If you’ve noticed the increasing number of Toyota TRDs recently, just know that it’s no coincidence. In an interview with AutoGuide at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Toyota said that it is considering adding a performance-oriented model to the entire family.
Contrary to the common thinking, future TRD-badged Toyotas won’t simply be a standard model with slapped-on body kit. The most recent model to receive the TRD touch is the 86 TRD Special Edition, albeit without any enhancements made to the engine.
Group vice president and manager of Toyota Division at Toyota Motor North America, Jack Hollis told the publication: “I love the TRD brand, I love what Toyota Racing Development does, and I like learning from our motorports teams and putting it into our cars. And if we can bring it to every car and SUV and every truck, I think we should.”
Apparently, Hollis hinted that a Corolla TRD is pretty much confirmed, which makes sense considering its more sophisticated Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) GA-C platform. The Corolla Hatch will even compete in the 2019 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, which speaks volume of TNGA’s capabilities. Could Toyota finally give the Civic Si or, more interestingly, the Civic Type R a run for its money? Only time will tell.
For now, Hollis said the Corolla TRD – which was a SEMA concept that received numerous positive feedbacks – is definitely being considered. “It’s not in the plans yet, but there’s intention and development happening,” he said. Is this the rumoured Corolla Hybrid hot hatch? Maybe, maybe not.
Besides the standardisation of TRD models, Toyota is also considering adding all-wheel drive across the line-up. All models except the C-HR could get AWD in the near future. “We’re looking at the all-wheel-drive application for all of our products. Not necessarily on C-HR today, but you have to stay tuned because some new things are coming up.”
An example of this is with the 2019 Prius facelift – it’s now available with an electric all-wheel drive system that features a separate high-output motor to drive the rear wheels. It engages automatically when pulling away up to 10 km/h, and in low-grip conditions will operate at speeds of up to 70 km/h. The system is identical in operation to the E-Four system found in Japan.
“We’re taking each model and we’re giving more choices for the consumer,” Hollis said, adding that TRD and AWD models are a smart way to do that. What do you think? Are you excited for what’s to come?
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