The new RL isn't THAT bad It'll cost much more than the Avalon though.

 

The new direct injection V-6 has been developed specifically for Lexus, RWD vehicles and will come in 2.5L, 3.0L and 3.5L variants, ranging from 210HP up to nearly 300HP. Toyota's new 3.5L V-6 is geared specifically for application in FWD/AWD Toyotas and Lexuses. This will be the only engine availble in the Avalon, but expect it to be the V6 for:
-2007 Highlander V-6 ( A 4cylinder will still be available)
-2007 Camry SE V6 (expect the LE and XLE to use the 3.3L V6 [230HP] and the SE to use the new 3.5L V6 [255-265HP]. The next SE will also probably offer AWD, along with the Avalon.
-2007 Lexus ES350 (new model)
-2008 Solara V6 (a 4cylinder will still be offered)
-2007 RX350 (refresh)

Something to consider though: Toyota has been working with the state of Kentucky to get a tax break to "retool" their Georgetown plant in order to produce an unspecified number of RWD vehicles (no, I'm not kidding you). If this plan does go into affect, expect the next Avalon (after the car pictured here, so we're looking at 2010 or 2011, next Solara, ES, and RX (2007-2008) to switch to a new RWD platform. It's just speculation at this point, but it is possible. The Highlander, Sienna and Camry would continue to use the camry platform, and the RX, ES, Solara and Avalon would switch to the RWD platform.

-Michael-

 

What about the new GS3 ? From the thread in the GS forum by Longo Lexus, it's going to be a GS300, even the ES is 330 now Are you going to line up to put a deposit on the new GS300 which is suppose to be more sporty ?

 

I'm with you!

-Donald

P.S. I would even take this car over my GS.

 

this new 3.5L V6 will apparently be introduced along with a 2.5L V6....both engines will be in the "IS300" (which won't be 300 anymore)....basically no more inline engine for that model (the IS i mean). I think the 3.5L is going to be a replacement motor for the GS300 too.

 

Too much speculation and hype and not enough facts and evidence of anything.

I'll just wait until they come out in person to make my comments.

-Anthony

 

Wow. Good stuff.

 

Well, that is one of the RLs problems. No panache, no identity, pretty much =blah. THe new RL has the driving dynamics with SH-AWD and is loaded but not overly luxurious and the styling while in-offensive could be the new Avalon. I don't see the 2 buyers cross-shopping though. One is 30k one is 45k in price.

What is scary is if Toyota does make this Avalon a baby LS, it is going to be very, very luxurious.

 

THe RL will cost more so it really won't be in the same category. Also, the RL has 20 more HP plus the new SH-AWD wich sounds like it could make the car handle very well considering its size. The new Avalon I'm sure will do well in the elder market as there is no great cars in that category right now.

 

so it might be the real production avalon that we might see in 2005. interesting!

just bring the crown over here.

 

This is one of the most interesting thing I've heard in a while...Raises a lot of questions...Hmm, I'll have to think about this for a bit...

 

Hmmmm...this was posted on another site. This is what it might look like, but if you look closely, the lower bumper is a little bit different than the spy pic. But everything else is just about right. Basically the same car with very little differences. This car is just beautiful. So elegent.




O I think this is a Crown Majesta or something like that.

 

Nice Bangle butt though.

 

I don't think it looks too bad at all, a BIG improvement over the current one (we get an old school looking thing here in Australia )

I still wish this was brought into the country though.

 

Seems to look pretty nice...I take it, its still FWD?