Toyota Australia's new flagship sedan - the Toyota Aurion V6 - delivers on the unique demands of Australian large-car buyers.
It has the most advanced and powerful engine ever offered in a Toyota vehicle in Australia - a new 3.5-litre Quad Cam V6.
The engine develops 200kW of power at 6200rpm and 336Nm of torque at 4700rpm on regular unleaded petrol.
It has ADR 81/01 fuel economy of just 9.9 litres of 95-octane unleaded fuel per 100km#.
Power output rises to 204kW with 95-octane unleaded fuel.
All grades of Toyota Aurion are fitted with a six-speed automatic sequential gearbox.
All Aurion grades are also equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).
Toyota Aurion is the only Australian-made big six to comply with Euro IV emissions.
Toyota Aurion scores four stars on the Federal Government's Green Vehicle Guide - better than any of its six-cylinder rivals in the VFACTS large passenger category.
The Aurion V6 range starts at $34,990 (RRP*) - a price that includes the 200kW V6 engine, adaptive electronic six-speed automatic transmission, six SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.
Standard features also include air conditioning, power driver's seat, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking, dual exhaust and security alarm.
Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing, David Buttner, said Aurion - built at the company's Altona manufacturing plant in Melbourne - defines Toyota's view of the future for Australian six-cylinder cars.
Toyota Aurion
"Toyota Aurion is a value-for-money Aussie car that is better priced and better equipped than its major VFACTS large passenger car class competitors," Mr Buttner said.
"It has more power than the naturally aspirated six-cylinder rivals in its class and better fuel economy than any of the large-six competitors in its class.
"Toyota Aurion has been developed for the benefit of Australian families and others who need a large six-cylinder car.
"It is styled for Australian tastes, tuned for Australian driving preferences, and has the power and comfort required for driving vast distances.
"At the same time, it is endowed with technology that ensures excellent fuel economy, with high levels of active and passive safety features as standard equipment on all models."
Aurion's V6 engine features dual VVT-i technology that varies the timing of both the inlet and exhaust valves, providing optimum power and economy.
It is mated to an electronic six-speed automatic transmission with a sequential gearshift.
The transmission uses artificial intelligence to adapt shift points to the driver's style and road conditions.
Toyota Aurion has been engineered to deliver the handling stability, steering response and ride comfort demanded by Australian large-car buyers.
Toyota achieved these requirements by producing a car with a visually low-slung, wide-wheeled and aggressive stance.
Building on the car's large footprint, Aurion features keep the car level during acceleration and braking.
Two Sportivo models in the range feature sports suspension settings and a full body kit.
Toyota Aurion takes advantage of the packaging efficiency of its front-engine/front-wheel-drive design to achieve a virtually flat rear floor, providing ample space for three adult passengers in the rear.
Noise insulation materials ensure the cabin is very quiet.
Toyota Aurion is produced on Toyota's world-leading flexible manufacturing system at Altona, alongside four-cylinder Camry models.
Both cars are built for the domestic and export markets.
TOYOTA AURION MEANS INNOVATION AND STYLE
Toyota's new flagship sedan is called Aurion - a name derived from the ancient Greek for "tomorrow" or "first light".
While the name's origins are in antiquity, its meaning makes Aurion an ideal name for an innovative vehicle arriving in the Aussie big six segment.
Toyota Aurion was chosen after extensive research involving more than 30 other possible names.
Consumers associated the name with style and innovation - a positioning that matched the car's design philosophy.
Research among Australian International Motor Show patrons showed they associated the word Aurion with qualities such as futuristic (33 per cent), technology (17 per cent), innovation (17 per cent) and sophistication (13 per cent).
TOYOTA AURION TO REINVIGORATE THE LARGE-CAR MARKET
Toyota Australia's new Aurion V6 will play a key role in reinvigorating the Australian large-car market, according to senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner.
Mr Buttner said Toyota expected the overall market to be strong in the fourth quarter of 2006 and into 2007, with the big-six segment making a significant contribution.
"The new Toyota Aurion, which goes on sale in early November, will stimulate the large-car sector because it will attract new buyers," Mr Buttner said.
"Toyota Aurion provides compelling reasons for existing large-six customers to stay in the segment and for former large-six customers to return.
"It is a serious contender - a modern alternative that will also take sales from the traditional large six-cylinder models."
Toyota Aurion is the latest entrant in a hectic few months of activity for the large-six market that will reinvigorate a segment which is important to Australia's domestic vehicle manufacturing industry.
Mr Buttner said Aurion, built at the company's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Melbourne's Altona, came at a critical time for the local industry.
The large-car segment peaked at 211,791 sales in 2003, but its share of the total market has been in long-term decline.
"In 1996, passenger cars accounted for 75.7 per cent of the total new-vehicle market and large cars made up 43.4 per cent of those sales," Mr Buttner said.
"But, by 2005, passenger cars accounted for just 61.6 per cent of the market and large cars were just 27.5 per cent of that number.
"Last year, for the first time, the large-car segment wasn't the largest sector in our market."
Mr Buttner said the new Aurion will be successful because it addresses many of the reasons that have led people to move away from the current large-six offerings.
He said Toyota's research showed the market for large six-cylinder cars is split into three distinct groups: the tribalists, the one-timers and the V6 solution seekers.
"The tribalists love tradition and grunt: they've bought the same car for generations, largely determined by what their father bought - or which car won at Bathurst.
"They are a diminishing sub-segment, accounting for about 20 per cent of the market - and they will not consider alternatives."
Mr Buttner said the "one-timers", who account for about 40 per cent of the potential market, are there to be won by Toyota.
"They are yet to be convinced that a large six is the car for them, and they're not convinced by the current offerings.
"They make decisions based on what they want right now. They're not loyal to any brand or model, so they're likely to switch the next time they buy a car."
He said a further 40 per cent segment of the potential market that is open to the Toyota Aurion V6 is what the researchers call 'six-cylinder solution seekers'.
"These are people who need to be given strong reasons to stay in or come back to the large-car market and who will logically assess alternatives to the traditional participants.
"They're open to new ideas, they're looking for something different and they're tech-savvy.
"While they see value in an Australian-made product, they're not bound by it.
"They want a car that handles well, and they're also aware of petrol prices.
"They're looking for a solution - and we've developed the Aurion to deliver to their needs."
TOYOTA AURION IS ONE OF THE SAFEST CARS ON THE ROAD
Toyota's new Aurion has an impressive package of active safety features.
Standard equipment includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC) and Active Braking with intelligence (AB-i), incorporating ABS (anti-skid brakes), Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).
In addition, Toyota Aurion has a large footprint on the road for increased stability, a new chassis, revised suspension, and larger-diameter and wider tyres.
Aurion's new brake hardware includes 296mm by 28mm ventilated front disc rotors and 286mm by 10mm rear disc rotors.
Toyota Aurion AT-X, Prodigy and Sportivo (SX6 and ZR6) have projector-type low beam headlamps.
High-grade Presara has adaptive, self-levelling high-intensity discharge protector-type low-beam headlamps.
Prodigy, Sportivo and Presara grades have front foglamps.
Toyota Brake Assist is designed to assist the driver in emergency braking, where the driver cannot apply the high pedal force required in time to minimise braking distance.
Brake Assist interprets a quick, hard push of the brake pedal as emergency braking.
It supplements the brake pressure applied if the driver has not pushed hard enough on the brake pedal.
The Toyota system measures the speed and the force with which the pedal is pushed to determine whether the driver is attempting to brake rapidly.
The system then applies additional hydraulic pressure to maximise braking performance.
The timing and degree of braking assistance are designed to ensure the driver does not discern anything unusual in the braking operation.
The system reduces the amount of assistance it provides when the driver intentionally eases the pressure on the pedal.
The Toyota Brake Assist system may help drivers avoid potential incidents.
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution is a sophisticated electronic system designed to minimise stopping distances by maximising braking power to the wheels with the most grip.
It replaces the conventional load-sensing and proportioning valve.
The system functions electronically rather than mechanically, via an algorithm in the brake system's Electronic Control Unit (ECU).
The EBD system in Toyota Aurion can adjust the fore/aft brake balance according to vehicle loading conditions and the right/left brake balance if the brakes are applied during cornering.
TOYOTA AURION HAS SPORTY, SPACIOUS INTERIOR
Interiors for Toyota's new Aurion V6 have been created to appeal directly to Australian demands for a cockpit-feel separation of front seat passengers.
Toyota Style Australia design manager Nick Hogios said the design architecture creates maximum visual width and the feeling of even more space.
"The exterior of the vehicle gets people into the showroom. The interior gets people to sign the cheque," Mr Hogios said.
"Our research showed Australian large-car buyers love a design where the integrated centre console flows up into the instrument panel.
"This was a must-have feature for our car.
"The design envelops the driver and front-seat passenger in a cockpit environment.
"At the same time, the dash flows away from the driver, creating a feeling of openness."
Mr Hogios said Aurion's interior surfaces are dynamic and crisp with flowing lines harmoniously integrating door trims with the instrument panel.
He said colour and trim are used to enhance the sporting character of each model grade.
"Textures and finishes are vitally important and received great attention to detail.
"Metallic and wood-grain finishes have been applied to enhance the visual appeal of each model grade and integrate functional areas."
High-quality European-style flat woven fabrics are used with embossed leather on Prodigy, Sportivo ZR6 and Presara models.
A premium, European-style dark grey environment is available on all models along with grey for AT-X and a warmer, upmarket "Grege" (a blend of ivory with a hint of grey) for Prodigy and Presara.
The seats are designed with generous surfaces that comfortably wrap around each occupant's body.
Sportivo models provide a genuine sports sedan feeling with a dark grey interior and alloy-look highlights for the instrument panel and pedals.
Unique sports seats for the Sportivo models get more pronounced side bolsters for the seat cushions and higher side bolsters for the backrests.
Ergonomics are also vital with controls placed logically on all models. The use of all knobs and switches is confident and precise.
On the luxury models, modern four-spoke steering wheels with black or silver accents ensure the "touch and feel" aspects of the interior are at the highest level.
Sportivo models have sporty leather-wrapped, three-spoke designs with alloy highlights.
Large-diameter Optitron instruments and meters on all models increase the visual contrast for different readings, making them easy to read.
All grades except AT-X have a multi-information display and a "welcome" feature.
The display, beneath the speedometer, can be controlled to display outside temperature, estimated range, average speed and fuel consumption and driving time.
Aurion's "welcome" feature was designed to deliver an inviting ambience to the driver and passengers.
When the ignition is switched on indicator needles on the tachometer and speedometer are illuminated, the "Aurion" logo appears on the multi-information display and the instruments gradually illuminate at the same time.
At night, the audio panel also lights up while the message 'Welcome to Aurion' appears on its LCD display. This is then followed by the gradual illumination of the HVAC panel.
The audio unit LCD display (day time) or acrylic panel (night time) gradually illuminates, then 'Welcome to Aurion' scrolls across it (except for models equipped with satellite navigation).
TOYOTA AURION CHASSIS TUNED FOR AUSTRALIAN CONDITIONS
Toyota Aurion's sure-footed chassis dynamics are based on the new vehicle's high body rigidity, low centre of gravity and large footprint on the road in relation to its overall dimensions.
Toyota Aurion also has anti-vibration sub-frames front and rear.
The new body includes a reinforcing cowl front panel to increase rigidity across the front suspension towers and a large V-shaped rear brace behind the rear seat, linking the rear suspension towers and the floor.
Aurion has the highest body rigidity ever achieved in a built-in-Australia Toyota model.
Toyota Aurion's high body rigidity provides a stable platform for the suspension, in addition to its passive safety, noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and vehicle durability benefits.
Aurion has a coil-over suspension package with MacPherson struts all round and wide-based L-shaped lower arms at the front and dual transverse links at the rear.
Aurion's suspension has a range of advanced features, including multi-leaf type linear control piston valves in the dampers and a visco-elastic oil seal at the top of the damper body.
The multi-leaf linear control valves enable the damper to generate more linear responses than correctional changes, thereby improving body control, road holding and steering feel.
Toyota Aurion has sealed, low-pressure gas-filled dampers front and rear.
The nitrogen gas in the dampers minimises cavitation of the damper fluid.
In addition, Aurion has Nachlauf steering geometry, which means the kingpin axis is located ahead of the axle centre - to optimise straight-line stability and steering feel.
Toyota Aurion Sportivo SX6 and ZR6 have the additional feature of in-built rebound springs in their rear damper units, to provide a flatter ride during cornering.
The rebound spring restrains elongation of the entire suspension unit during rebound, eliminating harsh top-out.
In normal driving, when the suspension stroke is small, it is controlled by the main coil spring to provide a comfortable ride.
However, during cornering, the inner wheels are subject to more rebound - so the rebound coil spring and the main coil spring combine to reduce elongation and improve manoeuvrability and stability.
TOYOTA AURION CHASSIS AIMED AT DRIVING ENTHUSIAST
Toyota Australia has adopted a suspension calibration for the new Aurion Sportivo different to that used on the other Toyota Aurion models.
Designed to suit the tastes of driving enthusiasts, the suspension calibration takes advantage of the inherent stability of Aurion's high body rigidity and large footprint on the road.
Toyota Aurion Sportivo ZR6 and SX6 are differentiated from AT-X, Prodigy and Presara models by their additional body bracing and underbody aerodynamics, as well as unique suspension hardware.
All Aurion models have a substantial V-shaped rear brace behind the rear seat - linking the rear strut towers and the floor.
Toyota Aurion Sportivo has the additional feature of underbody stabilising braces at the rear, ensuring rigidity.
Aurion Sportivo's additional aerodynamic parts include the rear-floor undercover - which creates more downforce on the rear section of the vehicle, hence reducing the likelihood of oversteer - and a fuel tank undercover which helps speed up air flow as it moves from the front underbody section towards the rear floor cover.
It has unique spring, damper and rear stabiliser bar settings, as well as 17-inch wheels and Michelin sports tyres.
The Sportivo rear dampers have the added feature of internal rebound springs, which increase body control and therefore create a flat ride posture during cornering.
TOYOTA AURION KEEPS OCCUPANTS COOL AND COMFORTABLE
All Toyota Aurion models have the comfort of factory-fitted air conditioning with pollen filter.
Aurion Prodigy, Presara and Sportivo ZR6 have automatic dual-zone climate-control air conditioning, with independent temperature control for the front passenger and the driver/rear passengers.
Special features of Toyota Aurion's climate-control air conditioning system also include neural network control, to regulate cabin temperature and air flow.
The system monitors outside temperature, sunlight conditions and cabin temperature.
All Aurion drivers can achieve an excellent driving position through the combination of a power driver's seat and a steering wheel that is adjustable for reach and tilt.
The electrically operated driver's seat on all models is adjustable in eight directions, which provides optimum posture and reduces fatigue.
All models except AT-X and Sportivo SX6 have a power-adjustable front passenger seat.
Top-of-the-range Toyota Aurion Presara offers even greater driver convenience with a two-setting memory for the driver's seat and side-mirrors.
Presara also has an electrochromatic rear-view mirror that provides the added safety of reducing the headlight glare of following cars.
Toyota Aurion's steering column is adjustable for both reach and tilt, helping drivers achieve the most comfortable and therefore the safest driving position.
Aurion Presara has an electrically operated rear sunshade that provides greater comfort for rear-seat passengers.
Controlled by an ECU, the rear sunshade blocks direct sunlight from entering through the rear window.
It can be operated by using an up/down switch. It is also lowered automatically when reversing.
All models have a pollen filter that treats outside and recirculated air, which may benefit allergy sufferers.
It has the most advanced and powerful engine ever offered in a Toyota vehicle in Australia - a new 3.5-litre Quad Cam V6.
The engine develops 200kW of power at 6200rpm and 336Nm of torque at 4700rpm on regular unleaded petrol.
It has ADR 81/01 fuel economy of just 9.9 litres of 95-octane unleaded fuel per 100km#.
Power output rises to 204kW with 95-octane unleaded fuel.
All grades of Toyota Aurion are fitted with a six-speed automatic sequential gearbox.
All Aurion grades are also equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).
Toyota Aurion is the only Australian-made big six to comply with Euro IV emissions.
Toyota Aurion scores four stars on the Federal Government's Green Vehicle Guide - better than any of its six-cylinder rivals in the VFACTS large passenger category.
The Aurion V6 range starts at $34,990 (RRP*) - a price that includes the 200kW V6 engine, adaptive electronic six-speed automatic transmission, six SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.
Standard features also include air conditioning, power driver's seat, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking, dual exhaust and security alarm.
Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing, David Buttner, said Aurion - built at the company's Altona manufacturing plant in Melbourne - defines Toyota's view of the future for Australian six-cylinder cars.
Toyota Aurion
"Toyota Aurion is a value-for-money Aussie car that is better priced and better equipped than its major VFACTS large passenger car class competitors," Mr Buttner said.
"It has more power than the naturally aspirated six-cylinder rivals in its class and better fuel economy than any of the large-six competitors in its class.
"Toyota Aurion has been developed for the benefit of Australian families and others who need a large six-cylinder car.
"It is styled for Australian tastes, tuned for Australian driving preferences, and has the power and comfort required for driving vast distances.
"At the same time, it is endowed with technology that ensures excellent fuel economy, with high levels of active and passive safety features as standard equipment on all models."
Aurion's V6 engine features dual VVT-i technology that varies the timing of both the inlet and exhaust valves, providing optimum power and economy.
It is mated to an electronic six-speed automatic transmission with a sequential gearshift.
The transmission uses artificial intelligence to adapt shift points to the driver's style and road conditions.
Toyota Aurion has been engineered to deliver the handling stability, steering response and ride comfort demanded by Australian large-car buyers.
Toyota achieved these requirements by producing a car with a visually low-slung, wide-wheeled and aggressive stance.
Building on the car's large footprint, Aurion features keep the car level during acceleration and braking.
Two Sportivo models in the range feature sports suspension settings and a full body kit.
Toyota Aurion takes advantage of the packaging efficiency of its front-engine/front-wheel-drive design to achieve a virtually flat rear floor, providing ample space for three adult passengers in the rear.
Noise insulation materials ensure the cabin is very quiet.
Toyota Aurion is produced on Toyota's world-leading flexible manufacturing system at Altona, alongside four-cylinder Camry models.
Both cars are built for the domestic and export markets.
TOYOTA AURION MEANS INNOVATION AND STYLE
Toyota's new flagship sedan is called Aurion - a name derived from the ancient Greek for "tomorrow" or "first light".
While the name's origins are in antiquity, its meaning makes Aurion an ideal name for an innovative vehicle arriving in the Aussie big six segment.
Toyota Aurion was chosen after extensive research involving more than 30 other possible names.
Consumers associated the name with style and innovation - a positioning that matched the car's design philosophy.
Research among Australian International Motor Show patrons showed they associated the word Aurion with qualities such as futuristic (33 per cent), technology (17 per cent), innovation (17 per cent) and sophistication (13 per cent).
TOYOTA AURION TO REINVIGORATE THE LARGE-CAR MARKET
Toyota Australia's new Aurion V6 will play a key role in reinvigorating the Australian large-car market, according to senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner.
Mr Buttner said Toyota expected the overall market to be strong in the fourth quarter of 2006 and into 2007, with the big-six segment making a significant contribution.
"The new Toyota Aurion, which goes on sale in early November, will stimulate the large-car sector because it will attract new buyers," Mr Buttner said.
"Toyota Aurion provides compelling reasons for existing large-six customers to stay in the segment and for former large-six customers to return.
"It is a serious contender - a modern alternative that will also take sales from the traditional large six-cylinder models."
Toyota Aurion is the latest entrant in a hectic few months of activity for the large-six market that will reinvigorate a segment which is important to Australia's domestic vehicle manufacturing industry.
Mr Buttner said Aurion, built at the company's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Melbourne's Altona, came at a critical time for the local industry.
The large-car segment peaked at 211,791 sales in 2003, but its share of the total market has been in long-term decline.
"In 1996, passenger cars accounted for 75.7 per cent of the total new-vehicle market and large cars made up 43.4 per cent of those sales," Mr Buttner said.
"But, by 2005, passenger cars accounted for just 61.6 per cent of the market and large cars were just 27.5 per cent of that number.
"Last year, for the first time, the large-car segment wasn't the largest sector in our market."
Mr Buttner said the new Aurion will be successful because it addresses many of the reasons that have led people to move away from the current large-six offerings.
He said Toyota's research showed the market for large six-cylinder cars is split into three distinct groups: the tribalists, the one-timers and the V6 solution seekers.
"The tribalists love tradition and grunt: they've bought the same car for generations, largely determined by what their father bought - or which car won at Bathurst.
"They are a diminishing sub-segment, accounting for about 20 per cent of the market - and they will not consider alternatives."
Mr Buttner said the "one-timers", who account for about 40 per cent of the potential market, are there to be won by Toyota.
"They are yet to be convinced that a large six is the car for them, and they're not convinced by the current offerings.
"They make decisions based on what they want right now. They're not loyal to any brand or model, so they're likely to switch the next time they buy a car."
He said a further 40 per cent segment of the potential market that is open to the Toyota Aurion V6 is what the researchers call 'six-cylinder solution seekers'.
"These are people who need to be given strong reasons to stay in or come back to the large-car market and who will logically assess alternatives to the traditional participants.
"They're open to new ideas, they're looking for something different and they're tech-savvy.
"While they see value in an Australian-made product, they're not bound by it.
"They want a car that handles well, and they're also aware of petrol prices.
"They're looking for a solution - and we've developed the Aurion to deliver to their needs."
TOYOTA AURION IS ONE OF THE SAFEST CARS ON THE ROAD
Toyota's new Aurion has an impressive package of active safety features.
Standard equipment includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC) and Active Braking with intelligence (AB-i), incorporating ABS (anti-skid brakes), Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).
In addition, Toyota Aurion has a large footprint on the road for increased stability, a new chassis, revised suspension, and larger-diameter and wider tyres.
Aurion's new brake hardware includes 296mm by 28mm ventilated front disc rotors and 286mm by 10mm rear disc rotors.
Toyota Aurion AT-X, Prodigy and Sportivo (SX6 and ZR6) have projector-type low beam headlamps.
High-grade Presara has adaptive, self-levelling high-intensity discharge protector-type low-beam headlamps.
Prodigy, Sportivo and Presara grades have front foglamps.
Toyota Brake Assist is designed to assist the driver in emergency braking, where the driver cannot apply the high pedal force required in time to minimise braking distance.
Brake Assist interprets a quick, hard push of the brake pedal as emergency braking.
It supplements the brake pressure applied if the driver has not pushed hard enough on the brake pedal.
The Toyota system measures the speed and the force with which the pedal is pushed to determine whether the driver is attempting to brake rapidly.
The system then applies additional hydraulic pressure to maximise braking performance.
The timing and degree of braking assistance are designed to ensure the driver does not discern anything unusual in the braking operation.
The system reduces the amount of assistance it provides when the driver intentionally eases the pressure on the pedal.
The Toyota Brake Assist system may help drivers avoid potential incidents.
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution is a sophisticated electronic system designed to minimise stopping distances by maximising braking power to the wheels with the most grip.
It replaces the conventional load-sensing and proportioning valve.
The system functions electronically rather than mechanically, via an algorithm in the brake system's Electronic Control Unit (ECU).
The EBD system in Toyota Aurion can adjust the fore/aft brake balance according to vehicle loading conditions and the right/left brake balance if the brakes are applied during cornering.
TOYOTA AURION HAS SPORTY, SPACIOUS INTERIOR
Interiors for Toyota's new Aurion V6 have been created to appeal directly to Australian demands for a cockpit-feel separation of front seat passengers.
Toyota Style Australia design manager Nick Hogios said the design architecture creates maximum visual width and the feeling of even more space.
"The exterior of the vehicle gets people into the showroom. The interior gets people to sign the cheque," Mr Hogios said.
"Our research showed Australian large-car buyers love a design where the integrated centre console flows up into the instrument panel.
"This was a must-have feature for our car.
"The design envelops the driver and front-seat passenger in a cockpit environment.
"At the same time, the dash flows away from the driver, creating a feeling of openness."
Mr Hogios said Aurion's interior surfaces are dynamic and crisp with flowing lines harmoniously integrating door trims with the instrument panel.
He said colour and trim are used to enhance the sporting character of each model grade.
"Textures and finishes are vitally important and received great attention to detail.
"Metallic and wood-grain finishes have been applied to enhance the visual appeal of each model grade and integrate functional areas."
High-quality European-style flat woven fabrics are used with embossed leather on Prodigy, Sportivo ZR6 and Presara models.
A premium, European-style dark grey environment is available on all models along with grey for AT-X and a warmer, upmarket "Grege" (a blend of ivory with a hint of grey) for Prodigy and Presara.
The seats are designed with generous surfaces that comfortably wrap around each occupant's body.
Sportivo models provide a genuine sports sedan feeling with a dark grey interior and alloy-look highlights for the instrument panel and pedals.
Unique sports seats for the Sportivo models get more pronounced side bolsters for the seat cushions and higher side bolsters for the backrests.
Ergonomics are also vital with controls placed logically on all models. The use of all knobs and switches is confident and precise.
On the luxury models, modern four-spoke steering wheels with black or silver accents ensure the "touch and feel" aspects of the interior are at the highest level.
Sportivo models have sporty leather-wrapped, three-spoke designs with alloy highlights.
Large-diameter Optitron instruments and meters on all models increase the visual contrast for different readings, making them easy to read.
All grades except AT-X have a multi-information display and a "welcome" feature.
The display, beneath the speedometer, can be controlled to display outside temperature, estimated range, average speed and fuel consumption and driving time.
Aurion's "welcome" feature was designed to deliver an inviting ambience to the driver and passengers.
When the ignition is switched on indicator needles on the tachometer and speedometer are illuminated, the "Aurion" logo appears on the multi-information display and the instruments gradually illuminate at the same time.
At night, the audio panel also lights up while the message 'Welcome to Aurion' appears on its LCD display. This is then followed by the gradual illumination of the HVAC panel.
The audio unit LCD display (day time) or acrylic panel (night time) gradually illuminates, then 'Welcome to Aurion' scrolls across it (except for models equipped with satellite navigation).
TOYOTA AURION CHASSIS TUNED FOR AUSTRALIAN CONDITIONS
Toyota Aurion's sure-footed chassis dynamics are based on the new vehicle's high body rigidity, low centre of gravity and large footprint on the road in relation to its overall dimensions.
Toyota Aurion also has anti-vibration sub-frames front and rear.
The new body includes a reinforcing cowl front panel to increase rigidity across the front suspension towers and a large V-shaped rear brace behind the rear seat, linking the rear suspension towers and the floor.
Aurion has the highest body rigidity ever achieved in a built-in-Australia Toyota model.
Toyota Aurion's high body rigidity provides a stable platform for the suspension, in addition to its passive safety, noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and vehicle durability benefits.
Aurion has a coil-over suspension package with MacPherson struts all round and wide-based L-shaped lower arms at the front and dual transverse links at the rear.
Aurion's suspension has a range of advanced features, including multi-leaf type linear control piston valves in the dampers and a visco-elastic oil seal at the top of the damper body.
The multi-leaf linear control valves enable the damper to generate more linear responses than correctional changes, thereby improving body control, road holding and steering feel.
Toyota Aurion has sealed, low-pressure gas-filled dampers front and rear.
The nitrogen gas in the dampers minimises cavitation of the damper fluid.
In addition, Aurion has Nachlauf steering geometry, which means the kingpin axis is located ahead of the axle centre - to optimise straight-line stability and steering feel.
Toyota Aurion Sportivo SX6 and ZR6 have the additional feature of in-built rebound springs in their rear damper units, to provide a flatter ride during cornering.
The rebound spring restrains elongation of the entire suspension unit during rebound, eliminating harsh top-out.
In normal driving, when the suspension stroke is small, it is controlled by the main coil spring to provide a comfortable ride.
However, during cornering, the inner wheels are subject to more rebound - so the rebound coil spring and the main coil spring combine to reduce elongation and improve manoeuvrability and stability.
TOYOTA AURION CHASSIS AIMED AT DRIVING ENTHUSIAST
Toyota Australia has adopted a suspension calibration for the new Aurion Sportivo different to that used on the other Toyota Aurion models.
Designed to suit the tastes of driving enthusiasts, the suspension calibration takes advantage of the inherent stability of Aurion's high body rigidity and large footprint on the road.
Toyota Aurion Sportivo ZR6 and SX6 are differentiated from AT-X, Prodigy and Presara models by their additional body bracing and underbody aerodynamics, as well as unique suspension hardware.
All Aurion models have a substantial V-shaped rear brace behind the rear seat - linking the rear strut towers and the floor.
Toyota Aurion Sportivo has the additional feature of underbody stabilising braces at the rear, ensuring rigidity.
Aurion Sportivo's additional aerodynamic parts include the rear-floor undercover - which creates more downforce on the rear section of the vehicle, hence reducing the likelihood of oversteer - and a fuel tank undercover which helps speed up air flow as it moves from the front underbody section towards the rear floor cover.
It has unique spring, damper and rear stabiliser bar settings, as well as 17-inch wheels and Michelin sports tyres.
The Sportivo rear dampers have the added feature of internal rebound springs, which increase body control and therefore create a flat ride posture during cornering.
TOYOTA AURION KEEPS OCCUPANTS COOL AND COMFORTABLE
All Toyota Aurion models have the comfort of factory-fitted air conditioning with pollen filter.
Aurion Prodigy, Presara and Sportivo ZR6 have automatic dual-zone climate-control air conditioning, with independent temperature control for the front passenger and the driver/rear passengers.
Special features of Toyota Aurion's climate-control air conditioning system also include neural network control, to regulate cabin temperature and air flow.
The system monitors outside temperature, sunlight conditions and cabin temperature.
All Aurion drivers can achieve an excellent driving position through the combination of a power driver's seat and a steering wheel that is adjustable for reach and tilt.
The electrically operated driver's seat on all models is adjustable in eight directions, which provides optimum posture and reduces fatigue.
All models except AT-X and Sportivo SX6 have a power-adjustable front passenger seat.
Top-of-the-range Toyota Aurion Presara offers even greater driver convenience with a two-setting memory for the driver's seat and side-mirrors.
Presara also has an electrochromatic rear-view mirror that provides the added safety of reducing the headlight glare of following cars.
Toyota Aurion's steering column is adjustable for both reach and tilt, helping drivers achieve the most comfortable and therefore the safest driving position.
Aurion Presara has an electrically operated rear sunshade that provides greater comfort for rear-seat passengers.
Controlled by an ECU, the rear sunshade blocks direct sunlight from entering through the rear window.
It can be operated by using an up/down switch. It is also lowered automatically when reversing.
All models have a pollen filter that treats outside and recirculated air, which may benefit allergy sufferers.
