Avalon redesign aims to bring it back to the top of the class
It all began this year when Toyota began hinting plans to
reveal a new vehicle at the New York Auto Show (Read at: http://newtoyotanews.blogspot.com/2012/03/toyota-to-debut-new-sedan.html).
After much hoopla, Toyota revealed that the new sedan would come in the form of
a new and improved version of the 2013 Toyota Avalon. The redesigned Avalon
raised the bar on its predecessors with new styling and the introduction of the
first full-hybrid in the segment.
What’s New?
So what’s new with the 2013 Avalon? Simply put, the new 2013
Toyota Avalon is shorter, lower, and less wide than previous models, and it
features a brand new design created here in America, and featuring a smooth,
sleek shape with muscular lines as well as a sporting profile. In addition to
being designed in the U.S., the new Avalon is also assembled in the USA, at the
Toyota Manufacturing Plant in Georgetown, Kentucky.
Under the Hood
Under the hood, the standard Avalon has seen enhanced
capability and fuel economy. Toyota’s go to engine, the 3.5-liter V6, now comes
matched to a more responsive, and efficient, six-speed automatic transaxle.
This all-aluminum engine is able to produce 268 HP, which allows the Avalon to go
from 0 to 60 mph in less than seven seconds.
The 2013 model also sees the addition of three driver-selectable
powertrain modes: “ECO,” “NORMAL” and “SPORT”.
In SPORT mode, the new Avalon sees an increase in its
acceleration response, as well as enhanced steering feel. ECO mode maximizes the
Avalon’s fuel efficiency by altering its throttle response and reducing the
energy used by the air-condition system, allowing the Avalon to achieve an
impressive 31 mpg highway estimate from the EPA. The 2013 Toyota Avalon has a city
fuel efficiency rating of 21 mpg.
Looking to save money
on the pump?
Looking for the best possible fuel economy? Then the
all-new, segment-first full-hybrid Avalon is the way to go. Award-winning
Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive combines with the Avalon Hybrid’s reduced weight
and more aerodynamic shape to deliver an EPA-estimated 39 mpg highway and 40
mpg city. The Avalon Hybrid features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with a
nickel-metal hydride battery pack. There is also a pair of electric
motor/generators within the transaxle.
The system has a total power output of
200 hp and has three separate driving modes: “EV,” “ECO” and “SPORT.”
EV mode
allows the Avalon to travel on pure electric energy for up to one mile at
speeds up to 25 mph. This is especially useful for traveling through parking
lots and residential areas. ECO mode uses the gasoline motor, but adjusts
throttle response and climate control to help improve fuel economy. Sport mode,
designed to take advantage of the dynamic characteristics of the Avalon, alters
engine throttle and enhances steering feel.
Safety
The Avalon comes with the Toyota Star Safety System™ and is
standard equipped with Toyota Care. The Star Safety System includes a very
impressive array of safety features including: Traction Control and Vehicle
Stability Control combined with advanced airbags. Anti-lock brakes, Electronic
Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist and Smart Stop brake override technology
are also included in the Star Safety System. While Star Safety protects you,
the Toyota Care complimentary maintenance program provides free factory scheduled
maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles.
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