Toyota’s third-generation Avalon underwent a complete redesign in 2005, and was unveiled to the public at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, it went on sale the following February. Toyota reportedly cut the Avalon’s development time down from 29.5 months to 18 months.
The new Avalon was larger than previous Avalons in every aspect, featuring less conservative more modern Calty styling, with a coefficient of drag figure of 0.29 Cd, the Avalon also became the first Toyota to use a single piece wiper blade design. For safety reasons the redesign dropped the front bench seat option, a feature once common among large American sedans such as Buicks and in order to help increase rear passenger comfort the Avalon featured a flat rear floor.
The Avalon was the first Toyota to use Dual VVT-i in the US market in an all-new 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 engine which met ULEV certification and had a power output of 280 hp (209 kW). The engine was mated to a 5-speed sequential shift automatic. Due to changes in the SAE’s testing procedures, power dropped to 268 hp (200 kW) and torque dropped to 248 lb·ft (336 N·m) for the 2006 model year. The Avalon came in four trims, a standard XL trim, a sporty Touring trim, an XLS trim and a premium Limited trim. The XL model came standard with 16″ alloy wheels, while other trims came with larger 17″ wheels. Performance oriented tires were fitted to the Touring and Limited trim.
The XL introduces standard features such as dual-climate automatic temperature control and steering wheel-mounted audio and climate controls. The Touring trim offers faux aluminum and black leather interior, a sport-tuned suspension, and a trunk lip-mounted spoiler. The XLS introduces standard cargo nets, six-disc CD changer, a power moonroof, electrochromic auto dimming rear-view and driver’s side-view mirrors, four-way passenger power seat and a HomeLink transceiver. The high-end Limited trim offers air-ventilated seats with a power driver’s seat cushion length adjuster, Toyota’s Smart Key System with keyless push-button start and entry, an acoustic windshield, rain-sensing windshield wipers, an upgraded 12-speaker JBL audio system, “in-glass” LED turn signals on the side mirrors and a wood-trimmed steering wheel and shift gear. A navigation system is optional for every trim other than the XL version. Vehicle Stability Control is optional on all trim levels. Other options include a keyless Remote Engine Start, rear window power sunshade and on Limited models a Dynamic Laser Cruise Control system. HID lighting with auto leveling was standard on Touring and Limited grades.
Post time: Aug-12-2017