Toyota has previewed the supercharged version of its new Aurion V6 large car that will next year tackle Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore sports models head-on.
Labelled the "Aurion Sports Concept Car", it was revealed this morning by Aussie basketball superstar Lauren Jackson and Toyota Australia designer Nick Hogios.
The standard Aurion V6 large car, which goes on sale October 30, also made its motor show debut after pricing and specification levels were announced mid-month.
The production version of the Aurion Sports Concept is due to go on-sale mid-2007. Developed locally by TRD Australia - a division of Toyota Australia - about 1500 per year will be built at a plant in Melbourne.
Pricing is expected to be positioned around the $50,000 mark, although Toyota senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner refused to be drawn on the subject.
Toyota's press information on the car also refused to be specific about whether the engine would be turbocharged or supercharged.
However, it is common knowledge that the 3.5-litre V6 is being supercharged to produce approximately 240kW (up from the standard Aurion's 200kW). The sports model will also have a six-speed automatic transmission.
It retains front-wheel drive, but sports suspension and an aggressive tyre and wheel package is being developed to cope with the additional power and torque outputs.
"The whole intent is we need to bring some excitement and inspiration to the brand," Buttner said. "This will be our first foray into this market with other models to come down the track."
Purely an exterior design exercise, the Aurion Sports Concept includes integrated front and rear air-dam diffusers, a two-tier wing, 20-inch dark charcoal alloy wheels glass-infused mica metallic red paint, metallic grey body cues and blacked out glass.
Other special features include a floating grille frame with embossed mesh insert and twin exhaust pipes integrated into the rear bumper.
Toyota's only other new product reveal this morning was an update of the top-selling Prado heavy-duty SUV, which now employs a new-generation common-rail direct-injection turbo-diesel engine.
It goes on-sale in November. Toyota refused to discuss pricing or specifications.