Skip to main content

Silly acronym aside, you may be able to make your 2014 Lexus IS a real ‘TRD’ machine

Lexus IS TRD
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Toyota Racing Development – as good as it and its products are – has a rather unfortunate-sounding acronym: TRD.

Despite that, TRD is known for making upgrade bits for Lexus, Toyota, and Scion cars and trucks that can be purchased at the dealer and added onto a car, improving its looks and or performance without voiding the warranty.

Lexus IS TRD3
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The poorly acronymed Toyota factory upgrade parts company has come up with its latest product line – and they’re for the 2014 Lexus IS. Presently only listed on the Japanese TRD site, the company has listed several visual and performance upgrades for the new compact luxury sedan.

In the looks department, TRD has created a skirting kit, a spoiler extension, a rear bumper diffuser, and some rather trick 19-inch alloy aluminum wheels. By way of performance, TRD has some sport dampers for the suspension and additional bracing. For performance and sound, the designers have come up with an exhaust kit as well.

What will these sporty add-ons run you? “Pricing for the body kit starts at 437,700 yen (approximately $4,270), while the suspension upgrades list at 288,750 yen ($2,817) and the wheels list at 527,625 yen for the set ($5,150),” according to a Motor Authority report.

Lexus IS TRD2
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Like we said above, these upgrades are only listed for the Japanese market but will surely make their way Stateside sometime in the near future, as the U.S. is one of Lexus’ biggest markets.

When we learn of a U.S. release we’ll be sure to let you know, so check back soon. Meanwhile, may we suggest a name change to Toyota Racing Internal Components or some such?

Nick Jaynes
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more