Toyota wants to add TRD and AWD models to its lineup »AutoGuide.com News



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Many felt that Toyota's decision to add sports TRDs to the Camry and Avalon lineup was odd, but the Japanese manufacturer is considering adding a performance-oriented model to the whole family.

It would not be crazy to see a Prius, a C-HR, a Corolla, a RAV4 or even a very attentive Highlander wearing TRD badges. And if that happened, it would go beyond just slapping a body kit and calling it a day – until now, TRD models have gotten tangible updates that actually improve performance .

"I love the TRD brand, I love what Toyota Racing Development does and I like to learn from our engine manufacturer teams and include it in our cars," said Jack Hollis, vice Group President and General Manager, Toyota Motor North America Toyota Division. AutoGuide.com in an interview at the 2018 LA Auto Show. "And if we can bring it to every car, every SUV and every truck, I think we should do it."

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Hollis hinted that a Corolla TRD is already on the table, which is quite logical since the popular sedan and sedan have recently acquired a new aggressive appearance and a much more powerful chassis. Could Toyota predict a competitor for the Civic Si?

Hollis said that a Corolla TRD (which was a concept of SEMA and which had elicited some pretty positive feedback not so long ago) is more than envisioned – it's "not yet in the plans ", but" there is an intention and a development ".

Similar to its TRD strategy, Toyota is also considering adding an all-wheel drive to its lineup. Hollis said the C-HR would not have an AWD system in the near future,we are looking at the application of all wheel drive for all our products. Not necessarily on C-HR today, but you must stay tuned as new things are coming. "

The Camry seems to be a powerful all-wheel drive candidate, since the Nissan Altima is now available with all-wheel drive, and traction at the four corners would help give it a head start on the Honda Accord, which only makes drive the front wheels. Similarly, Avalon and Corolla are also good candidates. In this direction, the Prius has recently acquired an all-wheel drive system that uses an electric motor to propel the rear axle when launching at a top speed of 43 mph.

"We are taking every model and giving consumers more choice, "Hollis said, adding that the TRD and AWD models were a smart way to do that.

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