Toyota says that the all-new Avalon is the "most-American vehicle they've produced to date, a claim that's difficult to dispute, as the car was styled in California, engineered in Michigan, and will be built in Kentucky. Speeding from final approval to production in a mere 18 months, the Avalon boasts more power and an improved interior. Engine output is up 33 percent over the outgoing model, with the new 3.5-liter V-6 pumping out 280 hp and making 260 lb-ft of torque. The engine will power all four available models, the base XL, mid-range Touring and XLS, and top-of-the-line Limited. A five-speed automatic transmission will transmit all that newfound oomph to sixteen- or seventeen-inch wheels swathed in Michelin rubber.

All models in the range will feature front seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags, in addition to a driver's knee airbag. Brake Assist will determine whether a driver has used the full potential of the brakes in an emergency situation; if the system determines that more braking is required, ABS will activate until the pedal is released.



The revised interior will feature reclining rear seats (up to 10 degrees), a seven-way adjustable steering column, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Prefer your Avalon a little less plain? Opt for the Limited, and some of the standard features include a JBL-sourced twelve-speaker system (optional on the Touring and XLS), power rear sunshade, heated seats, and an everybody's-got-one-now Smart Key system, whereby drivers can start the car at the push of a button while leaving their keys in a pocket. This feature also opens the trunk when the fob is waved near the rear bumper, a la Speedpass. A nav system and laser cruise control are add-ons, and pricing will be announced in February as the cars go on sale.



Outside, the Avalon is undeniably more stylish. The outgoing car looked awkward-an odd mishmash of Buick, Mercedes, and traditional Japanese design. The new car has a more uniform look with much less obvious design influences. Still, we can't help but wish we could stop describing most Toyota cars as "a little of this, a little of that." While derivative and inexpressive styling fills the company coffers, something more original and inspired, paired with the company's rock-solid engineering, would fill the soul.



http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/naias_2005/0501_toyota_avalon/

 

not feeling the exterior, grandpa will love it.

 

That is one UGLY car.

Why does Toyota know how to design a beautiful interior but cant make the car look even half way decent on the outside?????

 

Oh look, someone tried to turn the 5 series into a Toyota..........how original.

 

I think it does the "Avalon thing" quite well.

Understated and elegant, not supposed to be glitzy or extreme. I'd never consider an Avalon but it seems like the people that would, would feel right at home in this thing.

James

 

I think it's a sharp looking car that has 'leapfrogged' past the ES considering the features & new found power. I will take a closer look once they start arriving on Toyota dealer lot's. I think I'd opt for the 'Touring' model myself. I look forward to having seeing all the technical specifications. Well done Toyota!

 

I really like it. The design, inside and out, seems to smack of Infiniti...

 

Just as weird looking as the New Altima, Maxima, 7Series and 5Series so the look will grow on me and I'll like it soon enough but those are weird angle they took of it.

The Toyota problem was the current Camry was overlapping the old Avalon now the new Avalon open up that space only to make the ES330 look

 

nice interior, odd exterior

 

I like it. And more hp than an ES or GS300

 

Is that real wood? Lexus needs to put that sweet engine in the ES, RX, and GS.

 

everything's not bad, except that rear end, YUCK!

 

Buick's in trouble.

 

I like that. That interior is beautiful. the exterior leaves something to be desired, but its not that bad looking overall. Im thinking if you throw some 20's on there and drop it down a bunch, it would look WAY better. someone with photoshop skills needs to get on this...

 

why even bother with the es330?