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Manufacturer | Toyota |
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Also called | Toyota Camry TRD Aurion |
Production | 2006–present |
Assembly | Australia: Altona, Victoria China: Guangzhou Indonesia: Cikarang Malaysia: Shah Alam, Selangor Philippines: Santa Rosa, Laguna Taiwan: Zhongli (Kuozui Motors) Thailand: Chachoengsao Vietnam: Phúc Yên, Vinh Phuc |
Predecessor | Toyota Avalon (MCX10) Toyota Camry (XV30) |
Class | Mid-size car |
Body style(s) | 4-door sedan |
Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive |
Engine(s) | 2.0 L 1AZ-FE I4 (petrol) 2.4 L 2AZ-FE I4 (petrol) 2.4 L 2AZ-FXE I4 (hybrid petrol) 3.5 L 2GR-FE V6 (petrol) 3.5 L 2GR-FZE V6 (s/c petrol) |
Transmission(s) | 4-speed U241E automatic 5-speed U250E automatic 6-speed U660E automatic |
Wheelbase | 2,775 mm (109.3 in) |
Length | 4,825 mm (190.0 in) |
Width | 1,820 mm (72 in) |
Height | 1,470 mm (58 in) |
Curb weight | 1,590 kg (3,500 lb)–1,630 kg (3,600 lb) |
Related | Toyota Camry (XV40) |
Designer | Nick Hogios |
The Toyota Aurion (pronounced or-ree-on) is a mid-size car produced by Toyota in Australia and parts of Asia since 2006. The Aurion, given the model designation XV40 is essentially a Toyota Camry (XV40) with revised front- and rear-end treatment, along with changes to the interior. The Camry-based Aurion is also sold in the majority of East and Southeast Asia as the Toyota Camry, with the original version of the Camry sold alongside the Aurion in Australasia and the Middle East. In the previous two markets, the car replaces the Avalon model, which can trace its roots back to the early 1990s.
In the Australasian and Middle Eastern markets, to further differentiate the Aurion from its Camry sibling, Toyota equips the Aurion exclusively with a 3.5 litre V6 engine. With the Camry, only the 2.4 litre four-cylinder model is offered.[1][2] Previously in these markets, prior to the introduction of the Camry (ACV40/GSV40), Toyota had offered both four- and a six-cylinder powerplants.[3] Along with the naturally-aspirated version, Toyota also produced an Australia-only supercharged TRD Aurion between 2007 and 2009. Tuned by Toyota Racing Development (TRD), this performance variant was at its release claimed to be the world's most powerful front-wheel drive car.[4]
The powertrains used in the Asian specification Camry vary slightly from those of the Aurion. As well as the 3.5 litre V6, two four-cylinder engines are offered in either 2.0 litre or a 2.4 litre form. These engines are mated with a six-, four- and five-speed automatic transmissions respectively.[5]
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Before commencing production of the Aurion, Toyota Australia manufactured the full-size Avalon model at its Altona plant in Melbourne until June 2005.[6] Production of the Avalon had begun in 2000, taking much of its basic design and mechanical features from the then six-year-old Avalon model sold in North America.[7] The Avalon was offered as a larger, more upmarket car than the Toyota Camry, which it was built alongside.[8] The original sales predictions were not met, with the Avalon failing to challenge rivals such as the Holden Commodore and the Ford Falcon. The reasoning behind this has been widely attributed to the Avalon's older design and styling,[9] which has been widely described as "bland",[10][11] as well as the front-wheel drive configuration and smaller engine displacement.[11] In its best year, the Avalon only managed to reach half of Toyota's projected sales target,[6] with many potential buyers opting for the slightly smaller sized V6 Camry,[10] featuring the same engine as the Avalon.[12]
Toyota, discovering that the Australian public wanted something that was modern and designed with consideration to the Australian market, began full-scale planning work on its Avalon replacement in 2002. Toyota Australia realised that no other model being developed at the time for Japan or North America was going to be suitable, and due to the size limitations of the Australian market, a completely indigenous model was unrealisable. However, at that time, Toyota Australia did not have any designers of its own. As a result, the company recruited Paul Beranger in August 2002 to setup Toyota Style Australia (TSA) in a industrial complex located in Dingley Village, Victoria. TSA first developed the X-Runner and Sportivo Coupe concepts, and in 2003, Nick Hogios, who had previously worked for Ford Australia on designing the XR performance models of the BA Falcon, was appointed chief designer.[13][14] TSA's next venture was more significant—a privately-developed model based on the Camry XV30—a car that signalled the beginning of the Aurion programme. Codenamed "380L" and developed during the course of 2003, this one-off model was forged by stripping panels and interior components from the donor Camry, and substituting these for TSA-developed versions. Total cost was approximately A$1 million. Focus groups conducted by Toyota in early 2003 had ranked the Avalon at the bottom of the list when compared to the competing Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon, and Mitsubishi Magna. Later on in the year, the same focus groups were called back and the Avalon was exchanged for the 380L. Overall, the groups ranked the Toyota as their first preference, and according to Beranger, "didn't see the car as a Camry". As such, Toyota Australia deduced that if the 380L was available for purchase there and then, they could sell it alongside the regular Camry as a six-cylinder car under a different name.[13]
During the 380L development, TSA had regular discussions with Toyota Japan on how its Avalon replacement would eventually turn out. Because TSA were an unknown quantity, having never designed a production vehicle, it took the division some time to convince Japan that they could indeed design a car themselves.[6] When the 380L was consigned to a presentation with Japanese Toyota officials, TSA's lead designer Nick Hogios was requested to tender a proposal for the next-generation "042L" Camry design competition. While his submission was not chosen, Hogios was summoned to work on what would become the Aurion, then exclusively referred to as the "Asian" or "prestige" Camry, and codenamed "043L".[13][15][16] Due to the success of TSA's earlier concepts and the 380L,[6] Toyota Australia was given the authorisation to manufacture both the regular 042L and 043L Camrys and sell them side-by-side. In Australia however, the regular Camry was to be limited to the four-cylinder engine, and the prestige Camry (later to become the Aurion) to the six. Hogios worked in Japan for nine months designing the prestige Camry, and his final design was a collaborative effort between Japanese and Taiwanese designers, but the car's front-end styling is largely Hogios's own work.[6][13] While the work in Japan was being undertaken, TSA began to make changes for the Australian Aurion variants.[13] After the design stage was completed, Toyota Australia then commenced work on the development of the car, concurrently developing both the Australian car and the version for Asia. Beranger proclaims that the entire engineering undertaking, "is probably one of the most significant jobs that any subsidiary of Toyota Japan has done anywhere in the world."[6] The Australian variant of the car was codenamed "323L". Despite both cars being essentially identical, Australia was given a different code due to the car occupying a broader range in that market—from a fleet vehicle to a sports-oriented model. In Asia, the car's role is much narrower, being a high-end luxury car.[13]
On 9 February 2006, Toyota Australia unveiled the Aurion alongside the Aurion Sportivo concept at the Melbourne International Motor Show at an official press conference.[17] Toyota dropped the Avalon tag for their new large car, as it had gained a reputation to be an uninspiring car, both in the flesh and to drive.[10][11] Toyota made use of the "Aurion" name to give the car a fresh start.[18] Aurion means "tomorrow" in Ancient Greek, and Aurora translates to "the dawn" in Latin. The name was chosen after consumer research on more than 30 potential names.[19] This gives implications of a completely new car[18] and ties in with Toyota's advertising slogan, "Can't wait for tomorrow".
Aurion takes its doors, windows, roof panels, body sides (including rear quarters) from the Camry XV40. However, the other Aurion panels are unique from the regular Camry.[20] This component sharing also means that Aurion has the same wheelbase, front and rear axle tracks, and interior dimensions as well. From the inside, the Aurion also shares a common interior design, which differs from the regular Camry with a redesigned instrument panel top half, a foot-operated parking brake, and on some models Optitron driving gauges.[21][22] The reasoning behind this strategy was to reduce costs, allow the car to be built alongside the Camry, allowing for a simplified manufacturing process.[23]
Toyota claims that the Aurion is designed to Australian tastes, although it has been designed with markets such as Asia in mind.[24] Hogios states that the Aurion follows the traits of current Australian styling, with a tendency to look towards European designs for inspiration.[24] In addition, the Aurion, like other recent Toyota vehicles, was designed with Toyota's "vibrant clarity" design language. According to chief designer Hogios, the car was designed with a "vibrant clarity" theory known as "perfect imbalance". This involves body features that act as a counter-point to other body features. Examples of this include intersecting concave and convex surfaces and vertical sculpted features on the front fascia, which are balanced by the horizontal headlamps.[24] The front-end's "double concave architecture" can also be characterised by its rich bonnet crease line and deep grille. The same architecture is applied at the rear, with a deep bumper, a clamshell-shaped boot lid that envelops over the flanks, dual exhaust pipes and jewelled taillamps.[6]
For certain markets like China, where Camry sits right below similar-sized Mercedes-Benz cars as a luxury model, it is important for the Aurion to exemplify the traits of such vehicles.[13][25] With the development of the Aurion, designers produced two separate philosophies, each pitched at a specific niche of the market. The base model AT-X, and luxury Prodigy and Presara variants employ the comfort design, with the more aggressive sports-oriented style found on the Sportivo versions.[26] To meet this requirement, the Sportivo variants feature unique 17 inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, different headlight and taillight designs, and a sports body kit. Both the Sportivo SX6 and ZR6 have identical exterior designs, differing only by their internal features and pricing. The high-performance TRD models offer a similar sports-oriented design, but are distinguishable by the use of unique body parts. These include a redesigned Formula One-inspired front bumper, with integrated foglamps, a unique rear bumper with fixed tailpipes.[19]
Toyota of Thailand unveiled a reworked version of the East and Southeast Asian-market Camry in June 2009 equipped with a hybrid drivetrain.[27] The revised Aurion-based Camry previewed the Australian Aurion's then upcoming facelift. The updated car features new headlamp and taillamp lens clusters with integrated foglamps, along with a redesigned front bumper, grille insert, and revised interior trim details.[28][29] Toyota Australia later revealed the updated car as its Aurion on 21 September. While the front-end of the original Aurion was designed with a "double-concave" architecture, the revised version abandons this for an "X-Form" design philosophy, characterised by a lower and wider trapezoidal shaped grille. The rear lamp design, according to Toyota Australia's David Buttner, has "evolved from the twin round design [...] to a parallelogram design and striking diffused LED illumination."[29]
Like the original version, the Aurion continues to offer differing frontal design treatments across the range.[29] From side, the rehashed design is identified by the deletion of bodyside moulding strips and a range of new wheels designs, including the standard fitment of alloy wheels on the base-line AT-X.[30] Interior upgrades in the form of new colour combinations are featured, along with upgraded instruments and gauges giving greater turn signal and warning-signal clarity. Revised audio systems, lighting and in-cabin storage are also featured. Prodigy and Presara versions receive a new "linear satin" wood grain finish.[29]
Safety was a key aspect in the development of the Aurion. All safety features are standard across the entire range and there are no optional safety devices. Features such as dual front, side and curtain airbags, traction control, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution and Vehicle Stability Control come standard. In tests conducted by Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), the base model scored a four-star rating, with 30.03 out of 37 points.[31] Toyota caused controversy by not providing a third test vehicle for ANCAP to use for the optional "side-pole impact test". This third test, allows tested vehicles to be eligible for a five star rating if the initial score is high enough. Toyota cited the additional expense of AU$75,000–$100,000 including the car as being unjustifiable, and that they did not agree with the nature of the pole test. The scores given without the optional test indicate that the maximum two points that could have been earned would have being slightly less than needed to give the Aurion a five star rating anyway.[32] Due to Toyota's decision to fit a driver and front passenger seat belt reminder, along with their decision to fund the optional pole test, the Aurion's safety rating was upgraded to a full five stars from August 2009 production, with a score of 33.03 out of 37.[33][34]
The Aurion employs a version of Toyota's 2GR-FE V6 engine that also powers the V6 Camry outside of Australasia. With an engine displacement of 3.5 litres, the 2GR-FE engine is capable of outputting 200 kilowatts (270 hp) and 336 newton metres (248 ft·lbf) of torque.[35] Power rises by 4 kilowatts (5.4 hp) with the use of 95 RON "premium" unleaded petrol.[36] Acceleration figures for the car have been recorded at 7.4 seconds from standstill to 100 kilometres per hour (62 mph), and Toyota claims a top speed of 228 kilometres per hour (142 mph).[35] These figures make the Aurion more powerful than the six-cylinder versions of both Ford's BF Falcon and the VE Commodore by Holden. As well as being the most powerful of the three, the Aurion also takes home the title of being the most fuel efficient, with consumption rated at 9.9 L/100 km (24 mpg-US).[37] The Euro IV compliant 2GR-FE dual VVT-i engine is coupled to Toyota's six-speed U660E automatic transmission. This same transmission is also utilised by the supercharged TRD variants. These produce 241 kilowatts (323 hp) and 400 newton metres (295 ft·lbf) of power and torque respectively, and have a combined fuel economy of 10.9 L/100 km (21.6 mpg-US).[38]
In some Asian countries where the Aurion is sold as the Toyota Camry, both 2.0 and 2.4 litre powerplants are offered.[39][40] The naturally-aspirated 3.5 litre engine is also available in some of these markets. The 2.0 litre 1AZ-FE straight-four has a maximum output of 108 kilowatts (145 hp) of power and 190 newton metres (140 lb·ft) of torque. These figures rise to 127 kilowatts (170 hp) and 224 newton metres (165 lb·ft) when the 2.4 litre 2AZ-FE unit is fitted. Of the two four-cylinder motors, the latter is united with Toyota's five-speed U250E automatic, with the U241E four-speed unit reserved for the 2.0 litre model.[5]
Chassis | Model | Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission |
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XV40 | ACV41[41] | 2.0 L 1AZ-FE inline-four (petrol) | 108 kW (145 hp) | 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) | 4-speed U241E automatic |
ACV40[42] | 2.4 L 2AZ-FE inline-four (petrol) | 127 kW (170 hp) | 224 N·m (165 lb·ft) | 5-speed U250E automatic | |
AHV40[43] | 2.4 L 2AZ-FXE inline-four (hybrid petrol) | 140 kW (190 hp) | See text | 1-speed P311 CVT | |
GSV40[44][45] | 3.5 L 2GR-FE V6 (petrol) | 200 kW (270 hp) | 336 N·m (248 lb·ft) | 6-speed U660E automatic | |
3.5 L 2GR-FZE V6 (s/c petrol) | 241 kW (323 hp) | 400 N·m (300 lb·ft) |
Year | Units sold |
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2006 (November–December) | 3,037 |
2007 | 22,036 |
2008 | 19,562 |
2009 | 13,910[47] |
Total | 58,545 |
Toyota launched the Aurion in Australasia, where it competes with the rear-wheel drive Ford Falcon, Holden Commodore, and the now discontinued front-wheel drive Mitsubishi 380. The TRD variants were pitched to compete with the Subaru Liberty GT and Mazda 6 MPS.[48] Since its introduction, the Aurion has received numerous awards and positive reviews. In particular, the car has been praised for its good performance mated with comparatively low fuel consumption, and the inclusion of safety and comfort features that are optional on competitor vehicles.[49]
Prior to its introduction, a target of 24,000 annualised sales were predicted for the Australian market, double that of the Avalon’s eventual sales rate. A further 8,000 vehicles were forecast to be sent abroad to the Middle East and New Zealand.[50] Starting from 2007, Toyota received a contract to deliver 10,000 export Aurions to the Middle East.[51]
The Aurion was also judged best large car in the Drive Car of the Year competition for both 2006, 2007 and 2009.[52][53]
Toyota unveiled the Aurion Sports Concept at the 2006 Australian International Motor Show, held in Sydney.[67] The AU$8 million concept car was a styling exercise previewing the TRD Aurion, which was subsequently released in August 2007.[68] TRD’s first experiment with supercharger technology was with the Toyota Camry-based 2005 TS-01 concept.[69]
The project's exterior design manager was Lee Moran, a former Ford Australia designer. He was chosen by Toyota Styling Australia chief Paul Berninger in 2005. One of Moran’s focuses was to reduce the size of the grille and add emphasis to the front bumper line below it. This was done so the car had more of a Formula One oriented look. In the Toyota wind tunnel in Japan, the vehicle's drag coefficient was confirmed at 0.30, meaning that the car would operate better aerodynamically than its non-TRD variants.[68] The TRD also features bold exterior additions that differentiate it with the standard Aurion range, such as exhaust pipes integrated into the bumper, tinted taillight lenses, and a unique bodykit.[70] Along with the supercharged 3.5 litre V6 engine outputting 241 kilowatts (323 hp) of power and 400 newton metres (300 ft·lbf) of torque, the TRD also incorporates an upgraded suspension system and tyres over the standard Aurion models to improve car handling.[38]
Toyota Australia planned to sell 50–70 TRD Aurion units per month with the majority of the sales coming from Australia.[68] However, the project was unsuccessful, and as of 31 March 2009, TRD Australia halted production of the Aurion TRD (and TRD Hilux), and the division was shut down.[71] When available, the range comprised two variants, the 3500S and 3500SL. The former features performance mufflers, 19 inch alloy wheels, red alcantara leather seats with black alcantara fabric bolsters and other high performance upgrades.[72] The range-topping 3500SL adds clearance and reverse parking sensors, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, a colour-coded transmission selection lever, and an eight-way adjustable driver's seat.[73] Furthermore, the SL gains an aluminium rear bumper reinforcement addition, and is the first production car in the world to use the Eaton twin-vortices supercharger. This substantially reduces engine noise while bringing gains to power and torque.[74]
Toyota also manufactures and markets the Aurion in parts of East and Southeast Asia, where it is marketed under the Toyota Camry branding. This model gets a redesigned grille and are marketed under different trim levels to their Australasian counterparts. Although these vary from country to country, the range consists of the following models in some markets: 2.0 E, 2.0 G, 2.4 E, 2.4 G, 2.4 Sportivo, 2.4 V, 3.5 V, and 3.5 Q.[75] The decimal in the nomenclature denotes the engine displacement, with the letter representing the level of luxury.[76]
In Malaysia, the 2.0 L models are available in two trim packages: the 2.0 E and 2.0 G. The 2.4 variant is also available in Malaysia, utilizing the 2AZ-FE engine model. The output of this 2.4V model is 123 kW (167 PS; 165 hp) at 6000 rpm with 224 N·m (165 lb·ft) of torque at 4000 rpm.
In Indonesia, the Camry is offered with two engines, the 4-cylinder 2.4, mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. This engine is offered in G and V trims. The other engine is the 3.5 V6 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. This engine is only offered in the top-of-the-line Q trim. The Camry has enjoyed success in Indonesia, being the best selling car in its class. The 2.4V and 3.5Q models have been used extensively by the Indonesian government, owning thousands of Camrys in their fleet.
The Camry in the Philippines offers three grades: the base G, offering a l4 2.4 2AZ-FE engine mated to a 5-speed gate-type automatic transmission, has 2 SRS airbags, has fabric seats and has a foot-type parking brake. The 2.4 V is almost the same as the G variant, however, its has a 4-spoke steering wheel with wood grain, 2 SRS airbags, and has a leather-wrapped wood grain with chrome shift lever and knob. The 3.5 Q is the top-of-the-line segment, offering a 3.5 2GR-FE V6, 24V, DOHC and dual VVT-i. It is mated to a 6-speed gate-type automatic transmission, adaptive front lighting system, automatic rain sensor, dual exhaust tail pipe, tri-color/Optitron with multi-information display, 2 SRS front airbags, side SRS airbags, and a push start system. All of the variants has an integrated type / tuner/ in-dash 6 CD changer / MP3 / WMA. All of the variants use a foot-type parking brake, welcome the driver whenever the ignition is set to "ON", displaying on the central console "Welcome to Camry". All of the variants also have 4 front and 2 rear speakers.
In Thailand, the hybrid Camry has been available since 2009. Its unique and differs it from other Camry hybrids because the petrol version of the Thai Camry is built using the Aurion fascia, the hybrid version also makes use of the same body.
In Vietnam, the Toyota Aurion was introduced in 2006 and has been available only in sedan form with two different trims: Camry 2.4G and 3.5Q. The 2.4G trim comes with the 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine rated 165 bhp and a 5-speed automatic gear box while the 3.5Q trim is equipped with a 3.5L 2GR-FE engine rated 273.5 bhp and a 6-speed automatic transmission standard. The two trims come with many safety features including brake assist system, Electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), vehicle stability control (VSC) and front and side airbags[77] The Vietnamese Camry is produced at the Toyota production plant in Phúc Yên, Vinh Phuc.[78]
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