Just an FYI...

The 05 new designed toyot avalon just was revealed in Detroit a few moments ago....would you believe the price is pretty much unchanged for 05 and with the technology and options included with their top of the line limited premium model, the price is going to be extremely competitive for a vehicle in its class to beat....almost no competitor would be able to beat it.

some tech features of the top of the line limited premium sedan:

Dynamic laser cruise control
dvd based navi system
heated ventilated seats
smart access key - keyless ignition AND REMOTE IGNITION starter as well
ABS with electronic brake force distribution
Vehicle stability control integrating traction control and brake assist
JBL synthesis autio system
HID with auto leveling
JBL synthesis audio system
280 horsppower

Premium Avalon Limited grade features a 360 watt JBL Synthesis audio system with six-disc CD changer and 12-speakers, one-touch auto-reverse power rear sunshade, driver and front passenger heated seat with fan, memory driver's seat, power driver's seat cushion length adjuster, and Smart Key System.

The 2005 Avalon Limited carries a base MSRP of $33,540.


Honestly, all that and more that i did not mention, for 33 and some change....thats a pretty dam good buy for 05.



I know many of you reading are thinking, what the hell is this guy doing talking about the AVALON?!!??!...but hey..come on guys, you gotta give credit to toyota for coming out with this vehcile equipped like this on their top of the line model for this price...

good work toyota!

 

OMG...tell me the new GS has this...
Can't believe they're giving this to a Toyota first.
So I was right...the new Avalon is not only overlapping with the ES territory but in the Limited case it is positioned ABOVE the ES! At least the ES still gets to have the ML system as an option.

I fully agree that at this level of feature set, the Avalon has no match in sight at this moment.
They'd better get the ES up to and beyond the Avalon level ASAP. The Lexus nameplate exists for a reason!!

BTW, this is probably better discussed in the Avalon thread in Car Chat instead of this GS comparo thread.

 

RIght. Fellas the Avalon thread is now updated and here.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...9&page=5&pp=15
Funny but IMO, the RL is like an Avalon with AWD. And jeez, this car is loaded, overlapping cars from most all companies with the features.

 

"Funny but IMO, the RL is like an Avalon with AWD. "

Aww, come on. Have you driven an RL? As a driver's car, the Avalon is probably the worst +$30K import sedan out there, even worse than the ES330. The RL is about a thousand times more fun to drive.

This isn't a knock on the Avalon, because that's not its purpose. It really is the ultimate Buick.

 

The Avalon can effortlessly accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in 6.6 seconds while achieving an impressive estimated EPA fuel economy mpg rating of 22 city/31 highway. In addition to being more powerful and more fuel efficient, the Avalon is targeted to be certified as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV).

Hell, if that 3.5 V6 with 280-hp and a 5-speed auto can move that big boat that fast, what'll it do with an extra gear in the auto tranny in the smaller, lighter new IS. And that's not even considering the possibilities of a manual transmission and direct injection.

Taken from a member of IS.net.

Sigh, lets get back to GS vs M35/45

 

Fine, the Avalon has great straight-line performance. That says nothing about the handling and driving characteristics, and the car can't touch the RL in that department.

It's also funny then by that logic, since the GS AWD is nothing but an Avalon with AWD, with poorer straightline performance to boot.

Back to M/RL/GS.

 

Cool, this is all we have about the GS hybrid

 

Guys...i cant believe it...


I confirmed with my uncle who works at new car sales for a toyota dealership....

the fully loaded limited premium Avalon for 05 has REMOTE IGNITION!

i couldnt believe toyota was throwing this in for the price (33K and some change)

He said he has more than 40 orders alone for the vehicle himself...i called other dealerships..would you believe - they actuall have A LIST going. Like the new M, GS, they have a LIST for this vehicle....


THE GS BETTER HAVE REMOTE IGNITION OR I WILL BE SO PISSED!!!! HOW CAN THEY DO THIS WITH A TOYOTA AND NOT A LEXUS?!?!?!?!!?


Flip...u have any inside, bro?

 

Remote ignition? I know of a keyless push start ignition w/the smart card but never heard of a "remote ignition".

 

Oh yeah...the push button keyless ignintion..i know of that already...the new M, the new GS, the avalon and i believe some other new vehicles are going to have it....

but the new 05 avalon has a smart access card just like the GS...with smart access entry...same functionality in entry and ignintion as the gs...BUT IT ALSO....has REMOTE FOB ignintion....

meaning the fob unit that comes with the avalon - it has a button for ignition on that fob as well! So you can actually start the vehicle from the fob unit, when you are within a certain feet of the vehicles sensors....


i did not believe it until i read a press release ont hat today right after the unveling of the new avalon...


take a look bro....

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2...10/000209.html


(Read the second to last paragraph)



http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050110/lam072_1.html

this link has pricing...



flip - what do u think? remote ignition for the GS a surprise that is untold yet?????????????????????????

 

So the engine has to be restarted...

"8. Remote Engine Starter

a. optional all models; port or dealer installable

1) supplier = Fujitsu-Ten

b. permits remote starting of vehicle using key-fob or Smart Key remote

1) works from 80 to 120’ from car

c. pre-heat or pre-cool interior for driver comfort

d. operation

1) to pre-start the car:

a) press lock button on remote,

b) press lock again w/in 2 sec.,

c) hold lock for 3 sec.

d) Engine will start, hazard will flash for 20 sec., HVAC will resume with last settings

e. to prevent unauthorized or unintended driving away, engine will shut off when:

1) unlock or open any door or engine hood

2) key inserted into Ignition lock cylinder

3) unlock command rec’d from remote,
or lock button held for 3 sec.

4) brake pedal depressed

5) shift lever moved out of park

f. other signals to shut off engine:

1) alarm system is triggered

2) 10 minutes elapse since starting

3) engine temp exceeds preset value

g. when ready to enter vehicle & drive, engine must be restarted"

http://www.tundrasolutions.com/deale...s/2005-Avalon/

 

"If the RES is used to start the car, the engine will shut off automatically for safety purposes when the vehicle is unlocked, after the doors are opened, when the key is inserted into the ignition lock cylinder, if the brake pedal is depressed, if the hood is opened, or if the shift lever is moved out of the "park" position. The vehicle must be restarted to drive away."

Would be nice if there's a way circumvent this "safety feature".

 

wow, i can't believe the avalon has this and the GS doesn't. I don't think there are any more "untold" features for the GS.

 

So is a lawn tractor. I've driven the current Avalon and it's got more roll than a kayak.

True enough. Looks like the new one is great for the blue hair set.

Anyway, back to the GS/M/RL comparisons...

I saw on CNBC a glimpse of the new GS in motion from the FRONT and it looked smaller than the pictures I've seen on here imply. That's GOOD in my book. The front looked shorter and aggressively curved downward, which is good.

Much more for all of us junkies soon I'm sure.

 

Hey guys....

I dont know if anyione has a thread for general cars or not.....but after seeing this car - my jaw hit the floor...

I think it is by far one of the best designed cars i have EVER seen - for a sedan..

the new mercedes CLS 4 door coupe....

im going to be honest...if i had 30K extra to spend....I would drop the new GS in a heartbeat and get that car instead...

but i think the car is over priced too.

Its MSRP will be between 65-75K...way over my budget,

I think after considering everything...the new GS300 will be a FANTASTIC value for what they give you and the styling and performace and features....and above all - PRICE.