Notices
Car Chat General discussion about Lexus, other auto manufacturers and automotive news.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Innova

Toyota Camry TRD and Avalon TRD

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 16, 2018 | 10:21 AM
  #1  
Hoovey689's Avatar
Hoovey689
Thread Starter
2UR-GSE Owner
15 Year Member
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 42,476
Likes: 321
From: California
Default Toyota Camry TRD and Avalon TRD

Both sedans get "track-tuned" suspension and brakes











Toyota just released an enthusiast-focused "track-tuned" Camry TRD with a freaking wing on it. Yeah, we can't believe we just typed those words either. The Camry isn't the only humble Toyota to get the full-on TRD treatment today. There's an Avalon TRD, too, with the same suite of track upgrades as the Camry.

To begin, Toyota took the Camry XSE (the most engaging of current Camrys) and went nuts from there. Much thicker underbody bracing increases the Camry's torsional rigidity. TRD specific shock absorbers are stiffer and paired with unique coil springs, the latter lowering both vehicles 0.6 inch. All this contributes to increased roll stiffness of 44 percent in front and 67 percent in the rear. Larger front brake rotors (up 0.9 inch) and dual-piston calipers (compared to the single-piston clampers on the XSE) are fitted to provide more direct feedback on the road and track. Bridgestone Potenza summer tires size 235/40/19 wrap matte black 19-inch wheels — the wheels are three pounds lighter at each corner compared to the XSE wheels.

The cars are loud, too. Both the Camry and Avalon have TRD catback exhaust systems, so you can hear the 3.5-liter V6 growl. Speaking of the powertrain, it's carryover from the XSE trim levels of both cars. This means the 301 horsepower V6 and eight-speed auto will be working to turn the front wheels. It's not slow, but we wouldn't call the Camry fast either.

Just look at the two. Toyota went all in on TRD. The two-tone paint scheme, black and red body kit, rear diffuser, large red calipers, a weird two-tiered wing on the Camry ... who took the keys to boring, old Toyota? Interior choices were a bit more subdued compared to the raucous looking exterior, but we still wouldn't call it subtle. Black seats are accented by red lines and shapes everywhere like TRD emblazoned headrests and a TRD embossed gear shift. The leather wrapped steering wheel has red stitching, along with the dash and TRD floor mats. And for the pièce de résistance, bright red seat belts let you know you aren't in your grandmother's Toyota. The automaker says the Avalon uses the same interior design scheme as its slightly smaller sibling.

No pricing is out for these new Toyotas, but both will be sold as 2020 model year vehicles and go on sale in fall 2019. We're totally in favor of more performance-oriented cars, and the new Camry actually drives like a worthwhile vehicle to modify like this. There would be no opposition to Toyota doing the same thing with the smaller and lighter Corolla too.
Source
Old Nov 16, 2018 | 10:26 AM
  #2  
bitkahuna's Avatar
bitkahuna
CL Community Team
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 80,794
Likes: 3,988
Default

calling all maxima owners...
Old Nov 16, 2018 | 10:37 AM
  #3  
Stroock639's Avatar
Stroock639
Lexus Test Driver
10 Year Member
Community Builder
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 6,246
Likes: 472
From: Long Island
Default

a TRD avalon is a bigger disgrace than an XSE avalon
Old Nov 16, 2018 | 10:46 AM
  #4  
Toys4RJill's Avatar
Toys4RJill
Lexus Fanatic
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,436
Likes: 372
From: ON/NY
Default

My guess is the same hardware will be found on the ES Lexus. I wonder how well the new Avalon will handle? Current the new XSE handles pretty damn well.
Old Nov 16, 2018 | 10:53 AM
  #5  
jrmckinley's Avatar
jrmckinley
Pole Position
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,354
Likes: 555
From: fl
Default

Please tell me the spoiler on the Camry is not stock...
Old Nov 16, 2018 | 11:15 AM
  #6  
ST430's Avatar
ST430
Pole Position
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,376
Likes: 219
From: Silicon Valley
Default

those wheel gaps.......wtf is toyco thinking? Just leave the sport to Lexus, please!
Old Nov 16, 2018 | 11:31 AM
  #7  
Stroock639's Avatar
Stroock639
Lexus Test Driver
10 Year Member
Community Builder
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 6,246
Likes: 472
From: Long Island
Default

Originally Posted by ST430
those wheel gaps.......wtf is toyco thinking? Just leave the sport to Lexus, please!
there's nothing wrong with the wheel gaps...

but anyway the luxury should be left to lexus, "regular" toyota has had no issue giving us great sports cars in the past
Old Nov 16, 2018 | 11:54 AM
  #8  
geko29's Avatar
geko29
CL Community Team
15 Year Member
Shutterbug
Community Influencer
Liked
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 9,354
Likes: 605
From: IL
Default

Originally Posted by Stroock639
but anyway the luxury should be left to lexus, "regular" toyota has had no issue giving us great sports cars in the past
True but irrelevant.

The MR2 was a great sports car
The Supra was a great sports car

Now say this out loud with a straight face:

The Avalon is a great sports car
Old Nov 16, 2018 | 12:09 PM
  #9  
Stroock639's Avatar
Stroock639
Lexus Test Driver
10 Year Member
Community Builder
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 6,246
Likes: 472
From: Long Island
Default

Originally Posted by geko29
Now say this out loud with a straight face:

The Avalon is a great sports car
well allow me to direct you to my previous post


Old Nov 16, 2018 | 12:13 PM
  #10  
Toys4RJill's Avatar
Toys4RJill
Lexus Fanatic
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,436
Likes: 372
From: ON/NY
Default

Originally Posted by geko29
True but irrelevant.

The MR2 was a great sports car
The Supra was a great sports car

Now say this out loud with a straight face:

The Avalon is a great sports car
Who cares. It is what it is. Everyone complains that the Avalon is a grandpa car, so here they are trying to make things sporty. The whole idea of a car being fun is so over played. So is tossable blah blah. Glad to see Toyota doing something as other manufacturers just think of canceling these large cars.
Old Nov 16, 2018 | 12:50 PM
  #11  
Kense's Avatar
Kense
Instructor
 
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 794
Likes: 3
From: CA
Default

Why do all this and not make an IS-F???? That Avalon Grille is laughable. Jesus it's huge.
Old Nov 16, 2018 | 12:54 PM
  #12  
theory816's Avatar
theory816
Lead Lap
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 441
Likes: 2
From: mo
Default

dayum those are some nice cars!
Old Nov 16, 2018 | 01:12 PM
  #13  
Stroock639's Avatar
Stroock639
Lexus Test Driver
10 Year Member
Community Builder
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 6,246
Likes: 472
From: Long Island
Default

Originally Posted by LexsCTJill
Who cares. It is what it is. Everyone complains that the Avalon is a grandpa car, so here they are trying to make things sporty. The whole idea of a car being fun is so over played. So is tossable blah blah. Glad to see Toyota doing something as other manufacturers just think of canceling these large cars.
well if someone's "fun" car is a matrix then i can see where that viewpoint comes from
Old Nov 16, 2018 | 02:24 PM
  #14  
Kira X's Avatar
Kira X
桜犯罪シンジケート
CL Folding 10,000
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (24)
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 11,696
Likes: 668
From: 東京都
Default

Those are interesting.
Old Nov 16, 2018 | 03:09 PM
  #15  
Toys4RJill's Avatar
Toys4RJill
Lexus Fanatic
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,436
Likes: 372
From: ON/NY
Default

Originally Posted by Stroock639
well if someone's "fun" car is a matrix then i can see where that viewpoint comes from
Don't see the point of getting personal if that is what you are trying to do. The Matrix is the upgraded 2.4 with 5 speed by the way, so get it right. Anyways, here is Toyota trying to make something more interesting and so called "fun" as everyone so calls it..And now they get the heat for it.



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 07:47 PM.