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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.
Toyota Avalon: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications