Al-Futtaim Motors, exclusive distributor of Toyota in the UAE, announced recently the introduction of Toyota’s true essence of racing and performance with the launch of Toyota Racing Development (TRD) for the first time in the region.
Launched at Yas Marina Circuit, at an adrenalin-filled event, TRD packs render each car instantly recognizable as unique examples, with sharper designs that also lend the cars better performance, such as improved straight line and cornering stability thanks to better downforce and aerodynamics.
Offered in aerodynamic and sport packs, TRD will be available on the iconic Toyota 86, the all-new Yaris Hatchback, Yaris Sedan, Corolla and Aurion. While the aerodynamic pack offers aesthetic enhancements such as front and rear bumper spoilers and side skirts, giving TRD cars a unique, aggressive look, the sport pack goes a step further, adding performance wheels with low profile tyres, as well as other additions such as a sport oil filter and lowered springs, amongst other modifications offering more assured handling during spirited driving.
Alan Carpenter, General Manager of Sales and Marketing at Al-Futtaim Motors, said: “Toyota’s Waku-Doki promise – Japanese for “adrenaline rush” – lives on with the introduction of TRD to the UAE. Merging both passion and technology, TRD brings to Toyota cars the true spirit of decades of racing performance, and gives customers a new dimension to customizing both the look and performance of their Toyota cars.
“TRD isn’t just about attractive design, but each pack is built with aesthetics as well as performance in mind, making the TRD vehicles as unique as their owners.”
Celebrating the company’s 60th anniversary in 2014, Mr. Kazuya Inagaki, President, Toyota Technocraft Co., Ltd., explained at the launch the history of TRD and the company’s endeavors to grow motorsports around the world. Initially established as Toyopet Seibi Co., Ltd. in 1954, TRD has maintained a philosophy of pioneering the future of automotive culture with advanced technology and highly skilled engineering.
TRD started life as a humble aftermarket parts distributor in 1976, growing to become one of the most celebrated engineering companies in motorsports, producing various tuning products and performance components for Toyota vehicles around the world.
TRD enjoys a heritage built around performance, since Toyota’s participation in its first ever motorsport event almost six decades ago in 1957, to the development and growth of TRD into a motorsport giant around the world.
The TRD launch announcement comes hot on the heels of Al-Futtaim Motors’ partnership with Yas Marina Circuit for the launch of the TRD 86 Cup, a single make race series that offers a cost-effective entry into the high-adrenaline world of circuit racing, combining exhilarating performance, exciting race kit and livery and a low cost maintenance package with an entry price of just AED 150,000.
TRD packs will be available at Al-Futtaim Motors Toyota showrooms across the UAE from November 1st, 2014, in special TRD displays, offering customers a fully immersive TRD experience to match their purchase.
All TRD parts come with a 5 year warranty, are genuine and built to GCC specifications to ensure quality and reliability for the life of the car. While elements of each pack can be purchased separately, the complete aerodynamic and sport packs will be available at promotional prices.