SLegacy99

http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...how-toyota.htm

New sheet metal, engine stays the same.

GFerg

Another facelift? Its been on the market for 5 years already.

-J-P-L-

Damn, I was fully expecting an all new Avalon instead of merely a face lift. It's due for a complete redesign.

As a clear Toyota fan, the Avalon's design is very boring and lacking. Just look at the Lacrosse and Taurus! Much more compelling cars.

Maybe Toyota is afraid of making it too nice fearing that it would intrude into Lexus ES territory.

GFerg

flipside909

2010 Chicago Auto Show - 2011 Toyota Avalon Reveal


2011 Toyota Avalon Reveal
2010 Chicago Auto Show
McCormick Place (Toyota Display)
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010
Bob Carter – Toyota Division Group VP & GM, TMS, U.S.A

Good morning everyone … and thanks for joining us today.

A few months back … when we first started looking ahead to the Chicago Auto Show ... we began planning the introduction of the new Avalon.

And we’ll do that in just a moment.

But first … I want to address the issues Toyota has been facing the past couple of weeks … and bring you up-to-date on the current situation.

Nothing is more important to Toyota than the safety and reliability of our vehicles … and right now we are completely focused on fixing the vehicles affected by recent recalls.

Yesterday we announced plans for a voluntary recall on 2010 Prius and Lexus HS 250h models … to update software in the vehicle’s anti-lock brake system.

Some Prius and HS owners have reported experiencing inconsistent brake feel on rough road surfaces such as potholes.

We responded with a running production change for Prius last month ... improving the ABS’ response time.

The production change for the HS is planned for later this month.

This recall will allow dealers to perform the software update on cars sold prior to the running production change ... and Toyota Dealers have already started this process.

In addition … we will begin mailing notification letters to Prius owners this week and HS250 owners within the next few weeks.

Now in regards to the sticking accelerator pedal ... we announced last week that our engineers had identified the cause and developed a fix to address it.

The solution is ...
• effective,
• simple,
• and lasts the life of the vehicle.

The repair can be completed at Toyota dealerships in about 30 minutes … depending on the dealers’ work flow.

All Toyota dealers nationwide … have received the parts, tools and training they need … and have begun repairing the vehicles involved.

We have complete confidence in this remedy.

The most important thing now … is to fix the cars already on the road.

We’re doing everything we can to make this as trouble-free as possible … and will work day and night with our dealers to make this happen.

If a customer experiences any issues with their accelerator pedal … we’re asking them to please contact their dealer immediately.

If they're not … we are confident their vehicle is safe to drive.

Through all of this … our dealers have been overwhelmingly supportive.

We have the best dealers in the country… and they’re proving it by providing extraordinary service and care for our customers.

I've been talking with dealers nationwide since last week … and here in Chicago for the past two days.

Many dealers are extending service hours and adding more weekend service.

Some are staying open 24 hours a day … seven days a week … and a few are even using remote facilities dedicated to repairing vehicles.

These efforts are already paying off.

In only a few days … our dealers have reinforced the accelerator pedal on more than 220,000 vehicles ...and are now running at a pace of more than 50,000 units a day.

We are committed to showing our owners that Toyota stands behind them and their vehicles.

We understand this is not going to happen overnight.

I know that many customers have been very concerned … and rightfully so.

Some customers are upset … and that’s also understandable.

We deeply regret the concern these events have caused.

Frankly … what’s been most surprising is the amount of support we’ve received from many of our owners.

They’ve put their trust and faith in Toyota … and we’re doing everything in our power …to prove to them …that their trust has not been misplaced.

With everything going on … we considered postponing today’s media introduction.

But new products are what drive our business.

They are …
• what our customers want,
• what they expect,
• and what they need.

New products will help reinforce our continued commitment to customers.

Products such as … the all-new Sienna … which has been receiving strong reviews ...and goes on sale this Friday …and the redesigned Avalon we’re showing you here today.

The Avalon offers a wide array of safety features that were obviously planned long before the current issues arose.

When the 2011 Avalon reaches dealerships this spring … it will have ...the redesigned accelerator pedal assembly … and a brake override system.

The Avalon will also feature our unique Star Safety System … which includes…
• Vehicle Stability Control
• Anti-lock braking system
• Electronic Brake force Distribution
• Brake Assist … and ...
• Traction Control ...
… and is standard on all Toyota vehicles.

Avalon also has seven airbags … including …
• side curtain,
• dual-stage front,
• and driver’s side knee airbags.

Since it first launched in 1995 … the Avalon has always been the epitome of …
• refinement,
• comfort,
• and sophistication … in the Toyota line-up.

It’s also been one of our most distinguished models … having earned numerous awards from …
• Consumer’s Digest,
• J.D. Power,
• and IntelliChoice … among others.

The redesigned Avalon possesses a distinctive new exterior style … while offering a restyled interior … and practical new technologies.

Ladies and gentlemen… it’s my pleasure to present the world debut of the 2011 Avalon.

The new Avalon continues the tradition set by its predecessors.

It provides…
• the spacious cabin,
• smooth driving dynamics,
• and convenient technologies …that premium full-size sedan buyers want.

Re-styledat Calty Design Centersin California and Michigan … and engineered at our technical center in Ann Arbor … Avalon will continue to be built at our plant in Georgetown, Kentucky.

Calty gave Avalon an aggressive new look.

A new grille features distinctive headlamps…and the rear is accented by LED tail lights and integrated dual exhaust.

Both the head lamps and tail lamps…feature unique light piping for an added signature look.

The base Avalon now has standard 17-inch wheels with a new finish … while the Limited grade has a new, contemporary wheel design.

Inside … the Avalon provides key luxury features that are important to its buyers.

The new dash offers a driver-oriented experience.

Sight lines flow to the redesigned center stack … providing easier use for both the driver and passenger.

The segment’s only reclining rear seats provide unmatched passenger comfort.

And ...a power rear sunshade protects rear-seat passengers.

The Avalon continues to be powered by our 3.5-liter V6 engine … mated to a multi-mode six-speed automatic transmission.

Producing 268 horsepower … which is among the best in the segment … it also achieves 20 miles-per-gallon in the city ...and 29 on the highway.

The Avalon also has many of our latest technologies … like our Gen 6 Navigation System with ...
• XM NavTraffic,
• Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity,
• and wireless audio music streaming.

A standard back-up camera has a segment-first 3.3-inch display in the rear-view mirror … and also offers color guide lines to help the driver back into or out of parking spots.

Standard audio features include ...a USB port for direct iPod control via the sound system or steering-wheel controls…and XM satellite radio. An optional JBL sound system feeds 660-watts through 12 speakers…including a two-coil subwoofer.

Now ... I don’t have pricing for you today …but it will be very similar to the current model.

The Avalon’s new ...styling, features and comfort … will turn heads and continue to offer great value in the segment.

Make no mistake … nothing is more important at this moment to Toyota than restoring the trust and confidence of our customers and meeting their needs … whatever they may be.

We are completely focused on fixing their vehicles and are working 24/7 with our dealers to handle it as quickly and efficiently as possible.

At the same time … we believe it will be vehicles such as the all-new Sienna …and the re-designed Avalon … that will further convince consumers there is nothing more important to Toyota ... than the safety and reliability of our vehicles.

Thanks again for joining us this morning.

I invite you to take a closer look at the new Avalon and please enjoy the rest of the Show.

Credit: Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc

flipside909

Toyota Reveals Redesigned 2011 Avalon at Chicago Auto Show

• Distinctive New Styling Offers a Modern, Upscale Appearance
• “Travel Avalon Class” with Segment’s Only Reclining Rear Seat and Overall Comfort
• Modern Technologies Provide Comprehensible Convenience

CHICAGO (February, 10, 2010) – Toyota introduced the boldly redesigned 2011 Avalon today at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. Evoking a time when travel was sophisticated, elegant and comfortable, the new Avalon possesses a distinctive new exterior style while offering a restyled interior rich with premium touch points and practical new technologies.

Even with numerous refinements inside and out, the Avalon remains true to the idea that comfort is honest and uncomplicated, and “Traveling Avalon Class” is rich in simple, familiar pleasures.

The new Avalon has dynamic and expressive lines, and an infusion of comfort, safety and technology advancements that enrich the driving experience. Upgraded equipment and technology features, such as a touch-screen navigation system with real-time traffic, and Bluetooth® hands-free phone capability with music streaming to the audio system are among the improvements that enhance the 2011 Avalon’s excellent blend of spaciousness, comfort and technology.

“The Avalon has long been appreciated by smart, conscientious consumers who recognize quality materials and the beauty of detailed craftsmanship,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. “The changes made for 2011 will allow us to build on our position in the premium large car segment. The competition does not stand still, and neither do we.”

Restyled at Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, Calif., the Avalon is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), a “zero landfill” facility that also assembles the Camry, Camry Hybrid, and Venza. It was also developed at the Toyota Technical Center (TTC) in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Dynamic New Exterior
For 2011, Calty restyled Avalon to project an elegant, outgoing presence. A wider, more substantial grille ties into state-of-the-art projector headlamps, working with a broad, undisturbed front hood to suggest a lowered center of gravity and emphasize the Avalon’s wide stance.

The new headlamps, which combine multi-reflector halogen high beams with halogen or HID low beams, utilize light pipes to create a signature, night-time appearance. The front fog lamps, now integrated into a trapezoidal front bumper, provide a wider angle of illumination.

Viewed from the side, the 2011 Avalon is enhanced by additional use of chrome trim, redesigned rocker panels, and glare-resistant outer mirrors with integrated turn signals. New 17-inch wheels on the Limited grade feature a 10-spoke design with a mirror finish.

At the rear of the car, identification is cleanly defined by a single Avalon logo located above the license plate. Dual-exhaust pipes are integrated into the cutaway trapezoid shape of the lower bumper for a modern image. Taillights have been reshaped to reduce turbulence at the rear, helping to create a lower coefficient of drag. The new lights integrate stop, turn and side marker lighting functions in one combined lamp. Unique LED light pipes with dark aluminized sides and both clear and red lenses project a modern appearance.

Spacious Interior Built For Comfort
For 2011, a new interior has been designed with a contemporary style. The new interior remains generously spacious and elegant, fitted with comfortable seating and thoughtfully integrated amenities. Coordinated colors and rich wood-grain materials were carefully chosen to convey an optimistic attitude and modern essence.

Standard leather-trimmed front seats and seatbacks on the Limited are fitted with ventilation systems and an enlarged perforation area to help keep them cool. Interior seats feature thicker stitching, which provides an elegant accent to the interior design. Active front headrests are also standard.

The rear seating area is configured to seat three passengers comfortably, with ample legroom and reclining rear seats, unique in the segment. The rear headrests have also been reshaped and enlarged for better support, and a convenient flip-down center armrest provides storage when the middle seat is not in use.

A power rear sunshade, deployable via a one-touch lever, filters direct sunlight coming through the rear window. The sunshade, which helps to protect rear seat passengers from unwanted light and heat, automatically detracts when the driver selects reverse gear.

A new instrument panel incorporates visually attractive and highly readable Optitron gauges that use graduated white illumination with white pointers. They are set inside smoked lenses and deep chrome rings that add depth and a sense of luxury.

The steering wheel includes controls for Bluetooth hands-free phones, the audio system, climate system, and the information center.

Technology-Enriched Environment
A comprehensive infusion of technology was designed into the new interior to ensure an enriched environment, with enhanced function and connectivity.

New standard equipment includes Bluetooth® hands-free phone and music streaming to the audio system from a compatible device, XM® satellite radio (subscription required), and both USB and 1/8-inch auxiliary connections for iPod® and other audio devices. Each of the three available audio systems can control iPods seamlessly using switches located on the steering wheel and display track information stored in the device.

Toyota’s latest DVD Navigation system has a newly adopted database and now has easier search and address input functionality. The Navigation system also offers new displays for road icons and points of interest, and a keyboard screen arranged in the same way as a personal computer.

The Avalon grade’s standard nine-speaker system offers exceptional sound quality, while the Limited grade features a standard 12-speaker, 660-watt JBL Premium Synthesis audio system with enhanced two-coil sub-woofer. The system uses 12 speakers and a 12-channel digital amplifier to deliver profoundly rich, full sound to all seats of the vehicle.

A rear-view monitor function is standard in the rear-view mirror or with the navigation system. The rear-view-mirror image includes on-screen back-up guides that help drivers to back into parking spots or driveways.

Performance and Efficiency Combined
Avalon’s exceptional combination of ample horsepower and excellent fuel economy offers one of the best overall dynamic performances in the large sedan segment.

The 2011 Avalon is powered by a 24-valve, dual-overhead cam 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm. The engine is equipped with the latest dual VVT-i electronic valve-control mechanism that provides a broader powerband, while requiring less fuel and generating fewer emissions. It is mated to a multi-mode six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2011 Avalon is an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV), EPA-estimated to deliver 20 mpg in the city, 29 highway, and 23 combined, as good as or better than any V6 model in the segment.

A roadworthy mix of fine ride quality and accurate driving control is delivered by the Avalon’s MacPherson strut suspension, which uses coil springs at all four corners. Rack-and-pinion steering combines with front-wheel-drive and optimized steering gear for a natural handling feel.

Simple Comforts Throughout
A dual-zone climate control system has nine air-flow modes for more precise control of interior climate, and a clean-air filter removes dust and pollen. Doors use three stop positions instead of two for easier entrance and exit. A lockable glove box has a pneumatic-door damper and inner box illumination. The front-console box has a sliding armrest that moves 4.7 inches front to rear, able to accommodate a wide range of driver positions. The elegantly stitched top is padded with a double density cushion material for softness. Inside, there is a 12-volt outlet in addition to the USB and auxiliary audio terminals.

Safety is Standard
The new Avalon’s occupant-safety strategy includes use of extensively tested energy absorbing structures, protective side impact beams and overhead structure, advanced belt systems and active front headrests as standard equipment. Avalon will also have a redesigned accelerator pedal assembly and a brake override system.

Seven airbags, including a front knee bag for the driver, and front side curtain airbags for both rows, are also standard. Toyota’s standard Star Safety System includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and TRAC traction control system. TRAC and VSC functions can be disengaged if the driver needs to free the vehicle if stuck in mud or snow.

A full-size spare and alloy wheel is standard. Each wheel has its own pressure sensor to warn if tire pressure drops, providing the driver with an early warning to find a safe place to change a tire.

Simplified Packaging
The 2011 Avalon will be available in two grades when it arrives in showrooms in the spring of 2010, Avalon and Limited. Both grades will be well equipped with standard equipment like eight-way leather-trimmed power driver’s seats, back-up camera, dual zone automatic climate control with air filtration, moonroof and 17-inch alloy wheels. Limited will have additional standard equipment, such as an eight-way passenger’s seat with lumbar support, driver’s seat cushion extension, rain-sensing wipers, Smart Key and cooled leather seats. Avalon grade can be upgraded with features like a JBL Synthesis sound system and heated front seats, while Navigation is optional for both grades.

Color and Trim
Avalon will be available in nine exterior colors including three new colors: Zephyr Blue Metallic, Cypress Pearl and Sizzling Crimson Mica. Additional colors include Cocoa Bean Metallic, Blizzard Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Black, and Sandy Beach Metallic. Avalon grade will be mated to three leather-trimmed interior colors: Ivory, Light Gray, and Black. Limited grade receives Ivory, Light Gray, and Black Bordeaux trims with accent-color trim on the vertical surfaces.

Limited Warranty
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.

The redesigned 2011 Avalon will begin arriving at Toyota dealerships nationally in spring 2010.

Credit: Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc.

Blackraven

I could see some elements of the Toyota Crown in Japan.

GFerg

SecPole14

Nice. I'd rock it, actually.

lex

Looks the same as Camry and Corolla now

speedflex

It's not going to make me want that new Maxima any less.

GFerg

Agreed, or the Taurus, Genesis, and LaCrosse.

It is a decent update, but it should be a totally new design. Grill is clearly inspired by the new Sienna minivan. Wonder what will happen to this model ofter this generation.

Threxx

The LaCrosse, Taurus and Genesis make this look ridiculous.

I too was expecting a full redesign. I sat in a 2010 Avalon at the auto show and was completely uninspired... and I kinda LIKE Avalon type cars... I mean I love the LaCrosse and Genesis.

LexFather

Interior is nice, different....however not a fan of slapping rounded bumpers on a slab sided car. This is also another new car with a huge ridiculous chrome grill.

I mean its nice but clearly not for me.

Those are all fresh redesigns, not refreshes. They also are much more important to each brand than the Avalon.

SecPole14

What is wrong with you guys?

I'd definitely take this over the LaCrosse, Taurus, or Maxima.

Genesis is in a different class and is of course superior, but that's a moot point.