Toyota is set to return to one of Australia's iconic motorsport events in 2008, tackling the legendary Targa Tasmania with a TRD Aurion. It will be the first time since 2003 that Toyota Australia has entered a car in the tarmac rally and will mark the first competitive outing for the TRD-designed-and-built 3.5-litre, supercharged V6 Aurion.
Toyota will enter a standard TRD Aurion prepared by the team at Neal Bates Motorsport - the same group behind Toyota's multiple-championship-winning TRD rally outfit. Former Targa winner Bates was an integral part of TRD Aurion's development and believes the car has the potential to knock off some of its race-bred competitors.
"We have only made minor modifications to the standard car, like fitting a roll cage, racing seats and safety equipment," said Neal Bates. "TRD Aurion was developed over roads like those found on Targa Tasmania so it will be great to see it being driven at its maximum." Although TRD Aurion will be competing against cars specifically designed for racing, Bates believes it can finish inside the top 15.
"Targa is an event I absolutely love and the team's ultimate aim is to finish inside the top 10 outright. It would be an amazing performance if we could achieve it," said Bates. "The entire team is very excited about returning to Targa as we haven't done a tarmac event in a while."
The car is set to run in the Modern category of Targa's 17th edition. Targa Tasmania will provide Toyota Australia with an idea of TRD Aurion's potential for future motorsport events.
Toyota's last entry in the iconic tarmac rally was in 2003 with a Camry Sportivo and involved two greats of world motorsport. The car was piloted by the legendary Colin Bond, with the former 'Voice of Formula One', commentator Murray Walker, acting as co-driver.
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