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Flat floor in rear passenger space

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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.

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TOYOTA STAGES WORLD PREMIERE OF ALL-NEW AVALON FLAGSHIP SEDAN AT 2005 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW


DETROIT, Jan. 10, 2005 - - The all-new completely restyled 2005 Avalon full-size sedan made its world premiere at a press conference today at the 2005 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The Avalon arrives in showrooms this February, with a larger and more luxurious interior and improved performance.
“The all-new Avalon is distinctive, stylish and the ‘most-American’ vehicle of any Toyota product to date,” said Don Esmond, Toyota Division senior vice president and general manager. “More luxurious and refined, the redesigned Avalon is truly a flagship vehicle offering advanced technology and an understated elegance.”
Avalon, which first launched in 1995, is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown, Ky., styled at Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, Calif., and developed by U.S.-based Toyota Technical Centers. The new Avalon went from final styling approval to production, in a mere 18 months, the quickest development time of any North American-produced Toyota. The short development time allowed Toyota to provide additional standard content at a better value.
The Avalon is offered in four grades, the standard XL grade, the sporty Touring grade, the well-equipped XLS and the top-of-the-line Limited.

New, More Contemporary Styling
The Avalon is distinguished by a sleek grille with chrome accented horizontal bars and subtle new character lines defining a more contemporary profile. The new lower intake valence houses fog lamps on the Touring, XLS and Limited models.



From the rear, Avalon is identified by large tail lamps and an elegantly sculptured trunk. Dual rear exhaust outlets offer a sporty new touch to Avalon’s substantially larger exterior dimensions. With a four-inch longer wheelbase and overall width expanded by one-inch, the new Avalon exudes a powerful stance.
The more elegant exterior appearance of the Avalon is complemented by an all-new interior. New amenities include a seven-way adjustable steering column to provide drivers the option of various vertical and telescopic adjustments as well as a sliding armrest for optimal driving comfort. Rear passengers also benefit from a flat rear floor that provides additional leg room and comfort, especially for the middle seat passenger. Rear passengers also enjoy reclining seats up to 10-degrees using a lever on either side of the seat.

New V6 Engine
All grades are powered by an all-new 3.5-liter, 24 valve, V6 engine matched to a five-speed sequential shift automatic transmission. A sequential shift feature allows the driver to enjoy a more involved driving experience by controlling gearshifts manually, when desired. Equipped with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), and a dual-stage variable intake manifold, the new V6 produces an impressive 280 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque -- a performance improvement in horsepower of more than 33 percent over the previous generation. This engine is the most powerful V6 ever offered by Toyota in its U.S. model line-up.
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).
Toyota developed many technological improvements specifically for this engine, including the introduction of a unique new roller rocker concave cam profile that provides faster opening and later closing of the valves which is a key contributor to Avalon’s power increase. In addition, the dual VVT-i system optimizes intake and exhaust valve timing to increase high-speed torque, ultimately improving fuel economy.

Ride and Comfort
Responsive handling contributes to Avalon’s engaging drive, yet ride quality remains a benchmark of smoothness. While the XL model features 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels are standard on the Touring, XLS and Limited grades. Michelin Energy MXV4 P215/55 R17 tires were designed exclusively for the Avalon Touring and Limited models for improved control, responsive steering and sharpened handling.
The Touring model features a more firmly tuned suspension and higher coil spring rates. The Touring grade wheels also feature a graphite finish.
Engineers optimized the exterior design of the Avalon for minimal wind noise and reduced cabin noise and vibration by refining the shape of the A-pillar and side mirrors and lowering the position of its aerodynamic windshield wipers. In addition, the Limited model offers a specially designed acoustic windshield.

New Exterior Features
The Avalon brings several “firsts” to the Toyota lineup. Side mirrors on the Limited grade feature Toyota’s first “in-glass” LED turn signal, and a LED puddle lamp that illuminates the area along the side of the car when passengers approach the vehicle. The Limited grade also features side mirror memory.
Toyota’s first low-profile wiper blade was uniquely developed for the Avalon. The wiper blade’s aerodynamic, low-profile and lower sectional height results in efficient wiping and reduced wind noise. The one-piece blade assembly contributes to the reduction of frozen blades.
Compared to the previous generation Avalon, new high performance halogen headlamps light the road with a longer and wider beam and are standard on XL and XLS grades. Touring and Limited grades feature high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with dynamic auto leveling for improved visibility, while reducing glare for oncoming traffic.


Safety
The front seat-mounted side airbags have been redesigned to provide a greater coverage area, and the body structure has been strengthened to help meet the latest side impact standards. Front and rear side-curtain airbags help provide protection in certain types of severe side impacts. The Avalon also features a driver’s knee airbag as standard equipment.
The standard anti-lock brake system (ABS) can help the driver maintain steering control during sudden stops by preventing brake lock-up. Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) optimizes braking pressure at each wheel to help minimize body dive or sway during hard braking and cornering, and the Brake Assist (BA) system can help the driver take full advantage of the ABS in emergency situations. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking and, if the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to activate the ABS, it applies maximum braking pressure until pedal pressure is released.
Available Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) helps control side skids under demanding conditions by detecting and helping to correct loss of lateral traction during cornering. The VSC system integrates traction control (TRAC) to help limit rear wheel spin on slippery road surfaces.

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Avalon Amenities
Excellent fit-and-finish is apparent throughout the vehicle and contributes to Avalon’s luxurious comfort. Standard comfort and convenience features on the XL grade includes a premium AM/FM/cassette/CD stereo system with nine speakers, dual-zone automatic climate control with air filtration, remote keyless entry, power door locks with anti-lockout feature, power windows with driver and passenger auto up/down with jam protection and retained power, and fabric multi-adjustable power front bucket seats with center console storage area.
Other standard features include optitron meters with chrome accents, maintenance indicator light, steering wheel mounted audio and climate controls, multi-function information display with audio, climate control, temperature and trip computer, cruise control, engine immobilizer, and tilt and telescopic steering column.


In addition to the standard features of the XL, the Touring grade is equipped with leather-trimmed seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and aluminum door scuff plates.
Also adding to the XL standard features, the XLS grade includes power moonroof, four-way adjustable power passenger seat, in-dash six-disc CD changer, dual heated outside mirrors with auto-dimming electrochromic driver’s side, auto-dimming electrochromic rearview mirror with compass, aluminum door scuff plates and anti-theft system.
The top of the line Limited grade adds to the XLS features with a 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 Limited grade caters to driver comfort. The front of the driver’s seat cushion length is power adjustable, resulting in improved support and a better fit between the seat surface and thigh. Not only are the driver and front passenger seats heated, but they also feature a fan in the seat cushion and seat back that blows air through the perforated leather trim to improve driver and front passenger comfort.
The Smart Key System provides convenience and enhanced security for the Limited model. With the Smart Key System, an on-board sensor recognizes the signal from a light and compact key fob when it is in close proximity, turning on the puddle lamps and interior dome lamp and unlocking the doors when touched. Once the Smart Key System is engaged, the system allows the driver to start the engine by pushing the power switch. The driver can also position the key close to the power switch and push the switch to start the engine. Smart Key users do not have a conventional key to start the engine. The Smart Key System also allows drivers to open the trunk when the key fob is near the rear bumper.

Options
The Avalon offers additional convenience features to further enhance comfort and luxury. Options available on XL and Touring grades include an in-dash six-disc CD changer, power moonroof, and anti-theft system. A 360-watt maximum output JBL Synthesis audio system with six-disc CD changer and 12 speakers is offered on Touring and XLS models. VSC and TRAC plus BA are available on XLS and Limited models. Limited models also offer Dynamic Laser Cruise Control.
Both driver and passengers can plot a course with the available navigation system using an eight-way switch and scroll lever. The navigation controls have surface emitting illumination and hide away above the gated shifter. Maps, climate and select audio controls are shown on the seven-inch active matrix color display located beneath the center air vents.
The Dynamic Laser Cruise Control system detects slower vehicles traveling ahead and decreases speed accordingly, and maintains a pre-selected distance between the preceding vehicle. Finally, the Dynamic Laser Cruise Control detects when the preceding vehicle changes driving lanes and increases the car to a pre-set speed.
The Remote Engine Starter (RES) is new to the Toyota brand and available on all Avalon grades equipped with the factory alarm system as a port- or dealer-installed option. Drivers may start the engine from a remote location by depressing a button on the key fob. After the engine has started, the climate control system will use the most recent settings to pre-heat the cabin on cold days or cool it down when the outside temperature is high. 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.
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60 months/60,000 miles and corrosion perforation for 60 months with no mileage limitation.

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2005 AVALON PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS




ENGINE
Type 3.5-liter, 24-valve DOHC with Dual VVT-i V6
Bore and Stroke 3.70 x 3.27 inches
Displacement 3,456 cc
Compression Ratio 10.8:1
Valve Train 4-valve DOHC roller rocker
Horsepower (SAE) 280 hp @ 6,200 rpm*
Torque 260 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm*
Ignition System Toyota Direct Ignition (TDI)
Fuel System EFI
Recommended Fuel 91-octane unleaded
Emission Control ULEV
POWERTRAIN
Drive System Type Transaxle/Front-wheel drive
Ratios 5-speed ECT-i automatic1st 4.2352nd 2.3603rd 1.5174th 1.0475th 0.756Reverse 3.378Differential Ratio 3.080
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson strut suspension with stabilizer bar
Rear Dual link MacPherson strut suspension with stabilizer bar
Stabilizer Bar Diameter (front/rear) 0.94/0.59 inches

*






BRAKES
Front Ventilated disc
Front Diameter 11.7 inches
Front Swept Area 248.6 square inches
Rear Solid disc
Rear Diameter 10.9 inches
Rear Swept Area 160.0 square inches
Parking Foot applied pedal
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Standard
STEERING
Type Power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Ratio 16.1:1
Turns (lock to lock) 3.22 turns
Turning circle 36.9 feet
TIRES AND WHEELS
XL Touring XLS Limited
Wheel size 6.5 x 16 inches 7.0 x 17 inches 7.0 x 17 inches 7.0 x 17 inches
Type and Material 7 spoke aluminum 8 spoke aluminum 8 spoke aluminum 9 spoke aluminum
Tire Size P215/60 R16 P215/55 R17 P215/55 R17 P215/55 R17
Tire Type All-season All-season All-season All-season
Spare Full-size Full-size Full-size Full-size









CAPACITIES
Engine Oil 6.5 quarts
Fuel Tank 18.5 gallons
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS (inches)
Wheelbase 111.0
Overall Length 197.2
Overall Width 72.8
Overall Height 58.5
Tread (front/rear) 62.2/61.6
Minimum Ground Clearance 5.3
Coefficient of Drag 0.291
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS (inches)
Headroom (front/rear) 38.8/37.5
Legroom (front/rear) 41.3/40.9
Shoulder Room (front/rear) 59.4/58.2
Hip Room (front/rear) 55.8/56.2
EPA Passenger Volume 106.9 cubic feet
EPA Cargo Volume 14.4 cubic feet
EPA Class Large
EPA ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY (mpg)
22 City/31 Highway












VEHICLE MASS (lbs)
Curb Weight XL: 3,490 lbs.Touring: 3,545 lbs.XLS: 3,560 lbs.Limited: 3,600 lbs.
Maximum Trailer Weight 1,000 lbs.
SAFETY FEATURES
Driver and front passenger advanced airbags
Driver and front passenger side airbags
Front and rear seat side curtain airbags
Driver’s knee airbag
Three-point seatbelts with adjustable shoulder anchors for driver and front passenger, driver-side ELR, front passenger ALR/ELR
Three-point seatbelts with ALR/ELR for all rear passengers
Front and rear crumple zones and side-impact door beams
Child-protector rear door locks
Child Restraint System (CRS) rear-seat lower anchors (in outboard positions) and tether anchor brackets (for all rear positions)
Internal trunk-release handle
Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
ABS with EBD and available VSC with TRAC and BA
BASIC LIMITED WARRANTY COVERAGE
3-year/36,000-mile Comprehensive
5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain
5-year/unlimited-mileage Corrosion Perforation

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Any mention of the Avalon brings with it a trite, reflexive description of it as “Toyota’s Buick.” If I were above that sort of thing, I wouldn’t have brought it up. So I’m a hack. Sue me. But the new 2005 Avalon isn’t really Toyota’s version of a Buick at all… it’s more like Toyota one-upping Lexus.

By the end of this article, in methodical Perry Mason fashion, I will convince you, the jury, that the new Avalon makes the Lexus ES330 wholly redundant. And that it’s Toyota itself that did the killing!

Not that all new, but better

If any parts carryover from the previous Avalon to this new one, Toyota isn’t trumpeting that fact. But in general layout it’s still a front-drive sedan with a V6 and an automatic transmission; it still uses a MacPherson strut suspension up front and another set of struts in the back; and the basic structure is still unibody, derived (at least distantly) from the Camry.

Just about every detail has been tweaked however. And the most impressive of those details is the drivetrain.

The engine is a new 3.5-liter, DOHC, 24-valve, all-aluminum V-6 that produces a thick 280-horsepower according to Toyota thanks to “VVT-i” variable valve-timing on both the exhaust and intake sides, and a dual-stage variable manifold. Codenamed 2GR-FE, the Avalon’s engine isn’t merely Toyota’s ubiquitous 3.3-liter V-6 punched out to 3.5-liters but an advanced version of the 1GR-FE 4.0-liter V-6 used in the 4Runner, Tacoma, and Tundra with 12-millimeters of stroke knocked off its crank. It’s also the most powerful V-6 Toyota has ever shoved under one of its car’s hoods — though the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six used in the 1997 Supra Turbo is still Toyota’s most powerful six ever at 320-horsepower.

Matched to the new V-6 is a five-speed automatic transaxle featuring extensive electronic controls including variable torque converter control and a sequential sport mode — its shifts can only be detected by trained technicians using advanced magnetic resonance imaging.

The Avalon is a big car that weighs in between 3490 and 3600 pounds depending on trim level, so its so-so 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway EPA mileage ratings are reasonable. In fact those mileage ratings are up one mpg each from the Lexus ES330’s.

The engine is spooky smooth, velvety in its power delivery, and dang near silent in operation while the transmission’s ratios seem perfectly chosen. If Toyota had bought up the planet’s dwindling supply of 1980 Oldsmobile Omegas and planted this sweet-natured drivetrain into those rusting hulks it could probably… ah forget it, that joke was going nowhere. This is simply the most powerful, quietest and smoothest drivetrain Toyota has ever installed in a front-drive automobile and clearly superior to that in other “near luxury” machines. The Acura TL’s 270-horsepower, 3.2-liter VTEC V6 and five-speed automatic may be more eager to romp on a back road, but the Avalon isn’t built for people who “romp.” And the Lexus ES330’s 3.3-liter V-6 isn’t quite as well-mannered and, at 225-horspower, nowhere near as powerful.

Is Bigger Always Better?

Almost invariably (the 2005 Corvette is a notable exception) cars tend to bloat in size with each succeeding generation. The new Avalon is no exception. The 2005 model’s 111.0-inch wheelbase and 197.2-inch overall length are respectively up 3.9- and 5.3-inches from the just-superseded generation. Fortunately that also pays off with interior room and every significant dimension except front legroom (which is still well beyond adequate) is up at least fractionally. Rear legroom is particularly generous. However cargo volume drops 1.5-cubic feet for some reason and that’s just mystifying.

While the previous two generations of Avalons were among the boxiest sedans conceivable, the new one actually looks somewhat sleek. The new Avalon was styled in Newport Beach, California but carries forward most of the generic Toyota design elements including the thick C-pillars seen on the Corolla and Camry. It’s a handsome car even if it’s not particularly memorable — more Lyle Waggoner than Robert Redford.

Those same Toyota themes carry forward inside the cabin as well. The switches and controls all have that familiar Toyota look and feel and the decoration is restrained. However there are clever touches like the controller for the optional navigation system that emerges from its nest under the sound system when its needed and snuggles back in when its not.

All the instrumentation is easy to find, easy to read and lit in “Optitron” glory. The seats aren’t aggressively bolstered, but they are extremely comfortable. Beyond the required front two-stage airbags, the Avalon comes side curtain airbags for both the front and rear occupants plus side airbags for the front passengers. Any more airbags and the Avalon could be used as a flotation device.

New Avalons come in XL (well-equipped with cloth upholstery), XLS (the XL with a nav system, moonroof, six-disc CD changer, and leather), Touring (a sportier suspension, deck spoiler, and HID headlights) and Limited (loaded, including a wood and leather steering wheel) trim levels. None of their cabin decoration can be described as sparse, but all the petrochemical forest products on display in the line-topping Limited are distracting. The most tasteful Avalon interior is the Touring model that includes leather wrappings around the shift knob, steering wheel, and seats but is otherwise subdued.

Whatever the trim level, the Avalon interior is at least as nice as the ES330’s and the Limited (which includes a “Smart Key System” which allows the car to be started when the key is merely in the driver’s pocket) is even more comprehensively equipped. And the Avalon offers something you can’t get on the ES330 — more room.

Drives Like A Toyota

The Avalon is a machine built more for comfort than speed. The driving environment is sort of like sitting in front of the best stereo system sold at Circuit City; there are lots of knobs and dials to play with if you like, but you’re probably best off just trusting what the engineers built into the system at the factory in the first place. This is a car that handles the details better than you could yourself.

The floor-mounted shifter has a distinct Mercedes-like gate that takes some intentional thought to navigate even though it’s really just an electronic switch mechanism rather and not mechanically connected to the transaxle. Leave the shifting up to the transmission however and the car accelerates with both dignity and verve; this is a quick car but not a boastful one.

While the XL comes on 16-inch wheels, the other three models all use 17s with P215/55R17 all-season Michelins to connect with the pavement. The tires aren’t loud, but they’re not overly sticky either and the cornering limits on even the stiffer Touring model are modest. The rack-and-pinion steering isn’t particularly quick, but there’s more feel and feedback on this new car than the old one. It’s not really sporty steering as much as it is willing to admit that it’s attached to a car that’s moving.

Like the front-driver that it is, when the Avalon reaches its limits it transitions into understeer. But it doesn’t do so dramatically and with the optional Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), and electronic Brake Assist (BA) aboard it’s tough to get into trouble with an Avalon unless you actually aim it at some object and don’t reflexively hit the brakes.

The Avalon ultimately drives a lot like, well, a Lexus ES330… only bigger and more powerful.

Assembled at the same Georgetown, Kentucky plant that churns out the Camry, there’s nothing exotic about the Avalon in any way. This is more engaging car than the previous Avalon, but it’s not a car that feels wedded to a driver’s soul like a BMW 3-Series. But soul mates can drift apart, while relationships built on rational and reasonable expectations are more likely to endure.

Those reasonable expectations start with the Avalon XL’s keen base price of $26,350 with the Touring at $28,600, XLS at $30,800 and the Limited at $33,540. That’s not cheap, but perfectly in line with the performance, comfort, and utility of the Avalon.

So the Avalon drives at least as nicely as the Lexus ES330, has more room, is more powerful, gets better fuel mileage, and can be equipped just as lavishly. And yet the Lexus carries a $31,975 base price that’s more than any Avalon except the Limited? That makes no sense. Because the Avalon isn’t just a better car than the ES330, it’s a better Lexus.

2005 Toyota Avalon

Base Price: $26,350 (XL) to $33,540 (Limited)

Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 280 hp/260 lb-ft

Transmission: Five-speed automatic, front-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 111.0 in

Length x width x height: 197.2 in x 72.8 in x 58.5 in

Curb Weight: 3490 lb (XL) – 3600 lb (Limited)

Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): 22/30

Safety features: Front and side dual-stage airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, pre-tensioning seat belts, anti-lock brakes

Major standard features: Cruise control; AM/FM/CD player; trip computer; power windows; mirrors; and locks; dual-zone automatic climate control; remote keyless entry.

Warranty: Three years/ 36,000 miles

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