Avalon: A Star is Reborn
It’s elegant, but energetic. Refined, but athletic. Venerable, but vibrant.
It’s the all-new 2013 Avalon, which debuted today at the New York International Auto Show and will go on sale later this year.
Avalon embodies Toyota’s commitment to developing more emotional and passionate vehicles. The car also marks the beginning of a new era for vehicle development in America for the American market.
Avalon was designed at Calty Design Research studios in California and Michigan. It was engineered primarily at the Toyota Technical Center in Michigan. And it will be assembled in Kentucky.
Guiding Avalon’s rebirth was a youthful design and engineering team that included members of Gen Y. They created a premium midsize sedan that should attract younger buyers looking for style, technology, performance, comfort, safety and value.
Avalon has been engineered to provide dynamic driving performance. A long 111-inch wheelbase and a revised suspension design help improve ride quality. The chassis, steering and unibody are designed to offer agile handling and responsive steering. In addition to Normal and Eco modes, the car offers a Sport mode for a sportier steering feel and a more aggressive throttle response.Avalon’s appearance is as athletic as its performance. The sedan features a sleek silhouette with a spacious and well-appointed cabin. In front, a slimmer upper grille and a large, exotic lower grille convey a bold image. Unconventional dual square projector lamps provide a high-tech touch.
At the rear of the car, corner-wrapping tail lamps are integrated with a chrome garnish, imparting an aggressive appearance. An integrated rear deck spoiler and dual exhaust solidify the formidable but luxurious look.
Inside the cabin, there’s a sensation of spaciousness, with improved headroom in the front and ample legroom in the back. Acoustic glass and other sound-absorbing materials minimize noise. Supple leather is available for the steering wheel, shift knob and seats.For the first time, sewing machines are being used to create tailor-made stitching on the instrument panel for an upscale look and feel. The floating panel offers touch controls in brushed metal finish for climate control and audio. The center console includes a convenient area for storage and charging of electronic handheld devices. The elegant environment can be illuminated with available push-button-controlled soft white ambient lighting.
Standard safety features include 10 airbags and a rearview monitor. Also available are a Blind Spot Monitor, a Pre-collision System and a new Rear Cross Traffic Alert system designed to alert drivers to cross traffic when they’re backing up.
Aggressive, but vigilant. Exuberant, but exquisite. The new Avalon is a contemporary classic.
By Susan Pack