Nother CarGuy

Following a preview earlier this week, 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 T...

Toyota surprised everyone when it announced plans to introduce the Avalon and Camry TRD at the Los Angeles Auto Show. While many have questioned the need for these models, that hasn’t stopped the automaker from releasing three promotional videos on Facebook. Putting that aside for a minute, the clips show the Avalon TRD will have an aggressive exterior with gloss black accents, sportier side skirts and unique alloy wheels. The sporty styling continues in the cabin as the sedan has been equipped with black leather and suede seats featuring red contrast stitching. We can also see embroidered headrests, red seat belts and special floor mats. The Camry TRD is largely identical, but is has a contrasting black roof and a more aggressive rear end. Speaking of the latter, the model has a gloss black diffuser, a rear wing and a TRD exhaust system. Inside, there’s red and black leather as well as TRD branded floor mats. Toyota is staying coy on technical specifications, but th...

Following a report earlier this month, Toyota has officially unveiled the 2019 86 TRD Special Edition. Billed as an “ultimate performance” model, the car has been equipped with a number of new components including Brembo brakes and SACHS dampers which promise to “further sharpen” the 86’s steering and stability. The car also has exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels that are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires. Besides the performance changes, the car has been outfitted with a TRD body kit which includes new bumpers, revised side skirts, a rear diffuser and a larger spoiler. The model will be available exclusively in Raven black and each will come with tri-color body stripes and a TRD exhaust system featuring brushed stainless steel tips. The styling changes continue in the cabin as designers installed a two-tone steering wheel and matching sport seats with red and black upholstery. Other highlights include red contrast stitching, red seatbelts and suede-like accents. L...

Following a report earlier this year, Toyota has announced plans to compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with a new Supra-inspired race car. Set to enter competition on February 16th, the model was jointly developed by Toyota Racing Development (TRD) USA and Calty Design Research. The race car has little in common with the upcoming production model and Toyota noted “TRD and Calty scaled [the] Supra to fit within NASCAR’s specifications for race vehicle entries in the NXS.” While the two models will be quite different, a number of Supra styling cues carryover to the race car thanks to an extensive wrap. It features three large air intakes which reside below slender LED headlights and a protruding nose. The production-inspired styling continues out back as the car has been equipped with slender taillights and a rear bumper that mimics the road-going model. The latter features a center-mounted third brake light which is flanked by a dual exhaust system. The Supra will replac...

An intriguing prototype of the  next-generation  Toyota Camry has been snapped while testing and could be the makings of a TRD performance version. Although the design of the new Camry was  first previewed  by a NASCAR a couple of months ago, this tester differs  from others  thanks to a selection of distinctive styling elements in what could prove to be Japan's answer to the 325hp Ford Fusion Sport. Most significantly, this 2018 Camry prototype has been outfitted with a heavily revised rear fascia which has all the hallmarks of a performance-focused model. For starters, there's a small bootlid lip spoiler and a distinctive bumper incorporating quad tailpipes. These elements are then joined with sporty black wheels and low-profile tires. As the front end of the standard Camry has yet to be revealed, it's difficult to say what changes may be found on a TRD model. Compared to the outgoing Camry however, these spy shots show a much more angular and muscular...