Toyota Camry TRD in the sights of Toyota Australia

Toyota Australia won’t be investigating potential for the new American-specification TRD Camry to make a splash Down Under, officials have confirmed.

But that doesn't mean a Gazoo Racing version of the car-maker's venerable sedan has been scrubbed out.

Shown in the US this week, the TRD (Toyota Racing Development) Camry boasts “track tuning” for enthusiasts, in the form of styling embellishments and aero tweaks, a distinct exhaust note and chassis improvements.

There are also improvements to the car’s exhaust system. However, as it stands, the upgrades don’t warrant an Australian-specific variant.

Speaking with carsales.com.au, a Toyota Australia spokesman confirmed there was no prospect of the TRD Camry making it to Australia because it doesn’t align with the car-maker’s Gazoo Racing strategy.

“Toyota Australia is focused on introducing any future performance variants into Australia under the Gazoo Racing sub brand,” the spokesman said.

“As such, this vehicle is currently not under study for introduction to Australia as a TRD Camry."

With that said, the spokesman did not shut the door on a potential Gazoo Racing version of the Camry coming to fruition. But it would need to meet strict criteria.

"Our primary focus for the introduction of any GR branded model upgrade, so not a standalone GR product like a Supra, is for it to have a substantial performance improvement over the base vehicle," the spokesman said.

“At this stage we would require further study to evaluate the performance upgrades on this vehicle before we make any decisions to introduce this package to Australia.”

In the case of the TRD Camry, a 224kW 3.5-litre V6 drives the front wheels as before via an eight-speed automatic transmission. But the V6 now features a cat-back dual exhaust for a throatier idle and acceleration sound.

There’s more substance underneath.

“Thicker underbody braces increase torsional rigidity, and unique coil springs lower both vehicles for a reduced centre of gravity,” Toyota’s US arm says.

“Specially tuned shock absorbers and lighter 19 x 8.5-inch matte black alloy wheels complement the new springs and lower stance to improve body control, handling agility and steering precision. The front brakes are larger with 12.9-inch diameter rotors and dual-piston calipers compared to 12.0-inch rotors and single piston calipers found on XSE grades.

“Camry’s chassis is further enhanced with stiffer coil springs and front/rear sway bars for increased roll stiffness of 44 per cent in the front and 67 per cent in the rear. To complement spring changes, a unique set of TRD shock absorbers were developed to control vehicle vertical and roll movement during spirited driving while still maintaining a plush on-road ride.”

In addition to the TRD aero body features, Camry TRD wears a gloss black front grille with sport mesh insert and black exterior badging. Polished stainless steel TRD exhaust tips on the catback exhaust complete the exterior makeover.

Watch this space in the coming months to see whether a Gazoo Racing equivalent bubbles to the surface.