Toyota has
officially unveiled the 2020 Avalon and Camry TRD. Set to debut at the Los Angeles
Auto Show, the models are billed as “track-tuned sedans that enthusiasts have
been asking for.”
While we can’t recall everyone ever asking for an
Avalon TRD, both cars have been equipped with a retuned suspension that
features new shock absorbers and lowering springs that reduce the ride height
by 0.6 inches (15 mm). The cars have also been outfitted with thicker braces
that increase torsional rigidity.
Besides the suspension changes, the Avalon and Camry
have a beefier braking system that features 12.9-inch front discs and
two-piston calipers. For comparison, the standard XSE variants have 12-inch
discs with single piston calipers.
On the styling front, both models have an
aerodynamic body kit that includes a front splitter, new side skirts and a
trunk-mounted spoiler. Designers also installed a rear diffuser, red
pinstriping and TRD badges.
From there, the changes are model specific as the
Camry TRD sports new 19-inch wheels with Bridgestone Potenza summer tires. The
wheels have a matte black finish and each one weighs 1.4 kg less than
the standard 19-inch wheels found on the Camry XSE. The Camry also has a more
aggressive suspension which features stiffer coil springs and sway bars. Toyota
says roll stiffness increases 44% in the front and 67% in the rear.
Rounding out the changes are a gloss black grille, a
catback exhaust system and three two-tone paint jobs. The car also has black
Sport SofTex front seats with red accents and embroidered headrests. Drivers
will also find red seat belts, TRD-branded floor mats and a leather-wrapped
steering wheel with red contrast stitching.
The Avalon TRD is a bit more restrained, but the
model has 19-inch matte black wheels which each weigh 2 kg less than
those found on the Avalon XSE. The sedan also has black Sport SofTex front
seats with ultra-suede inserts and red accents. Owners will also find TRD logos
on the headrests, floor mats and shifter.
Both models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine
that produces 301 hp. It is connected to an eight-speed
automatic transmission which features a sport mode and paddle shifters.
Following their debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show,
the Avalon and Camry TRD will go on sale in the fall of 2019.