2007 Toyota TRD Aurion review

Toyota TRD Aurion review:

The supercharged V6 engine in the upcoming TRD Aurion has exceeded its performance targets, according to TRD chief engineer Stephen Castles.

Mr Castles said this included the power output target of at least 235kW for the supercharged 3.5-litre dual VVT-i V6 engine.

He said final acceleration times are even better than predicted when development began two years ago.

The TRD Aurion will be the first production car in the world to use the new Eaton twin-vortices supercharger (TVS) which was packaged locally by Melbourne-based Harrop Engineering.

Mr Castles said TRD engineers continually set tougher targets during the development stage.

He said the impressive results were achieved while maintaining Toyota`s high levels of quality, durability and reliability (QDR).

"The total engine performance is definitely one of the key positives of the TRD Aurion package," Mr Castles said.

"The TVS unit has performed really well and definitely helped deliver the engine performance we need."

Mr Castles said the manufacturing of supercharger components was simplified as the Eaton-designed unit does not require an intercooler.

Eaton`s new design substantially reduces engine noise and - unlike a turbocharger - improves power and torque across the entire rev range.

Mr Castles said the quality of the standard Aurion V6 engine was vital to the success of the TRD Aurion program.

"It was a great benefit to have such a well-designed, sophisticated and well-built engine to work with from the start," he said.

The Perth-based Orbital Engine Company assisted TRD with vital testing and component development.

"Our engine calibration partner Orbital was surprised at how well the components stood up after putting it through some rigorous testing.

"We see the collaboration with key local suppliers as crucial to maintaining the Toyota DNA of QDR," said Mr Castles.