[2] The name is an acronym of "Thoroughbred styling Ergonomic multi function interior Technologically advanced sporty performance RISE & All-round information system".

[2] The TETRA was an attempt to combine the traditional benefits of a sports utility vehicle with the more performance-biased handling of a car, by lowering the ground clearance and overall height, and thereby the center of gravity, while using a wide track and wide, low profile tires.

[2] Under the skin, it utilised a 6G72 24-valve 3.0-litre DOHC V6 with gasoline direct injection, mated to an INVECS-II five-speed automatic transmission.

The electronically controlled, full-time four-wheel drive system was heavily based on that of the high performance Legnum VR-4 wagon, incorporating a center differential and Active Yaw Control (AYC).

The same car was the donor of the four wheel multi-link suspension, rear self-levelling mechanism,[2] and RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) passive safety construction.