Customers who feel as though the Toyota Camry and
Avalon are the type of cars that simply “blend in” will be interested to know
that Toyota Racing Development (TRD) has made them a bit more special. The two models are based on the
Camry SE and Avalon XSE, respectively, and feature a bunch of track-inspired
upgrades along with new sets of wheels and sporty interior trim.
Both sedans are powered by the same 3.5-liter DOHC
V6 that puts out 301 HP and is coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission
with a Sport Mode and paddle shifters and has been fitted with a TRD-tuned
cat-back dual exhaust system, resulting in a throatier idle and acceleration
sound.
The Camry TRD comes with matte black 19-inch alloy
wheels that are a half-inch wider yet 1.4 kg lighter than the ones on
the XSE. TRD also added stiffer coil springs and front/rear sway bars for
increased roll stiffness, as well as a new set of shock absorbers.
The exterior sports a gloss black front grille with
sport mesh insert and black exterior badging. Customers can choose between
three two-tone colors, named Supersonic Red, Windchill Pearl and Celestial
Silver Metallic, and Midnight Black Metallic.
Inside there are a lot of red accents to go with the
Black Sport SofTex-trimmed front seats, red-stitched TRD embroidered headrests,
leather-wrapped steering wheel and red seatbelts. Completing the visual
makeover is the custom shift knob with an embossed TRD logo, the TRD floor and
trunk mats and a TRD MID visual start-up. The Camry TRD goes on sale this
month with an MSRP of US$ 31,040.
The TRD version of the Avalon is already on sale and
can be purchased in either Supersonic Red, Windchill Pearl, Celestial Silver
Metallic, or Midnight Black Metallic. It costs US$ 42,300 and also features Black
Sport SofTex-trimmed heated front seats with Ultra-suede inserts and red
accents, TRD-embroidered headrests, red stitching on the steering wheel, red
seatbelts, custom shift knob and floor/trunk mats.
Its exterior is distinguished by matte black 19-inch
wheels, a stainless steel TRD exhaust tips and red pinstriping on the aero body
elements.
