The Toyota Avalon TRD is more than ever trying to get rid of its elderly image

From car and driver

Toyota has been trying for years to ban the milquetoast reputation of the Avalon sedan – and this new high-performance TRD version could actually do the trick. The racing division of the company has permeated this luxobarge with numerous chassis and aggressive visual enhancements, all elements that seem to at least change the attitude of the Avalon, even though the treatment is a little overloaded.

Although neither the Avalon TRD nor his brother Camry TRD gets any more power with their 3.5-liter V6 engine developing 301 horsepower, several mechanical improvements are made below. Front brakes have 12.9-inch larger discs and double piston calipers, while new springs lower the saloon by 0.6 inches and reinforcements under the chassis increase torsional rigidity. More rigorous shock control is involved, as is a cat-back type exhaust designed to produce more auditory drama from the V-6. An eight-speed automatic transmission remains the only choice of transmission.

Bridgestone Potenza summer tires wrap black wheels 19 inches lighter than the wheels of the Avalon XSE model. The visuals pick up where this XSE sports model takes place, with additions such as a body kit with front splitter and rear diffuser, brake calipers and red badges. The Avalon seems to want a slightly more mature look than the TRD Camry, given that the small boot flap of the large saloon has much more taste than the Camry's wild rear spoiler. The red trim is the name of the game inside, with faux suede inserts and red accents for the seats as well as red stitching throughout the cabin. Seat belts are also red.

Available in red, white, silver and black, the Avalon TRD will go on sale soon at a selling price likely to exceed a few thousand dollars that of the Avalon V-6 XSE at $ 38,000. We do not know if that will be enough for this more spicy Avalon, but we are looking forward to driving one to find out.

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