Car Evolution: Toyota TRD Aurion In Depth (AU)

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Toyota TRD Aurion In Depth (AU)

TRD AURION MEETS TOYOTA QDR STANDARDS

TRD Aurion has been subjected to the same tough quality, durability and reliability (QDR) standards as Toyota's volume-production model. The first supercharged vehicle Toyota has offered in Australia has been subjected to testing in extreme heat and cold, as well as a 100-hour maximum power dynamometer test and 10,000km maximum speed test.

In addition, TRD conducted a 100,000km extreme reliability test, using Melbourne as a base. In November 2006 the engine was durability tested at the Orbital Engine Co in Perth. The TRD test standard is a 100-hour test at 6400rpm at full throttle and full load - a severe test of an engine. No major issues were detected and a post-test metrology inspection revealed the engine was in near-new condition.

The cold-weather testing at Toyota's Shibetsu proving ground in January 2007 included testing the vehicle's driveability and ability to start in freezing conditions. Its cold cranking time was half the maximum allowable by TMC test standards. The TRD Aurion also passed a hillclimb test - where the vehicle has to complete a standing-start hillclimb on an eight per cent incline on ice. The TMC test driver ranked TRD Aurion the best sports conversion product to date for cold-weather driveability.

Hot weather testing was conducted near Alice Springs. The test vehicle was driven from Melbourne to Alice Springs and based there for a week during March 2007. It completed a hot hillclimb/towing test at 43 degrees ambient temperature, as well as cooling performance tests and engine calibration tuning for high load/high temperature.

Final QDR testing on TRD Aurion also included a 10,000km V-max (maximum speed) test in Japan, as well as altitude and towing confirmation in the Victorian Alps. The last series of development tests included engine calibration on a dynamometer, using a production version of the new Eaton TVS supercharger and throttle-map fine tuning. After the TRD development team completed performance testing on the vehicle, it continued with a program of monitor driving.

The 100,000km extreme reliability test took a team of drivers three months to complete, with two shifts of drivers keeping the test vehicle on the road 16 hours per day. The final engine calibration for TRD Aurion was signed off in May 2007. The TRD Aurion project represents the first time in the world that TMC has allowed access to engine control coding outside of its technical centre.

TRD AURION PUTS MORE RUBBER TO THE ROAD

TRD engineers have endeavoured to put the biggest and widest possible tyres under the TRD Aurion's wheel arches. The key benefit is more rubber on the road, which helps improve cornering grip and braking performance. Wheels for the TRD Aurion are eight inches wide and 19 inches in diameter, compared with 17x7-inch wheels on Aurion Sportivo models. The design was inspired by the Formula One race car's ultra lightweight and incredibly strong magnesium alloy wheels.

For the 3500S, they are finished in a dark metallic shade that creates an aggressive appearance. For 3500SL, the lighter silver metallic colour creates a high-tech luxury image. Both TRD models are fitted with 245/35ZR19 Dunlop Sports Maxx tyres. This is Dunlop's premium no-compromise performance tyre, featuring advanced compounds and high stiffness for excellent response and control. The multi-radius tread design delivers maximum grip in wet or dry conditions.

In order to maximise boot space and retain a flat boot floor, TRD Aurion uses the 17-inch tyre from the Sportivo model as the spare tyre. To meet Australian Design Rules this wheel is painted yellow and has an 80km/h maximum speed warning. However TRD engineers have conducted handling and braking tests on this tyre well above this limit.