Nana with a blown Taxi...)

[Hulsty]

Thats a nice looking car

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by onemanempire

And as a bonus, it's a good looking thing to. I have just finished reading about build numbers, and as far as I can ascertain, there was 603 or so of these rare things..

So that should definitely put them into a "modern collectable" class... for those in the no..

image



Cheers,

One Man (AKA, Nana with a blown Taxi...)

I didn't mind the look, was quite cohesive compared to the Sportivo models with all the glued on plastic parts.

Fun Fact - The first gen Aurion was styled by Nick Hogios, the man responsible for the BA Falcon XR front end.

After graduating in Industrial Design from the University of New South Wales, he earned the “New Designer of the Year” award from Ford and the “Wheels” magazine in 1999.

He started working at Ford as a junior designer in Melbourne. Two years later, he had the position of the senior designer. He helped design Falcon BA XR6 and XR8.

Hogios then worked for Australia Toyota Motor Corp and is still in the same company as Chief Designer – Product Design.

https://www.ellines.com/en/achieveme...-in-australia/

https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/nic...022-3ilgg.html

https://neoskosmos.com/en/2011/10/10...nd-toyota-way/

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by onemanempire

and...how to disable the traction control One Man

Geez! They really didn't want anyone to turn the traction control off did they!

[Franco Cozzo]

Gotta respect the crew who decided to take a large displacement wrong wheel driver and slap a positive displacement supercharger on it,

Must have been on orthopaedic surgeon payroll over at TRD - get more customers from busted wrists when it blows the front wheels off it and decides to steer wherever the front wheel drive gods decide

One-man driving around:

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

Gotta respect the crew who decided to take a large displacement wrong wheel driver and slap a positive displacement supercharger on it,

Must have been on orthopaedic surgeon payroll over at TRD - get more customers from busted wrists when it blows the front wheels off it and decides to steer wherever the front wheel drive gods decide

It's interesting to see the reversal of role that happened at some point between Toyota and Holden/Ford. Toyota were desperate to be seen competing on the same level as Ford/Holden by bringing this car to market, hell even the Avalon and Aurion in general. But at some point it swapped, and Toyota no longer needed that "acceptance".

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

It's interesting to see the reversal of role that happened at some point between Toyota and Holden/Ford. Toyota were desperate to be seen competing on the same level as Ford/Holden by bringing this car to market, hell even the Avalon and Aurion in general. But at some point it swapped, and Toyota no longer needed that "acceptance".

Shame because the TRD Hilux was way ahead of its time, Ford comes out with the proper Raptor 15+ years later after TRD does a juiced up Thailand Special

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

Shame because the TRD Hilux was way ahead of its time, Ford comes out with the proper Raptor 15+ years later after TRD does a juiced up Thailand Special

Back then, no one wanted a thirsty supercharged petrol dual cab, and yet now, everyone adores the Raptor. Go figure.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Back then, no one wanted a thirsty supercharged petrol dual cab, and yet now, everyone adores the Raptor. Go figure.

Same as the Territory Turbo and the FPV F6X - What a group of beasts but the Overton window for fast behemoths hadn't shifted yet

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...SE-AD-17945693

Lame power figures but one suspects it's extremely conservatively tuned as it's 4L and 6 cylinders.

[onemanempire]

Originally Posted by uniacidz

For what it is on the road, I reckon they are decent cars.Always known Aurions and TRD Aurions as turbo killers.Their 'from standstill to initial acceleration' is really good and can certainly munch any unsuspecting or lazy XR6T or V8 driver on the real road.Basically, absolutely nothing wrong in gloating bout ya car, its when you can only wear your own goggles and blinded by other cars that should be respected is when it tough to chew

Nodding in agreement. TBH, I don't suffer, as you said, from the "own goggles" syndrome. I have total respect for anything (automotive were talking about here) that's well engineered, handles, looks and is comfy while doing so.

I am STILL really wanting a GR Yaris. I have driven one 3 times on different occasions. Let me tell you. I WAS SHOCKED. How the fusk can a little 3 potter that would fit in your sky rocket go so hard? Yeah sure, it has a snail, big deal. Thing is, it IS A BIG DEAL.

How can a car manufacturer (Toyota) offer a 5 + 2 years warranty on such a weapon? Have asked many times at Adelaides biggest Toyo dealership, and basically, every time I asked the question, the answer was always the same.

The question was: will Toyo honor the warranty if I drove it like I stole it for 7 years?
The answer was: Yes. If it breaks, we will fix it. No questions asked. Yes this covers track days also.
This is from the Toyota website:
"vehicles[T7] bought after 1 January 2019 are protected by a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty that covers any part, panel and accessory made by Toyota".

There were two main factors in me NOT buying one.

Factor 1.
It is impossible to reach the centre of the front windscreen to clean it. (inside). Would need to use a stick with a microfibre pad on it. To hard. I'm an OCD clean freak.. hate dirty glass.

Factor 2.
It's a 2 door. (I here you say, no sh it sherlock, it's a 2 door).. The thing is, I looked at 2 separate cars on 2 different occasions in a car yard type environment, and was stoked. I looked at another in a "real world" situation parked in a normal sized 2 car garage. It is IMPOSSIBLE to enter the car without a maximum amount of effort required to not touch / scuff the drivers door trim, as the speaker pod protrudes a fair bit, and the excellent raised seat bolsters make it a real chore for entry and egress.



Magic thing.. maybe I'll just bide my time like I did with the TRD. Wait till they become sub $25k things, then not have to be so mindful about marking the thing... as someone else already has.

If you haven't yet done so.. Take one for a hot lap. It will be a lasting memory, that I can assure you, you will be fond of.

[onemanempire]

Todays $20 mod:

before:



After:



Yeah yeah, I know, this is a Ford forum...

Cheers,

One Man

[Big_Daz]

Did you ever entertain the GR Corolla? Same Engine/etc but with 4 doors and more useability. More $$$ but in some ways a $69K Corolla seems better value than a $60k Yaris.

I've driven GR Yaris Rally Edition up Mt Nebo (Brisbane) and it was a bloody hoot. Wasnt that impressed in a straight line but was great on the mountain road... I Wouldnt buy one at $60k but can totally see why they get the hype.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Big_Daz

Did you ever entertain the GR Corolla? Same Engine/etc but with 4 doors and more useability. More $$$ but in some ways a $69K Corolla seems better value than a $60k Yaris.

I've driven GR Yaris Rally Edition up Mt Nebo (Brisbane) and it was a bloody hoot. Wasnt that impressed in a straight line but was great on the mountain road... I Wouldnt buy one at $60k but can totally see why they get the hype.

The GR Yaris had an introductory price at $39,990, o think the first 300 into Australia,

It was a lot of hot hatch for $39,990

At $60K though I don't see the value for money, but everyone has pulled out of the market now,

[Big_Daz]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

The GR Yaris had an introductory price at $39,990, o think the first 300 into Australia,

It was a lot of hot hatch for $39,990

At $60K though I don't see the value for money, but everyone has pulled out of the market now,

Yeah, a guy I worked with got one of the first run at $39,990. Its not the better "Rallye" version but a HEAP of car for the $$$. He still has it and loves it. At that price they where competing with Fiesta ST/I20N.. No contest. Now, its $55k for the normal one, $60k for Rallye. If you where in the market you would buy the Corolla GR for $9k more and have a larger, more useable 4 door.

But your right. At that $60k hot hatch price you really only have I30N, GTI Golf and (for a bit more) GR Corolla. No more Focus ST, RS Megane. Ironically the 2 gone where the 2 to have... I did enjoy the I30N DCT Hatch, didnt like the sedan as much though. If I where in the market, Id look for one of the last RS Focus LE's and save the $$$.

Franco, did you old man look at GR Corolla before buying the I30N? They are manual only. Or was he specifically after FWD?

[onemanempire]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

The GR Yaris had an introductory price at $39,990, o think the first 300 into Australia,It was a lot of hot hatch for $39,990At $60K though I don't see the value for money, but everyone has pulled out of the market now,

Nods in agreement with you there big guy.

I was 100% dirty on my 'mate' who is a service advisor at Adelaide's biggest Toyota dealer. He calls me out of the blue and tells me to come have a look at the new GR Yaris. I did as instructed. wanted one, then he says to me, IF... you had of bought one a few weeks ago it was $39k. But wait, it's now $69k. WTF? Dude, your on the phone all day and your only telling me this now? Grrrr.

One Man

[onemanempire]

Originally Posted by Big_Daz

Did you ever entertain the GR Corolla? Same Engine/etc but with 4 doors and more useability. More $$$ but in some ways a $69K Corolla seems better value than a $60k Yaris. I've driven GR Yaris Rally Edition up Mt Nebo (Brisbane) and it was a bloody hoot. Wasnt that impressed in a straight line but was great on the mountain road... I Wouldnt buy one at $60k but can totally see why they get the hype.

Not as yet, no. Haven't seen one or looked it up to find out more.
Probably end up being poor if I did. I like the usability aspect of the 4 scenario. Don't have kids, well, none that I know of, so that's not a consideration.

In reply to Big_Daz comments..

I 1st drove the I30n, then a Kia Stinger GT, then the GR Yaris.
The I30n was ok, but didn't turn any corners in it, so can't vouch for the handling aspect. It had mad axle tramp when launching it, as per the recommendations from Hi Un Day (hold it flat, and side step the clutch).

The Kia Stinger was a shock. The 1st mad thing was the reverse camera. It was like an overhead 360 degree view of what's around you. Amazing.
What surprised me most was how hard it went. I stopped on a 3 lane major road, nothing behind me for a kilometre (car yard guy was getting nervous as he couldn't see this). So I pin the loud pedal to the firewall. It accelerated like a Nana.. until 30 kays an hour, THEN... boost starts boosting and the thing is fighting the traction control up till 110. Sick.
But being a big car, the price point of the car, and lastly, the size of the car just made me say no.

Next was the GR. I haven't driven anything better... apart from a BMW M6 V10 animal. Now THAT"S an NICE car. $220K + onroads... hmm, I'm not a lier (Lawyer) or earn as much. So that's off the table.

As a toy, (read: weekender), the Yaris ticks all of the boxes for me. Warranty, handling, performance, seats are THE MOST comfortable seats I've ever sat in. Period. I thought the NA, NC Fairlane Ghia seats were the best up until I sat in the Yaris.

Like I said earlier, I'll just bide my time and enjoy the TRD. It's a fun thing, does what it should, every time I ask it to.


One Man