The 2011 Toyota Avalon facelift was unveiled today at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show.
Just as you would expect with any facelift model, the 2011 Toyota Avalon has been further improved both inside and out and also received a number of extra features included as standard, like the Bluetooth hands-free phone, XM
satellite radio, USB and iPod connector and the rear-view mirror monitor function.
Powering the 2011 Toyota Avalon facelift is a 24-valve, dual-overhead cam
3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 HP and drives the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox. With an estimated fuel consumption figure of 23 mpg in a combined cycle the 2011 Toyota Avalon facelift is an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV).
The 2011 Toyota Avalon facelift price was not announced.
Toyota press release :
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.
