Toyota TRD Aurion Finally Here

It was only yesterday we reported on glimpses of a second more luxurious TRD Aurion, and now only a day later Toyota have officially unveiled their TRD Aurion line up.

The TRD Aurion range comprises of two model grades - the 3500S (Sports) and 3500SL (Sports Luxury). Both come with a venomous supercharged 3.5L V6 engine producing 241kW and 400Nm at 4000rpm mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift

Power is controversially sent to the front wheels, although surprisingly it is only 0.3 seconds off the XR6T with the sprint from 0-100km/h taking just 6.1 seconds.
The 3500S is strategically priced just below the luxury-car tax threshold with a price tag of $56,990, whilst the higher spec 3500SL will set you back $61,500 placing it above the threshold
Apart from the engine, both models have TRD unique sports suspension, TRD performance brakes, TRD unique 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/35ZR19 Dunlop Sport Maxx performance tyres, TRD unique engine cover and TRD sports exhaust system with integrated exhaust outlets.
TRD Aurion 3500SL has higher specifications, including dual-zone air conditioning with push-button heater and ventilation controls, six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, Smart Entry and Push Start, and clearance and reversing sonar. Additional features over 3500S also include plum-coloured full leather seat trim, and colour-keyed (dark grey/plum) TRD leather-bound steering wheel and gearshift knob.
“We are targeting a sophisticated market with a high-quality product that balances performance, handling and technology,” David Buttner, senior executive director sales and marketing.
Later this year Toyota will introduce their second vehicle to their new performance range with the TRD HiLux. Based on a 4WD Double Cab, it will feature a supercharged 4.0-litre V6 engine that will lift power substantially over the standard engine’s 175kW.Fans will also be pleased to hear a feasibility study is underway on a third model - no prizes if you can guess what it might be.
Expect a full review and road test of the TRD Aurion soon, but for now, check out the cars specifications

New HSV Maloo & Commodore Wagon

Our friends over at LS1 for have posted images of the E-series HSV Maloo and the upcoming VE Commodore Wagon. From what we can gather, the pictures were taken at a Holden presentation for dealers, but have found their way online (as things do).

The new HSV Maloo definitely looks the goods, currently rated as the fastest ute/pickup in the world, HSV is determined to maintain the Maloo’s cult status. Powered by a 307kW 6.0-litre V8, the new Maloo should be able to achieve 0-100 times of around 5 seconds (or less) with the HSV R8 rated at 4.9 seconds.

As for the new VE Commodore wagon, whilst the image’s authenticity is not confirmed, there is no denying the massive improvement over the previous model. With wrapping clear tail lights, and an overall design improvement, the new wagon should help increase sales of the VE range.
The new HSV Maloo will be at this year’s Sydney motorshow.
Big thanks to Marty from LS1 forums.

2007 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe Road Test

“It’s 2007 and Aston Martin is still building the most beautiful cars in the world – by hand. The DB9 Coupe represents the sum total of 93 years of pure automotive passion, and we feel privileged to have driven it.”

Options Fitted:
Sports Pack - $6,950 (please trust us and tick this box, as the lightweight forged aluminium alloys with titanium wheel nuts are worth more than this alone. You also get; a new anti-roll bar, uprated springs and recalibrated dampers) Option of the year!
‘Grey’ brake calipers - $825 (an unusual option – I would have thought the standard finish should look the goods anyway)
Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror - $265 (should be standard on a flagship model)
Bluetooth System - $1,380 (we tested this – and it works well)
Recommended Retail Price: $345,500 (excluding options) Probably the least expensive of the Super GT/sports cars on offer.
The DB9 Coupe with 6 speed manual transmission is $337,250
Where it sits: The DB9 currently parks in the boss’s space in the Aston Martin garage after production of the super Aston, the Vanquish and Vanquish S, ceased this year. The soon to be released DBS, as seen in the latest Bond movie, Casino Royale, will temporarily fill the top spot in the fleet, until the rumoured return of the Vanquish in 2010.
The DB9 Volante (Roadster) is available at $365,250 with a 6-speed manual and the touchtronic auto for $373,500.
Entry price into the bespoke Aston Martin club is $245,000 for the V8 Vantage Coupe.
A bit of History:
Aston Martin is one tough British car company which has ‘stayed the course’ despite many hard fought battles to keep business alive.
The name Aston-Martin comes from one of the two founders, Lionel Martin, who raced hill climbs at “Aston Hill” in Buckinghamshire, which sadly, is today a Mountain bike venue.

Singer (not bad actually)
Martin partnered up with Robert Bamford in 1913 to sell “Singer” brand cars as well as servicing other makes before producing the first Aston-Martin badged car in 1915.


Aston Martin side valve
It was all about racing and racing cars alone, for Lionel Martin. That passion for the sport, and the desire to build successful cars is what shaped the world’s most alluring car company.
Martin’s original specification for the cars was “a quality car of good performance and appearance: a car for the discerning owner-driver with fast touring in mind.” Remember, he wrote that in 1913, but it pretty well sums up what Aston Martin is about today!
But that passion was also the very thing that sent the company bankrupt in 1924 and so began a roller coaster ride of owner after owner after owner, which continues to this day.
By far the most influential owner of Aston Martin was David Brown who bought the company in 1947 after two world wars had once again sent Aston to the wall.
There’s no question that Brown had an ego and a big one. But who’s complaining, he kicked in his initials and the DB legend began.The DB2 was a superb looking car, still is. The DB Mark III and DB4 followed, which led to the most famous of all Astons, the DB5. Sean Connery as James Bond drove this car in the 1964 Bond movie, Goldfinger.

Aston Martin has been the chosen company car for the British Secret Service agent for most of his missions over the last 44 years, except for a brief but dark period, when the money hungry producers switched sides and ran with BMW. Shame on them choosing the ugly duckling over an automotive supermodel.
The company struggled throughout the 70’s and most of the 80’s until Ford bought a controlling stake in 1987. They picked up the rest in 1994 and planned a road to profit.
Without Ford, Aston Martin may not have survived, so we thank them for Aston Martin’s current success and financial stability over the last few years.
But Aston Martin has always been about the right people and again, it’s Ford who installed Dr Ulrich Bez as the Chief Executive. Bez was a former engineering chief at Porsche and BMW who has well and truly sorted things out and intends taking the company to far greater heights.
Let me explain. In 2000, a total of 1029 cars were made. In 2006, over 7000 Aston Martin’s were shipped and the company is on target to move 10,000 cars a year, by 2010.
And here’s the punchline, Ford sold Aston Martin back in March this year. You would too, if it were bleeding cash at the rate of USD$12 billion a year. There was a queue of highly successful business groups (including our own James Packer) ready and willing to fork out just on US$1billion for the company.The successful consortium paid USD$848million and is headed up by Dave Richards (chairman of successful UK motor sport engineering firm Prodrive) with backing from two Kuwaiti investment companies and a US based Aston Martin collector/banker.
The good news is, Ford have maintained an 8.32% stake in Aston Martin and Ulrich Bez has signed a five year contract to continue running the company.
Prior to Ford’s sell off of the company, some Ford suits were believed to have rated Bez not so highly, the reason – he was too focussed on Aston Martin. Sounds like the prefect man for the job!

Wintersun 2007 - Hot Rods, Custom and Classic Cars

We don’t often talk about classic and muscle cars on CarAdvice, but sometimes we make an exception. Recently we were informed of the 2007 Wintersun event, (an event which we will be attending) and we thought we’d share!

Featuring over 1000 Hot Rods, Custom and Classic Cars, more than 100 bands and performers, dancing, movies, and competitions, Wintersun starts on Friday 1st June and ends with the huge Best of Wintersun Concert on Monday 11th June.
The festival is held in the border coastal towns of Coolangatta and Tweed Heads on the New South Wales & Queensland border.