TRD hotties for Melbourne show

Toyota will reveal TRD-tuned versions of the Aurion and HiLux models at the Melbourne motor show this month.

The Toyota Racing Development (TRD) outfit has made "extensive" performance improvements in engine, brakes and suspension for both the TRD HiLux (shown as a concept in Melbourne) and TRD Aurion, while the company's recently formed 'Toyota Style Australia' division designed the models' exterior and interior changes.

The near-to-production TRD Aurion uses a supercharged 3.5-litre V6 "with a development target of at least 235kW". It will come with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual override.

The HiLux Concept is based on the double cab model and equipped with a supercharged 4.0-litre V6. A production model is expected to go on sale before the end of the year.

Toyota says TRD will become an "important brand in Australia" and provide additional customer engagement with its products.

"We are drawing on Toyota's 50 years of motorsport heritage to engineer and market a range of vehicles under the TRD banner," says Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner.

"They will add a new dimension to the Toyota brand in Australia."

The TRD Aurion is scheduled for sale during the third quarter of this year.

Toyota will also display the new Corolla hatch and sedan, and the next-generation Kluger (more here).

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