The post First-Ever All-Wheel Drive and XSE Nightshade Edition Highlight Changes for 2021 Toyota Avalon appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>It would look exactly like the 2021 Toyota Avalon. The Avalon line offers all of those variants in a striking, coupe-inspired design with cavernous interior room, coddling luxury, and Toyota Safety Sense driver-assist technology with automatic emergency braking.
Toyota introduced the fifth-generation Avalon for 2019 and continues pushing the boundaries on this flagship sedan. The first-ever Avalon TRD performance model debuted for 2020 for drivers who want more aggressive road grip and arresting style. Now, for 2021, Avalon’s first-ever all-wheel drive option arrives for drivers who want more grip and driving confidence in slippery driving conditions.
In the Avalon Hybrid, which recently accounts for about a third of Avalon sales, a new Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack replaces the previous Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery. In addition, a new Vehicle Approach Noise system helps to alert pedestrians of the car’s presence at low speeds. The Avalon Hybrid achieves a remarkable manufacturer-projected EPA-estimated range rating of 44 combined MPG.
The 2021 Avalon also joins a growing list of Toyota models that offer a Nightshade Edition, a kind of factory custom without the custom price. No other sedan in Avalon’s class offers such a wide range of choices.
The 10 Avalon variations for 2021 include:
Since the model was launched 26 years ago, the Toyota Avalon deftly balances premium midsize value with genuine luxury. The current Avalon mixes a bevy of Toyota-firsts such as available Dynamic Auxiliary Turn Signals and aluminum and authentic Yamaha wood cabin accents.
Athletic handling imbues the Avalon with a sporty demeanor while preserving its luxury feel. This combination is made especially vivid with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), standard on the Touring grade model.
Going for A Custom Look
For the Avalon’s fifth generation design, Toyota steered its flagship sedan down a more emotional road, with taut lines and a sleek, coupe-like silhouette made possible by the low-slung TNGA platform architecture. Compelling colors bring out the design’s natural yet sophisticated drama.
For the Avalon TRD performance model, a two-tone paint option features a black roof paired with either the Windchill Pearl or new Ice Edge body colors. Ice Edge replaces Supersonic Red, which now becomes available for the other Avalon grades. Midnight Black Metallic continues as a third choice for the 2021 Avalon TRD.
Elsewhere in the Avalon line, the new Blueprint color replaces Parisian Night Pearl. Colors continuing for 2021 include Opulent Amber, Harbor Gray Metallic, Celestial Silver Metallic, and Ruby Flare Pearl. New interior colors include Cognac with Black in the XSE Hybrid and Touring, and, in the Limited, Black replaces Beige.
Avalon drivers seeking a more extroverted look will find it in the new-for-2021 XSE Nightshade Edition based on the sporty 2020 XSE grade. To the XSE black grille, mirror caps, rear spoiler and name badges, the 2021 XSE Nightshade Edition adds black-painted 19-inch alloy wheels, black window trim and door handles and a black shark fin antenna. The Avalon XSE Nightshade is available in conjunction with the Midnight Black Metallic, Wind Chill Pearl and Celestial Silver Metallic exterior colors.
Avalon All-Wheel Drive Gets A Grip on Slippery Conditions
The 2021 Avalon debuts the first all-wheel drive option in the model’s history, and Toyota estimates that it will account for 20 percent of Avalon sales. Available as a standalone option on the XLE and Limited grades, Dynamic Torque Control AWD is combined with the 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine and teamed with an eight-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission. This powertrain, with dual exhausts, produces 205 hp.
Dynamic Torque Control AWD provides effective traction for inclement and slippery weather while minimizing AWD’s typical drag on fuel economy. The system can direct up to 50 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels in response to acceleration from a start or slippage at the front wheels.
When AWD isn’t needed, the electromagnetically controlled coupling on the rear drive axle can disengage the propeller shaft to prioritize fuel efficiency. The AWD is designed to re-engage in an instant when needed, with operation that is transparent to the driver and passengers.
Fuel economy for the Avalon AWD is exemplary, with manufacturer projected EPA-estimated range rating of 25 city / 34 highway / 28 combined MPG. Suspension tuning, wheels, and tires that differentiate the FWD Avalon model grades carry over to the AWD versions. Critically, the addition of AWD does not affect Avalon’s passenger space, trunk room, ride comfort, cabin quietness, or agility.
The XLE AWD adds a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, which is already standard on Limited. The Avalon AWD is a North America-only model developed in the U.S. and is assembled exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky.
TRD: Racy Personality for the Road
TRD, short for Toyota Racing Development, first made its name in off-road truck racing and then also amassed a long string of victories and championships in rallying, IMSA GTO and GTP road racing, NASCAR, and NHRA Funny Car racing. The Avalon TRD model exemplifies TRD’s holistic approach to performance development, which it has applied to all types of competition vehicles for 40+ years.
The Avalon TRD is as refined and comfortable in its road manners as it is quick and agile. It’s powered exclusively by Toyota’s direct-injected, 301-horsepower DOHC 3.5-liter V-6. The Direct-Shift eight-speed automatic transmission features sport mode and paddle shifters. A TRD-tuned cat-back dual exhaust system expresses a more aggressive idle and acceleration sound.
The engineers developed the Avalon TRD’s dynamic characteristics through extensive testing. Thicker underbody braces increase torsional rigidity, and unique coil springs lower the Avalon TRD by 0.6 inches for a reduced center of gravity.
The chassis is further enhanced with stiffer coil springs and stabilizer bars that increase roll stiffness by 44% in the front and 67% in the rear. Exclusive TRD shock absorbers complete the suspension modifications that enhance body control, handling agility, and steering precision.
Special lightweight 19 x 8.5-inch matte-black alloy wheels typify the thoroughness of TRD chassis tuning, reducing unsprung mass by 18 pounds compared to the 19-inch wheels on the Avalon XSE grade. That makes a difference through the corners. New for 2021, the TRD offers the choice of summer-only tires for even greater handling capability.
Avalon TRD’s front brakes are larger with 12.9-inch diameter rotors and dual-piston calipers, compared to 12.0-inch rotors and single-piston calipers on the Avalon XSE. Brake performance is tuned to provide more direct feedback.
The exclusive TRD aerodynamic body kit, which includes the front splitter, side aero skirts, trunk lid spoiler, and rear diffuser, blends bold styling elements while also improving high speed vehicle stability. Available exterior colors include new Ice Edge (exclusive to TRD), Wind Chill Pearl, and Midnight Black Metallic. Red pinstriping on the aero body elements complete Avalon TRD’s design transformation.
Inside, Avalon TRD features black Sport SofTex-trimmed heated front seats with Ultrasuede inserts and red accents. Exclusive touches include red-stitched TRD embroidered headrests, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching, red seatbelts, a shift knob with an embossed TRD logo, and unique TRD floor and trunk mats.
In addition to the new Ice Edge exterior color, black roof and available summer tires, the TRD adds a dramatic new startup animation in the multi-information display for 2021.
Rewarding the Eyes, Cheating the Wind
As sleek and slippery as the Avalon looks, the design is also highly functional. For example, the lateral vents at the front, the rear spoiler, and the substantial underbody panel coverage help to optimize aerodynamic efficiency and give Avalon a wind-cheating 0.27 coefficient of drag. That translates into higher fuel efficiency and lower wind noise. Connected, three-dimensional “aero fin” style LED taillamps emphasize the vehicle’s width and “planted” stance.
Differences among the Avalon grades are clear. A dark gray front grille with chrome border identifies the XLE and Limited versions. Both also feature machined-silver-colored LED headlight bezels, and body-color rearview mirror housings. Exclusive-design wheels range in diameter from 17 to 19 inches, plus chrome badges and dual exhaust tips.
The XSE and Touring show a sportier character with a piano-black mesh grille, machine-finish and gloss-black wheels, as well as black outer mirror housings, headlight bezels, trunk lid spoiler, and exterior badging. For XSE, Touring and TRD, a grade-specific lower diffuser is set above and between quad tailpipes.
Cockpit and Cocoon
Since its introduction a quarter-century ago, Avalon has specialized in providing outstanding outward visibility and interior roominess, and the new-generation design does not sacrifice those qualities. Thin pillars and the broad windshield create the wide, open feeling for passengers in the front and back. Rear seat roominess, long an Avalon hallmark, is illustrated by generous shoulder room (57.1 in.), leg room (40.3 in. for V-6; 40.4 in. for Hybrid/AWD), and head room (37.5 in. for V-6; 37.1 in. for Hybrid; 37.1 in. for AWD).
Elegance emerges from simple and purposeful placement of amenities and controls, along with authentic materials including Yamaha-sourced wood trim, plus aluminum pieces for the arm rests accents, center console, and instrument panel. Soft-touch materials abound, along with piano-black and satin chrome-finish trim elements. Rear passengers are provided with air vents, available seat heaters, and USB charging ports.
Cabin trim choices reflect each model grade’s persona. The XLE features engineered wood trim, while Limited has genuine Yamaha wood trim. Aluminum trim adorns the TRD, Touring and XSE cabins. A combination of luxurious perforated SofTex and Ultrasuede wraps the seating in Touring and XSE and TRD; the XLE’s SofTex -trimmed seats feature artistic vertical stitching, and Limited adds a special perforation and two-color stitches – both unique to Toyota – plus a distinctive quilt pattern to its premium leather seats.
High Tech, Low Learning Curve
The Avalon integrates advanced tech with elegantly crafted luxury. A slim center stack houses the 9-inch Toyota Audio system, displaying audio and navigation and also integrating the automatic climate control system. Satin chrome-finish trim surrounds the center cluster panel that “floats” above the instrument panel.
Below the panel, passengers have easy access to the slide-open eBin containing a 12-volt plug and wireless Qi mobile device charger (Qi available on XLE grades and standard on all other grades. New for 2021, two versatile USB-C power ports replace USB-A ports in the front and rear console box. Supple padding lines both sides of the console’s lower tunnel at knee height for additional comfort and bracing.
Avalon’s three-spoke steering wheel features smooth, satin chrome-finish accents and conveniently placed multifunction controls. The wheel can be wrapped in a two-tone leather-surface when outfitted in Cognac or Graphite interior colors.
In the driver’s line of sight, a 7-inch Multi-Information Display (MID) shows vehicle information, turn-by-turn navigation, and various vehicle settings. These include TSS-P functions and available Intelligent Clearance Sonar, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Head-Up Display.
Avalon Hybrid grades feature the same central 7-inch screen, but to its left is a Hybrid System Indicator showing the vehicle’s regeneration status in real time.
Limited and Touring’s standard color 10-inch Head-Up Display (HUD), the largest in the segment, projects critical information such as vehicle and engine speed, turn-by-turn directions, audio settings, and current drive mode onto the lower portion of the windshield.
Start Your Engine – with a Smartwatch
Avalon XLE, XSE and TRD grades come with a standard Toyota Audio Plus eight-speaker system with Connected Navigation App and App Suite, featuring new in-vehicle third-party applications. The system’s nine-inch capacitive touchscreen operates using smartphone-like pinch and flick gestures and features SiriusXM® with 3-month All Access trial.
For 2021, Android Auto compatibility joins Apple CarPlay, which was already standard on all grades. Toyota Premium Audio with JBL, standard in Limited and Touring and optional for others, features a sonically stunning 1,200-watt, 14-speaker sound system, the most speakers in the segment. Both systems can be equipped with embedded Dynamic Navigation.
Connected Services include: Safety Connect with a 1-year trial period, and Service Connect with a 10-year trial period and Remote Connect with a 1-year trial. Wi-Fi Connect Powered by Verizon trial with up to 2GB within 3 months is subscription-free.
Avalon also features Toyota’s first integration of smartwatch or Amazon Alexa-enabled device connectivity, as part of Toyota Remote Connect. The latter allows drivers to lock and unlock the car’s doors, start the engine, or check fuel level, all from the convenience of an Apple Watch, compatible smartwatch or Amazon Alexa-enabled device. It is voice controllable and compatible with select Android or Apple devices.
Premium Power, Exemplary Efficiency
The front-wheel drive Avalon’s 24-valve, DOHC 3.5-liter V-6 engine features Toyota’s D-4S fuel injection system, which combines direct injection with supplemental port fuel injectors. In addition, the engine uses a VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide) system for the intake, with VVT-i on the exhaust. The VVT-iW system can switch the engine to the Atkinson cycle, which reduces pumping losses by delayed closing of the intake valves, helping to reduce fuel consumption.
Output for the V-6 is 301 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 267 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,700 rpm. Thanks to Toyota’s innovative engine tech, the powerful V-6 Avalon models return exemplary fuel efficiency: manufacturer projected EPA-estimated range rating of 22 city/32 highway/26 combined MPG for the XLE grade, and 22/31/25 for all other grades.
The XLE, XSE, TRD and Limited grades have a three-level drive mode selection (ECO, NORMAL, SPORT), while Touring grades feature four-level drive mode selection, including ECO, NORMAL, SPORT/ SPORT+, and CUSTOM.
With SPORT+ mode activated, occupants hear a concert of exciting, natural sounds conveyed through an exhaust system with sport-modified baffles, an Intake Sound Generator (ISG), Active Noise Control (ANC), and Engine Sound Enhancement (ESE). All can be switched off to enjoy the serenity of Avalon’s serene interior.
That quietness is assured by the TNGA-K platform’s expansive use of sound insulation, which includes additional seals where the front fenders meet the front doors and where the doors merge at the B-pillars. More sound absorption material is found in the engine bay, within the carpet pad, under the floor, and in the wheel well liners. The shape of the exterior rearview mirrors not only reduces aerodynamic drag, but also wind noise.
The new Avalon AWD option is teamed with the 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine, which employs a very high compression ratio (13:1) and D-4S fuel injection. The engine is chock-full of Toyota’s most advanced technologies, including Dual VVT-i Variable Valve Timing intelligent system by Electric motor (VVT-iE) and laser-clad valve seats. Output is 205 hp at 6,600 rpm and 185 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,600 rpm.
Eight Gears, Smooth Shifting
Avalon V-6 and AWD models are equipped with the Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers satisfyingly smooth, quick-shifting for a remarkable blend of performance and refinement. The close mid-range ratios improve passing performance, while the wide range of torque converter lock-up yields a more direct driving feel and contributes to fuel efficiency. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are standard on TRD, XSE and Touring. When downshifting, the transmission automatically “rev-matches” for smoother shifts.
Avalon Hybrid: The Most Fuel-Efficient Avalon Ever
The 2021 Avalon Hybrid manufacturer-projected EPA-estimated fuel economy range rating is expected to be the envy of a subcompact car: 43 city/44 highway/44 MPG combined for XLE Hybrid (43/43/43 MPG for other Hybrid grades). The advanced Toyota Hybrid System (THS II) combines the output of a specially engineered version of the 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine and an electric motor (MG1). That motor and a second motor (MG2) charge the hybrid battery pack.
The super-smooth inline four uses an even higher compression ratio (14:1) than in the AWD models and employs a variable cooling system, cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, and a full variable oil pump. Total hybrid system output is 215 hp. On the Hybrid XSE, Sequential Shiftmatic technology allows the driver to “shift” the electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT). It mimics a quick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission via paddle shifters or with the console-mounted shift lever.
The TNGA-K platform’s packaging allows the Lithium-ion battery pack to be installed beneath the rear seat for no sacrifice in trunk capacity over the gas Avalon models.
The Avalon Hybrid models feature NORMAL, ECO, EV, and SPORT drive system modes. SPORT mode livens the Hybrid’s performance feel by allowing quicker acceleration response.
Finally, for hyper-milers seeking the highest fuel efficiency, Avalon Hybrid includes the clever Auto Glide Control (AGC) system, which essentially gives the car a coasting feature. When activated, AGC limits the loss of vehicle speed through engine braking, acting more like a neutral gear to allow longer coasting. An AGC indicator light illuminates on the multi-information display to alert the driver of reduced engine braking.
Smooth Rider, Sharp Handler
The Avalon’s multi-link rear suspension is key to its positive performance attributes, such as a wider rear track, lower center of gravity, and an assertive stance. The XSE and Touring grades feature sport-tuned suspension, while the Touring also adds exclusive Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), an electronically controlled damping system usually seen on luxury models.
AVS helps to increase controllability and handling agility without sacrificing one for the other. The setup reduces Avalon’s posture fluctuations under hard or sudden directional changes, limits body movements, and yet absorbs road undulations for a comfortable, flat ride.
Levels of AVS damping force are continuously variable through a range of up to 650 steps. Changes in solenoid force on each shock absorber that restrict fluid flow and, thus, damping, occur in an incredible 20 milliseconds. The driver can adjust Avalon’s ride feel with the push of a button: NORMAL mode prioritizes comfort, while SPORT+ emphasizes tauter handling without diminishing ride suppleness. SPORT+ also amplifies Avalon’s driving spirit by quickening throttle response, increasing feedback in the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and enhancing engine sound in the cabin.
Standard Toyota Safety System-P
All Avalon models come standard with the Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) suite of active safety systems that includes:
Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Rear Cross Traffic Braking are also available.
In addition to the standard backup camera, Avalon offers the available Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan. The system uses front- side-, and rear-mounted cameras to display a composite view as seen from above.
All 2021 Avalon models are equipped with 10 standard airbags and Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System, and Smart Stop Technology.
Assembled with Pride in Kentucky
The fifth-generation Avalon is a collaborative development by Toyota’s U.S.-based design, engineering, and manufacturing entities at Calty Design Research Inc. (Calty) in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Toyota Motor North America Research and Development (TMNA R&D) in Saline, Michigan; and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) in Georgetown, Kentucky. The latter has been Avalon’s sole manufacturing home for more than two decades. All Avalons sold in America and around the globe are assembled there by proud team members.
Limited Warranty and ToyotaCare
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 the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. On the Avalon Hybrid grades, all HV components are covered under the Hybrid System Warranty for 8 years/100,000 miles. Additionally, the hybrid battery warranty is now 10 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first. The Avalon also comes standard with ToyotaCare, a plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.
You can find all 2021 Toyota Avalon and Toyota Avalon Hybrid materials and assets here.
The post First-Ever All-Wheel Drive and XSE Nightshade Edition Highlight Changes for 2021 Toyota Avalon appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>The post Toyota Gains More Traction on the Road and in the Sedan Segment with the Launch of Camry and Avalon All-Wheel Drive Models appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>It’s the first AWD Camry since 1991, and the first-ever Avalon with AWD. The Toyota-developed Dynamic Torque Control AWD system will be available as a standalone option for the Camry LE, XLE, SE and XSE grades and on Avalon XLE and Limited grades.
In recent years, market demand for AWD passenger vehicles has increased significantly, due in no small part to the rising popularity of SUVs and crossovers. Midsize sedan customers outside the luxury category, however, have had relatively few AWD choices. Now, Toyota gives them two more with Camry, America’s best-selling midsize sedan for 17 years, and Toyota’s flagship sedan, Avalon.
Notably, the Camry AWD and Avalon AWD are North America-only models developed in the U.S. and assembled exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky.
Both the Camry AWD and Avalon AWD get a high-efficiency 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine teamed with an 8-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission. Most Camry AWD grades have 202 horsepower, while the Camry XSE AWD and both Avalon AWD grades have 205 hp with dual exhaust. The new AWD system balances added traction with exemplary fuel efficiency. While Avalon AWD EPA-estimated fuel economy will be released closer to its on-sale date, EPA-ratings for Camry AWD are:
The Camry and Avalon AWD models underscore Toyota’s commitment to the sedan category. Both the new-generation Camry and Avalon sedans offer hybrid models, and, last fall, both added their first-ever TRD (Toyota Racing Development) performance versions.
Toyota previously offered an AWD Camry in 1988-1991, called the AllTrac.
Smarter All-Wheel Drive
To many car buyers, “all-wheel drive” may mean one thing, but there are many different AWD technologies on the market. Toyota found an ideal type of AWD for Camry and Avalon in its new-generation RAV4 compact SUV introduced for 2019. The Dynamic Torque Control AWD system provides effective traction for inclement and slippery weather while minimizing AWD’s typical drag on fuel economy. Admittedly, the system name is a mouthful; Camry and Avalon models equipped with it will carry a simple “AWD” badge on their trunk lids.
The Camry and Avalon AWD system can direct up to 50 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels, in response to acceleration from a start or slippage at the front wheels.
Notably, when AWD isn’t needed, such as on long highway stretches, the electromagnetic controlled coupling on the front of the rear drive axle can disengage the propeller shaft from the differential to prioritize fuel efficiency. The AWD is designed to re-engage in an instant when needed. AWD operation is transparent to the driver and passengers. On that note, the Camry and Avalon AWD models match their FWD counterparts in critical passenger space, trunk room, ride comfort, cabin quietness and vehicle agility.
All-American Effort
Neither the new-generation Camry nor Avalon was originally planned to have an AWD version, so the engineering team at Toyota Motor North America Research and Development in Saline, Michigan, developed them to meet the market demand for AWD sedans. The flexibility and components of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), and specifically the Camry and Avalon’s TNGA platform, allowed the team to develop the AWD versions in-house with improved efficiency.
Far more than a vehicle platform, TNGA brings together new approaches to engineering, design, production and materials. Its flexibility to develop different models from the same tools had already been proven. The North America-only Camry and Avalon AWD show that TNGA can be used by individual Toyota regions to tailor vehicles to that market’s local needs.
Since the RAV4 is also based on the TNGA platform, the opportunity to share components and basic engineering was built in. The team combined the upper body structure of the Camry and Avalon with the engine, transmission, transfer case and rear differential from the RAV4. The RAV4’s version of the multi-link rear suspension was adapted with some modifications and tuning to suit the sedans. Both the Camry and Avalon AWD use a modified version of the propeller shaft from the all-new Highlander SUV.
Adapting the AWD drivetrain to the Camry and Avalon required floor structure modifications, plus the use of an electronic parking brake and a saddle-style fuel tank with an optimized capacity for AWD models rather than the flat-style tank in the FWD models. Inside the car has the same rear seat hip point height as the Camry and Avalon hybrid models. Despite the addition of a rear differential, the trunk floor height remains the same as in the FWD versions.
The transformation to AWD adds just 165 lbs. over the Camry FWD while the Avalon AWD weight is similar to that of its FWD V6 siblings.
Customers can expect the Camry and Avalon AWD to provide similar ride and handling characteristics as the FWD models, plus of course the added traction capability. The suspension tuning, wheels, and tires differentiating the Camry and Avalon model grades carry over to the new AWD models. That means, for example, the Camry XSE grade features the same sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels in FWD and AWD versions.
The Camry AWD will be model year 2020 and arrive at dealerships in early spring. All AWD grades can get an optional Cold-Weather Package, which adds heated seats and mirrors on the LE, heated seats, mirrors and steering wheel on the SE, and heated steering wheel on the XLE and XSE. All other standard and optional features carry over from the FWD versions of the LE, XLE, SE and XSE model grades, including the latest Toyota Audio multimedia systems with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility.
The Avalon AWD will be model year 2021 and go on sale next fall. Both XLE and Limited AWD grades will receive a standard heated steering wheel while other standard and optional features carryover from the FWD versions.
Toyota Safety Sense-P
All 2020 Camry and Avalon models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) a suite of cutting-edge active safety systems that includes:
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) are available on Camry and standard on Avalon. Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) with Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB) also are available on both models.
Star Safety
All 2020 Camry and Avalon models have 10 standard airbags and Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System, and Smart Stop Technology. All come equipped with a standard backup camera.
The post Toyota Gains More Traction on the Road and in the Sedan Segment with the Launch of Camry and Avalon All-Wheel Drive Models appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>The post Get A Grip: Toyota Introduces New Camry and Avalon All-Wheel Drive Sedans appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>In recent years, market demand for AWD passenger vehicles has increased significantly, due in no small part to the rising popularity of SUVs and crossovers. Midsize sedan customers outside the luxury category, however, have had relatively few AWD choices. Now, Toyota gives them two more with Camry, America’s best-selling midsize sedan for 17 years, and Toyota’s flagship sedan, Avalon.
Notably, the Camry AWD and Avalon AWD are North America-only models developed in the U.S. and assembled exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky.
Both the Camry AWD and Avalon AWD get a high-efficiency 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine teamed with an 8-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission. Most Camry AWD grades have 202 horsepower, while the Camry XSE AWD and both Avalon AWD grades have 205 hp with dual exhaust. The new AWD system balances added traction with exemplary fuel efficiency.
The Camry and Avalon AWD models underscore Toyota’s commitment to the sedan category, a space that some brands have been leaving while Toyota has been expanding choices. Both the new-generation Camry and Avalon sedans offer hybrid models, and, this fall, both added their first-ever TRD (Toyota Racing Development) performance versions.
Toyota previously offered an AWD Camry in 1988-1991, called the AllTrac. The company appreciates the loyalty, patience and perseverance of all those customers and dealers who sent letters, emails, comments and texts asking for a modern AWD version of America’s favorite sedan.
Smarter All-Wheel Drive
To many car buyers, “all-wheel drive” may mean one thing, but there are many different AWD technologies on the market. Toyota found an ideal type of AWD for Camry and Avalon in its new-generation RAV4 compact SUV introduced for 2019. The Dynamic Torque Control AWD system provides effective traction for inclement and slippery weather while minimizing AWD’s typical drag on fuel economy. Admittedly, the system name is a mouthful; Camry and Avalon models equipped with it will carry a simple “AWD” badge on their trunk lids.
The Camry and Avalon AWD system can direct up to 50 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels, in response to acceleration from a start or slippage at the front wheels.
Notably, when AWD isn’t needed, such as on long highway stretches, the electromagnetic controlled coupling on the front of the rear drive axle can disengage the propeller shaft from the differential to prioritize fuel efficiency. The AWD is designed to re-engage in an instant when needed. AWD operation is transparent to the driver and passengers. On that note, the Camry and Avalon AWD models match their FWD counterparts in critical passenger space, trunk room, ride comfort, cabin quietness and vehicle agility.
All-American Effort
Neither the new-generation Camry nor Avalon was originally planned to have an AWD version, so the engineering team at Toyota Motor North America Research and Development in Saline, Michigan, developed them to meet the market demand for AWD sedans. The flexibility and components of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), and specifically the Camry and Avalon’s TNGA platform, allowed the team to develop the AWD versions in-house with improved efficiency.
Far more than a vehicle platform, TNGA brings together new approaches to engineering, design, production and materials. Its flexibility to develop different models from the same tools had already been proven. The North America-only Camry and Avalon AWD show that TNGA can be used by individual Toyota regions to tailor vehicles to that market’s local needs.
Since the RAV4 is also based on the TNGA platform, the opportunity to share components and basic engineering was built in. The team combined the upper body structure of the Camry and Avalon with the engine, transmission, transfer case and rear differential from the RAV4. The RAV4’s version of the multi-link rear suspension was adapted with some modifications and tuning to suit the sedans. Both the Camry and Avalon AWD use a modified version of the propeller shaft from the all-new Highlander SUV.
Adapting the AWD drivetrain to the Camry and Avalon required floor structure modifications, plus the use of an electronic parking brake and a saddle-style fuel tank with an optimized capacity for AWD models rather than the flat-style tank in the FWD models. Inside the car has the same rear seat hip point height as the Camry and Avalon hybrid models. Despite the addition of a rear differential, the trunk floor height remains the same as in the FWD versions.
The transformation to AWD adds just 165 lbs. over the Camry FWD while the Avalon AWD weight is similar to that of its FWD V6 siblings.
Customers can expect the Camry and Avalon AWD to provide similar ride and handling characteristics as the FWD models, plus of course the added traction capability. The suspension tuning, wheels, and tires differentiating the Camry and Avalon model grades carry over to the new AWD models. That means, for example, the Camry XSE grade features the same sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels in FWD and AWD versions.
The Camry AWD will be model year 2020 and arrive at dealerships in early spring. All AWD grades can get an optional Cold-Weather Package, which adds heated seats and mirrors on the LE, heated seats, mirrors and steering wheel on the SE, and heated steering wheel on the XLE and XSE. All other standard and optional features carry over from the FWD versions of the LE, XLE, SE and XSE model grades, including the latest Toyota Audio multimedia systems with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility.
The Avalon AWD will be model year 2021 and go on-sale next fall. Both XLE and Limited AWD grades will receive a standard heated steering wheel while other standard and optional features carryover from the FWD versions.
Toyota Safety Sense-P
All 2020 Camry and Avalon models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) a suite of cutting-edge active safety systems that includes:
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) are available on Camry and standard on Avalon. Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) with Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB) also are available on both models.
Star Safety
All 2020 Camry and Avalon models have 10 standard airbags and Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System, and Smart Stop Technology. All come equipped with a standard backup camera.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. and North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands. During that time, Toyota has created a tremendous value chain as our teams have contributed to world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 38 million cars and trucks in North America, where we have 14 manufacturing plants, 15 including our joint venture in Alabama (10 in the U.S.), and directly employ more than 47,000 people (over 36,000 in the U.S.). Our 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.) sold 2.8 million cars and trucks (2.4 million in the U.S.) in 2018.
Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit ToyotaNewsroom.com.
The post Get A Grip: Toyota Introduces New Camry and Avalon All-Wheel Drive Sedans appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>The post Toyota Revs Up Avalon Attitude with First-Ever TRD Model for 2020; Twisty Roads, Beware appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>The fifth-generation Avalon, introduced for 2019, came on strong with a striking new coupe-like design built around the advanced Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA).
Much more than a new body structure, TNGA brings together new approaches to engineering, design, production and materials. The mechanical manifestation of that process is the TNGA platform, which forms the basis for Avalon and several other new-generation Toyota models.
The high-strength TNGA is the ideal foundation for an exceptionally athletic luxury-sport sedan, and the Avalon XSE grade offered the first glimpse of such capability. Now, for 2020, the Avalon TRD – which joins the 2020 Camry for the debut of the first-ever Toyota sedans to wear the TRD badge – is for the driver who wants even more aggressive road grip.
The Avalon TRD combines a track-tuned chassis and a 301-hp V6 engine with head-turning design in a comprehensively equipped model grade based on the content in the XSE grade. The new model exemplifies TRD’s holistic approach to performance development, which it has applied to all types of competition vehicles for 40 years. Like its Camry TRD sibling, the Avalon TRD is as sophisticated and comfortable in its road manners as it is quick and agile.
That’s not to say the new-generation Avalon has sacrificed any of its renowned comfort and luxury. On the contrary, the Avalon remains Toyota’s flagship sedan, with the TRD essentially sharing top-of-line billing with the Touring and Limited grades. The fifth-generation Avalon mixes a bevy of Toyota-firsts such as standard Apple CarPlay compatibility and available Dynamic Auxiliary Turn Signals, plus available aluminum and authentic Yamaha wood cabin accents. Athletic handling imbues the Avalon with a sporty demeanor while preserving its luxury feel. This combination is made especially vivid with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), also a Toyota first and made standard in the Touring grade model.
The new TRD joins Avalon’s four other grades: XLE, XSE, Limited and Touring. The XLE, XSE and Limited grades are also available as Avalon HV (Hybrid Vehicle) models that have fuel efficiency unheard of in this class. All grades of the 2020 Avalon are equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) suite of active safety systems, which includes:
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) with Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB) are also available.
All Avalon models are equipped with a standard backup camera. In addition, the available Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan uses front-, side-, and rear-mounted cameras to display a composite view as seen from above. All 2020 Avalon models are equipped with 10 standard airbags and Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System, and Smart Stop Technology.
TRD: A Racy Personality for the Road
The bold “TRD” graphics on off-road-capable Toyota SUVs and pickup trucks reflect the company’s involvement with off-road racing. Now, Toyota has begun introducing TRD-tuned passenger cars to reflect the motorsports division’s 40-year heritage of tarmac racing. The Toyota Racing Development trophy case marks IMSA GTO and GTP championships, open-wheel racing success including the Indy 500 and, today, a nearly unbeatable combination for NASCAR victories.
Embodying TRD’s holistic approach to production-vehicle performance enhancement, the Avalon TRD is as sophisticated and comfortable in its road manners as it is quick and agile. It’s powered exclusively by Toyota’s direct-injected, 301-horsepower DOHC 3.5-liter V6 teamed with the Direct-Shift eight-speed automatic transmission featuring sport mode and paddle shifters. A specially TRD-tuned cat-back dual exhaust system conveys a more aggressive idle and acceleration sound.
TRD went through the Avalon chassis to sharpen agility while preserving ride compliance. “Track-tuned” means exactly that. The engineers developed this special Avalon’s dynamic characteristics through extensive testing at Toyota Arizona Proving Ground, TMC Higashi-Fuji Proving Ground (Japan), and MotorSport Ranch (Texas).
Thicker underbody braces increase torsional rigidity, and unique coil springs lower the Avalon TRD by 0.6 inches for a reduced center of gravity.
The chassis is further enhanced with stiffer coil springs and stabilizer bars for increased roll stiffness of 44% in the front and 67% in the rear. A unique set of TRD shock absorbers complete a chassis enhancement that adds to body control, handling agility, and steering precision. The 19 x 8.5-inch matte-black alloy wheels typify the thoroughness of TRD chassis tuning, reducing unsprung mass by 18 pounds compared to the 19-inch wheels on the Avalon XSE grade.
The front brakes are larger with 12.9-inch diameter rotors and dual-piston calipers, compared to 12.0-inch rotors and single piston calipers on the Avalon XSE. Brake performance is tuned to provide more direct feedback.
The TRD treatment takes the Avalon’s bold design and makes it almost sinister looking.
The exclusive aerodynamic body kit, which includes the front splitter, side aero skirts, trunk lid spoiler, and rear diffuser, blends bold styling elements while also improving high speed vehicle stability. Available exterior colors include Supersonic Red (exclusive to TRD), Wind Chill Pearl, Celestial Silver Metallic and Midnight Black Metallic. Red pinstriping on the aero body elements complete Avalon TRD’s styling makeover.
Inside, Avalon TRD features Black Sport SofTex-trimmed heated front seats with Ultrasuede inserts and red accents. It also gets red-stitched TRD embroidered headrests, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching, red seatbelts, a shift knob with an embossed TRD logo, and unique TRD floor and trunk mats.
Flagship, Defined and Refined
For the Avalon’s fifth generation design, Toyota steered its flagship sedan down a more emotional road. That’s what made it the ideal starting point to be one of the first TRD sedans. In fact, two keywords guided Avalon’s development: Authenticity and Exhilaration, with a philosophy of Technical Beauty driving the exterior design.
Technical, which aligns with Authenticity, represents purpose and performance – tangible elements of the sedan’s style. Beauty, which aligns with Exhilaration, represents emotional reaction to Avalon’s taut lines and sleek, coupe-like silhouette, the latter made possible by the low-slung TNGA platform architecture.
Built on a two-inch longer wheelbase than its predecessor, the Avalon is also lower by 1.0-in. overall and wider by nearly as much. The sedan’s expressive shape reflects the mixture of a performance-focused personality, the invigorating driver experience, and a premium, spacious cabin. Unique, never-before-used stamping methods enabled use of sculpted forms and complex shapes. One example is the way in which Avalon’s door handles blend with the bold character line in the door.
Form follows function in Avalon’s design. The lateral vents at the front, the rear spoiler, and the substantial underbody panel coverage help optimize aerodynamic efficiency and give Avalon a 0.27 coefficient of drag. That translates into higher fuel efficiency and lower wind noise. Connected, three-dimensional “aero fin” style LED taillamps emphasize the vehicle’s width and “planted” stance.
Differences between the Avalon grades are clear. A dark gray front grille with chrome border identifies the XLE and Limited versions. Both also feature machined-silver-colored LED headlight bezels, body-color rearview mirror housings, and exclusive-design wheels ranging in diameter from 17 to 19 inches, plus chrome badges and dual exhaust tips.
XSE and Touring show a sportier bent with a piano-black mesh grille, machine-finish and gloss-black wheels, as well as black outer mirror housings, headlight bezels, trunk lid spoiler and badging. For XSE, Touring and new TRD, a grade-specific lower diffuser is set above and between quad tailpipes.
Avalon colors include Opulent Amber, Harbor Gray Metallic Celestial Silver Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic, Parisian Night Pearl, Wind Chill Pearl, and Ruby Flare Pearl.
Lighting the Way
Avalon’s available LED Vision Tech headlamps on XLE and XSE grades use a cluster of three reflectors for Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and low- and high-beam functions, providing exceptional light disbursement including in low-visibility weather.
For Limited and Touring, each headlamp is comprised of thin lighting modules – one for low beam, another for high – plus, an Adaptive LED Cornering Lamp and a Dynamic Auxiliary Turn Signal. (Each is a Toyota First.) The innovative cornering lamps enhance visibility around corners and curves. The lamp fades in and out for seamless activations and transitions and adds 60-percent more foreground width to the low beam’s pattern. The Dynamic Auxiliary Turn Signal bolsters visibility to other drivers by activating each auxiliary diode sequentially.
Technical Laser Ablation, a technology used for the DRLs and parking lights, creates a specialized texture from intricate patterning made by a laser-ablated, metallized inner lens. Avalon’s Limited and Touring grades’ taillights and Dynamic Auxiliary Turn Signals also implement laser ablation.
Cockpit Meets Cocoon
Avalon’s fluency in luxury and exhilaration isn’t restricted to its exterior design. From inside the cabin the TNGA platform’s thin pillars and broad windshield lend to the wide, open feeling for passengers in the front and back. Rear seat roominess, long an Avalon hallmark, is illustrated by measurements in three categories: shoulder room (57.1 in.), leg room (40.3 in. for V6; 40.4 in. for HV), and headroom (37.5 in. for V6; 37.1 in. for HV).
Elegance emerges from simple and purposeful placement of amenities and controls, along with authentic materials including Yamaha-sourced wood trim and aluminum pieces for arm rests accents, center console, and instrument panel. Soft-touch materials abound, along with piano-black and satin chrome-finish trim elements. Rear passengers are treated to air vents, available seat warmers, and USB charging ports.
Differentiation of materials between grades is minimal; engineered wood trim is found on XLE, while Limited features real wood trim. Aluminum pieces adorn the TRD, Touring and XSE grades’ cabins. A mix of perforated SofTex and Ultrasuede wraps seating in Touring and XSE; the XLE’s Softex-trimmed seats feature artistic vertical stitching, and Limited adds a special perforation and two-color stitches – both unique to Toyota – plus a distinctive quilt pattern.
Limited’s leather seating surfaces are available in Cognac, beige, or gray; XSE and Touring can be had in either Gray or Black Perforated Ultrasuede; XLE receives a trio of color offerings with Gray, Beige, or Black Softex. TRD features exclusive Black Sport SofTex-trimmed heated front seats with Ultrasuede inserts and red accents.
The Avalon deftly integrates advanced tech with elegantly crafted luxury. A slim center stack houses the 9-inch Toyota Audio system, displaying audio and navigation and also integrating the automatic climate control system. Satin chrome-finish trim surrounds the center cluster panel that “floats” above the instrument panel.
Below the panel, passengers have easy access to the slide-open eBin containing a 12-volt plug and the standard wireless Qi mobile device charger (optional for XLE). A trio of USB power ports (for five total) is located inside the center console. A part cup-holder, part phone cradle located atop the front console, sits adjacent to the gear shift lever. Supple padding lines both sides of the console’s lower tunnel at knee height.
A three-spoke steering wheel features smooth, satin chrome-finish accents and conveniently placed multifunction controls. The steering wheel can be wrapped in a two-tone leather-surface when outfitted in Cognac or Gray interior colors.
In the driver’s line of sight, a 7-inch Multi-Information Display (MID) shows vehicle information, turn-by-turn navigation, and various vehicle settings (including those pertaining to TSS-P functions and available Intelligent Clearance Sonar, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Head-Up Display).
HV grades receive the same central 7-inch screen, but to its left is a Hybrid System Indicator showing the vehicle’s regeneration status in CHG (charge), ECO (economy), or PWR (power) in real time. The tachometer/hybrid powertrain meter and speedometer on XSE, Limited, and Touring are surrounded by 3D Glow Rings. A chrome ring borders the entire meter cluster on all grades.
Limited and Touring’s standard color 10-inch Head-Up Display (HUD) – the largest in the segment – projects important info, such as vehicle and engine speeds, turn-by-turn directions, audio settings, and drive mode onto the lower portion of the windshield.
Start Your Engine – with a Smartwatch
Avalon XLE, XSE and TRD grades have a standard Audio Plus 8-speaker system with Connected Navigation Scout GPS Link App and App Suite Connect, featuring new in-vehicle third-party applications. The system’s 9-inch capacitive touchscreen uses smartphone-like pinch and flick gestures. In addition, Apple CarPlay is standard on all grades. Toyota Premium Audio with JBL, standard in Limited and Touring and optional for others, features a 14-speaker sound system, the most speakers in the segment. Both systems can be equipped with embedded Dynamic Navigation.
Connected Services include: Safety Connect and Service Connect with a 3-year trial period, and Remote Connect with a 6-month trial. Wi-Fi Connect Powered by Verizon trial with up to 2GB within 6 months is subscription-free.
Avalon also features Toyota’s first integration of smartwatch or Amazon Alexa-enabled device connectivity, as part of Toyota Remote Connect. The latter allows drivers to lock/unlock the car’s doors, start the engine, or check fuel level, all from the convenience of an Apple Watch, compatible smartwatch or Amazon Alexa-enabled device. It’s voice controllable and compatible with select Android or Apple devices.
Toyota Avalon U.S. Concert Tour
For the top-of-line Toyota Premium Audio with JBL, engineers benchmarked the best audio systems two vehicle classes up from Avalon. The result: A 14-speaker, 1200-watt, precisely-tuned 7.1-channel surround sound music experience that features:
Premium Mid-Size Power, Small-Car Efficiency
The new-generation Avalon amplifies hustle, athleticism, and fuel-efficiency with two TNGA powertrains: a 3.5-liter V6 and Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II).
The 24-valve, DOHC 3.5-liter V6 engine is equipped with the D-4S fuel injection system, which combines direct injection with supplemental port fuel injectors. In addition, the engine uses a specially-developed VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide) variable valve timing system for the intake, with VVT-i on the exhaust. The VVT-iW system can switch the engine to the Atkinson cycle, which reduces pumping losses by delayed closing of the intake valves, helping to reduce fuel consumption.
Power output for the V6 is 301 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 267 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,700 rpm. Yet, the V6 Avalon XLE has exemplary fuel efficiency with an EPA-estimated rating of 22 city/32 highway/26 mpg combined (22/31/25 for XSE, Limited, Touring and TRD).
Eight Gears, No Waiting
Avalon V6 models are equipped with the Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission that delivers satisfyingly smooth, quick-shifting for a remarkable blend of performance and refinement. Closely spaced mid-range ratios help with passing performance over the 6-speed automatic transmission in the previous-gen Avalon.
The transmission’s torque converter offers a wider range of lock-up compared to the previous 6-speed automatic transmission for a more direct driving feel while helping to contribute to better fuel efficiency. Control logic optimizes precise matching of engine torque on downshifts for smoother transitions. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are standard on TRD, optional for XSE and Touring. When downshifting, the transmission automatically “rev-matches” for smoother shifts.
Avalon HV: The Most Fuel Efficient Avalon Ever
The 2020 Avalon Hybrid has EPA-estimated fuel economy numbers that would be the envy of a subcompact car: 43 city/44 highway/44 mpg combined for XLE HV (43/43/43 mpg for other HV grades).
The big jump in fuel economy over the previous-generation Avalon Hybrid owes to the more efficient Toyota Hybrid System (THS II), which is also engineered to provide spirited performance and driving enjoyment. THS II combines the output of a new 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine and an electric motor (MG1), while using that motor and a second motor (MG2) for hybrid battery charging.
The super-smooth inline four cylinder implements Toyota’s wide array of advanced engine technologies: Dual VVT-i with VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing intelligent system by Electric motor); D-4S direct and port injection and laser-clad valve seats; high compression ratio (14:1); multi-hole direct fuel injectors; a variable cooling system; cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, and a full variable oil pump.
The gas engine is tuned to produce 176 hp and 163 lb.-ft. of torque, and total THS II system net output is 215 hp. On the Hybrid XSE, Sequential Shiftmatic technology allows the driver to “shift” the electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT). It mimics a quick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission via paddle shifters or with the console-mounted shift lever.
The TNGA platform’s packaging allows the nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack to be installed beneath the rear seat, rather than in the trunk area, as it was in the previous-generation Avalon Hybrid. That enables a larger trunk while the battery’s position contributes to a lower center of gravity for agile handling. The power control unit (PCU) is lighter and more compact than in the previous Avalon Hybrid, as a result of integrating microcontrollers and using a power stack structure. This construction allows the unit to be packaged directly above the transaxle, thereby lowering the vehicle’s overall center of mass and allowing a lower hood height.
Drive Modes to Suit Driver Moods
The 2020 Avalon Hybrid models feature NORMAL, ECO and EV drive system modes, plus a new SPORT mode that allows for an increase in power from the hybrid system for better acceleration response relative to pedal input.
The clever Auto Glide Control (AGC) feature helps enhance fuel efficiency by calculating efficient coasting logic. When activated, AGC limits the loss of vehicle speed through engine braking, acting more like a neutral gear to allow longer coasting. An AGC indicator light illuminates on the multi-information display when AGC is in operation to alert the driver of reduced engine braking. (AGC can be activated only when the vehicle is being operated in the ECO drive mode.)
Multi-Link and Multi-Talented
The Avalon’s multi-link rear suspension is key to its positive performance attributes, such as a wider rear track, lower center of gravity, and an aggressive stance. The XSE and Touring grades feature sport-tuned suspension, while the Touring also adds exclusive Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), an electronically controlled damping system usually seen on luxury brands.
AVS helps to increase controllability and handling agility without sacrificing one for the other. The setup reduces Avalon’s posture fluctuations under hard or sudden directional changes, limits body movements, and yet absorbs road undulations for a comfortable, flat ride.
Levels of AVS damping force are continuously variable, with a maximum of 650 steps. Changes in solenoid force on each shock absorber that restrict fluid flow and, thus, damping, occur in an incredible 20 milliseconds.
Drivers can adjust Avalon’s ride feel with the push of a button: Normal mode prioritizes comfort, while Sport+ emphasizes tauter handling without diminishing Avalon’s renowned ride suppleness. Sport+ also amplifies Avalon’s liveliness by quickening throttle response, increasing feedback in the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and enhancing engine sound in the cabin.
The Sounds of Silence … or Power
Numerous dynamic enhancement systems add more spice to the driving experience. Intake Sound Generator (ISG), grade-specific exhaust baffle tuning, Active Noise Control (ANC), and Engine Sound Enhancement (ESE) exemplify the fifth-generation Avalon’s extroverted personality.
The XLE, XSE and Limited grades have a three-level drive mode selection (ECO, NORMAL, SPORT), while TRD and Touring grades feature a more comprehensive four-level drive mode selection, including ECO, NORMAL, SPORT/ SPORT+, and CUSTOM.
Through SPORT+ mode, passengers hear a symphony of exciting, natural sounds through an exhaust system with sport-modified baffles, an Intake Sound Generator (ISG), Active Noise Control (ANC), and Engine Sound Enhancement (ESE).
ISG amplifies the engine’s intake sound and, on the exhalation end, the all-new exhaust with baffle tuning ups the sound character at start-up, idle, and acceleration. ANC and ESE work to cancel any unwanted exterior noise while simultaneously enhancing engine sound via the JBL audio system’s in-cabin speakers. For example, a hearty “flare” of sound occurs right before idle upon start-up. At wide-open-throttle acceleration, more engine grunt is heard throughout the rev range.
All can be switched off to enjoy the serenity of Avalon’s civilized, library-quiet interior. The TNGA-K platform utilizes additional seals where the front fenders meet the front doors and where the doors merge at the B-Pillar. More sound absorption material is found in the engine bay, within the carpet pad, under the floor, and in the wheel well liners. The exterior rearview mirrors not only reduce drag, but also wind noise.
Assembled with Pride in Kentucky
The fifth-generation Avalon is a collaborative development by Toyota’s U.S.-based design, engineering, and manufacturing entities at Calty Design Research Inc. (Calty) in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Toyota Motor North America Research and Development (TMNA R&D) in Saline, Michigan; and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) in Georgetown, Kentucky. The latter has been Avalon’s sole manufacturing home for more than two decades. All Avalons sold in America and around the globe are assembled there by proud American team members.
Limited Warranty and ToyotaCare
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 the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation.
Standard ToyotaCare is a no additional cost plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years, unlimited mileage.
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]]>The post Avalon TRD Pro Concept Drifts, Grips and Attacks the Track appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>“Avalon has been an amazing car for Toyota, but let’s face it, it’s never really shed its family sedan image…until now,” said Ed Laukes, group vice president – Toyota Division Marketing. “For this Avalon TRD Pro Concept, our intention was to do some serious perception-busting. It’s a street car for the race track. Sports cars beware!”
After recording a blistering 1:25.3 lap time at the 1.8-mile Streets of Willow Springs in Rosamond, California, the 2020 Avalon TRD Pro Concept proves that it is far greater than the sum of its parts. According to fastestlaps.com, this full-size, front-wheel drive sedan outpaced such sports cars as the Porsche 911 Carrera and Audi R8.
Just like the TRD Pro trucks and SUVs, this Avalon TRD had to earn the coveted “Pro” badge. To achieve that goal and celebrate TRD’s 40th Anniversary, the concept was developed between Toyota, Toyota Racing Development (TRD) and performance outfit Dan Gardner Spec (DG-Spec). From drifting with Ken Gushi at Road Atlanta, to hot lapping with Michael and Darrell Waltrip at Sonoma, the finished product delivers ridiculous amounts of speed on the racetrack while retaining everyday drivability.
DG-Spec treated this project like a professional race program, which needs to retain reliability while delivering ridiculous amounts of speed on the racetrack. This process involved getting a solid baseline for both the Avalon XSE as well as the Avalon TRD before beginning modifications. The development process saw the team take to the track no less than ten times at four different racetracks, unheard of for a SEMA car.
The Avalon TRD Pro Concept’s 3.5-liter 2GR-FKS V6 engine breathes easier thanks to a DG-Spec cold air intake and 3-inch exhaust fabricated from Burns Stainless components, bumping output to an estimated 330 horsepower. To limit wheelspin, DG-Spec enlisted the help of long-term partner OS Giken in Japan. Together, they developed a custom Super-Lock limited-slip differential. A Tundra factory transmission cooler with custom lines and an electric pump was also fitted to help with heat management at the track. To get more air to the cooler, the front grille was opened up as well.
To navigate the technical portions of the track, DG-Spec Motion Control Suspension (MCS) coilovers with remote reservoirs and 3-way adjustability replace the factory units at each corner, while adjustable DG-Spec/Progress rear camber arms with a Progress adjustable rear stabilizer bar complete the suspension formula.
Grip comes by way of meaty 275/35R18 Goodyear Supercar 3R tires at all four corners. Modified aluminum uprights sourced from a RAV4 replace the heavier Avalon components, reducing the weight on each side by four pounds. This weight reduction contributes to sharper handling and improved feedback.
With attention focused on quick lap times, making short work of the straightaways calls for improved braking and greater heat capacity. To this end, a Stoptech ST40 big brake kit was adapted to the Avalon. These four-piston, billet aluminum calipers squeeze Hawk Performance DTC-60 pads that apply friction to the large, two-piece 355mm Stoptech slotted rotors to reign in the speed.
Light certainly makes right, and the Avalon TRD Pro Concept employs lightweight body components to help reduce weight. To distinguish the Pro Concept from its peers, a composite duck bill spoiler was designed to sit atop the trunk lid. In keeping with DG-Spec’s form and function philosophy, it adds 100 pounds of downforce at 100mph. A bespoke DG-Spec vented carbon-fiber hood lends to weight reduction while releasing heat trapped in the engine bay. Under the wheel arches, custom made 18×9-inch Lacks wheels fill the wells. These wheels feature full carbon-fiber barrels with billet aluminum wheel faces, offering a healthy weight savings, and tipping the scales at a feathery 15 pounds per wheel.
By way of upgraded components and carbon-fiber pieces, the Avalon TRD Pro Concept managed to shed nearly 150 pounds and impress all who got behind the wheel. Said best by Michael Waltrip, “I love the Avalon TRD Pro Concept, it behaves as a performance car should. You turn the wheel and the car turns, you get on the brakes and the car stops, you get on the gas and the car goes! I could run laps around Sonoma all day in this car!”
“At DG-Spec, we’re always taking on platforms that most people don’t typically think of as track-worthy. We’ve been around enough talented Toyota engineers to know that they create amazing canvases, regardless of the intended target. It’s been our honor over the years to help Toyota turn the volume up to 11. It’s safe to say this really is the quickest FWD full-size sedan on the planet,” said DG-Spec’s Dan Gardner.
The 2020 Avalon TRD Pro Concept—along with other Toyota specialty vehicles—can be found in the Toyota display booth (#24800) in Central Hall and on the Patio Annex of the Las Vegas Convention Center, November 5 – November 8, 2019.
The post Avalon TRD Pro Concept Drifts, Grips and Attacks the Track appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>The post A Course in Winning: Toyota’s First-Ever Camry TRD and Avalon TRD Models Arrive as TRD U.S.A. Celebrates Four Decades of Motorsports Championships appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>Now, fans can also experience track-inspired Camrys on the street with the first-ever Camry TRD. Joining the TRD family also will be the Avalon TRD, creating the best-handling and boldest-looking Toyota sedans ever. Both vehicles receive unique styling developed by Calty Design, Toyota’s U.S. design center.
The 2020 Camry and Avalon are the first Toyota sedans to earn the TRD badge with a comprehensive, track-tuned performance enhancement. TRD is Toyota Racing Development, the carmaker’s motorsports division which is also responsible for developing performance-enhanced production models and parts and accessories.
The Camry TRD and Avalon TRD models have arrived in dealerships, a great way to wrap up the 40th anniversary year of TRD U.S.A. (Fun fact: the top song on Billboard’s year-end pop singles music chart in 1979 was “My Sharona” by The Knack. Yes, it was that long ago.)
The new TRD sedans will have more company, too. The 2020 RAV4 TRD Off-Road model is the first-ever TRD-enhanced version of America’s best-selling compact crossover SUV. And, the TRD Handling Package for the 86 sports car inherits the track-tuned chassis hardware and tuning from the 2019 Toyota 86 TRD Edition, which was the first passenger car to wear the TRD badge.
“Over its four decades, the equity behind the TRD brand has grown massively,” says Dave Wilson, president of TRD U.S.A. “TRD has played a direct role in Toyota and Lexus winning the most prestigious motorsports events in America – the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Baja 1000, Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Indy 500, Daytona 500 and the Chili Bowl Nationals, to name a few. With the tremendous success TRD and Toyota have enjoyed in NASCAR, racing TRD-powered Camrys, a Camry TRD edition seemed like a natural.”
Racing Improves the Breed
Just as Toyota’s off-road-ready TRD pickups and SUVs inherit their performance heritage from a long line of championship off-road and desert race trucks, the Camry TRD and Avalon TRD reflect four decades of championship-winning auto racing history. The 2020 Camry TRD and Avalon TRD models blend V6 performance with greater agility, precision and body control, all packaged with attention-grabbing TRD design and everyday drivability.
“One of the keys to the success in every TRD edition vehicle is the commitment to authentic performance improvement, not just styling,” says Wilson. “If you see a TRD-badged car or truck, you can be assured it is not just a decal package. There is a tangible performance improvement – suspension, exhaust, intake tuning, etc.”
These exciting new performance sedans embody TRD’s holistic approach to vehicle enhancement. Notably, both are powered by Toyota’s renowned 301 horsepower DOHC 3.5-liter V6 engine teamed to an 8-speed automatic transmission with sport mode and paddle shifters. The V6 exhales through a specially tuned TRD cat-back dual exhaust, giving both models a throatier idle and acceleration sound.
The Camry TRD and Avalon TRD models are as sophisticated and comfortable in their road manners as they are quick and agile. Thicker underbody braces increase torsional rigidity. TRD coil springs lower both sedans by 0.6 inches for a reduced center of gravity, while stiffer TRD stabilizer bars increase roll stiffness.
A unique set of TRD shock absorbers along with Bridgestone Potenza 235/40R19 summer tires (available only on Camry TRD) complete a chassis package that improves body control, handling agility, and steering precision. The 19 x 8.5 inch matte-black alloy wheels on both models reduce unsprung mass by 18 pounds compared to the 19-inch wheels on the Camry and Avalon XSE models.
Front brakes for both models are larger with 12.9-inch diameter rotors and dual-piston calipers compared to 12.0-inch rotors and single-piston calipers used on Camry and Avalon XSE grades. Brake performance was also tuned to provide more direct feedback, matching the sporty dynamics of the vehicles.
The TRD Look
Like all TRD vehicles, the 2020 Camry and Avalon TRD models are designed to stand apart. Calty Design Research, Toyota’s design studio, gave both cars striking aero elements, taking advantage of the edgier designs of the new-generation Camry and Avalon and aggressive stance of the TRD-modified chassis. On both models, red pinstriping, red-painted brake calipers, and red TRD badging complete the road-hungry look.
The Camry TRD is available in solid Midnight Black Metallic, or in one of three two-tone schemes featuring a Midnight Black Metallic Roof and Supersonic Red, Windchill Pearl or Celestial Silver.
The TRD treatment turns the Camry cabin into a sport sedan cockpit with just the right touch of sophisticated luxury. Black Sport SofTex®-trimmed front seats feature fabric inserts, red accents and red-stitched TRD embroidered headrests. The leather-wrapped steering wheel also has red stitching, and even the seatbelts are red. A shift knob with an embossed TRD logo, along with unique TRD floor and trunk mats, and a TRD multi-information display (MID) visual start exemplify the exceptionally high level of detail imparted by the TRD enhancement.
The Avalon TRD is available in Supersonic Red, Windchill Pearl, Celestial Silver Metallic and Midnight Black Metallic. Its cabin features Black Sport SofTex-trimmed heated front seats with Ultra-suede inserts and red accents.
Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday … It Works
Long before Toyota introduced the 1997 Tacoma TRD Off-Road, the first production model to feature TRD performance tuning, the motorsports division had filled a trophy case. TRD made the Toyota name ubiquitous on podiums in Mickey Thompson’s SCORE World Desert Championship, CART, ChampCar Endurance Series, IRL IndyCar and IMSA.
“This success has elevated the reputation and credibility of TRD among the U.S. motorsports industry and fan base,” Wilson says. “The increased integration of TRD across Toyota’s lineup of cars and trucks is an intentional strategy built upon our mutual success.”
It All Began with a Sedan
After 23 years of the TRD logo adorning mainly trucks and SUVs, the Camry TRD and Avalon TRD models may have surprised some. Their addition to the line, however, seems entirely fitting, since Toyota’s racing history began with a sedan.
In 1957, Toyota entered its first competition, campaigning a Toyopet Crown in the grueling 1957 Mobilgas Rally Around Australia. A new motorsport division called Toyota Sports Corner (Tosco) was started to manage the effort. Weighed down with spare parts and extra fuel, the Toyopet had just 48 horsepower to move its 3,700 pounds through the 19-day, 10,500-mile competition.
Of the 87 cars that started the rally, 52 finished, among them the little Toyota in 47th place. It was a start. The following year, another Toyopet Crown won the inaugural Yomiuri Rally Around Japan. The rally performances helped establish Toyota’s reputation for durability.
Tosco’s victories continued in the 1960s, with three class wins in the inaugural Japanese Grand Prix in 1963 with a Toyota 2.0-liter Crown, 1.6-liter Corona, and 700cc Publica. In 1967, a Tosco-prepared Toyota 2000 GT sports car won the first Fuji 24-Hour Endurance Race and also set endurance records. Later, the Toyota 7 was the company’s first purpose-built sports racer, built for FIA Group 7 racing. With a 590-horsepower 5.0-liter V8, a squad of 7s swept the top four positions in the June 1968 Grand Cup of Suzuka. In 1969, the Toyota 7 won the championship in the World Challenge Cup Fuji 200-Mile.
The U.S. got a glimpse of Toyota’s competition spirit and ability in 1973. That year, the company entered a Corolla 1600 in Michigan’s Press-on-Regardless Rally and netted its first World Rally Championship (WRC) win.
TRD Begins a New Era
Tosco became Toyota Racing Development in 1976, with a mission to expand Toyota’s motorsports involvement and to develop parts and accessories for production cars. Three years later, its American wing, TRD U.S.A., opened with a similar mission. TRD looked at the entire motorsports landscape in America to see where Toyota vehicles could fit in and succeed.
In 1981, TRD partnered with Dan Gurney’s All-American Racers (AAR) team to compete in IMSA’s GTU (under 2.5-liter) class with the Celica, powered by a TRD-developed four-cylinder Toyota engine. By 1985, the collaboration had won 10 victories. They next entered the IMSA GTO class (over 2.5 liters) with a specially built, tube-frame Celica racecar, winning the 1987 championship — the first time a Japanese manufacturer had won that title.
In the early 1990s, Toyota sponsored Gurney’s AAR Eagle Mk. III car in IMSA’s GTP class, winning 21 out of the 27 races entered, and taking the 1993 championship.
Desert Runners
Toyota saw off-road racing as the ideal way to demonstrate the tough-as-nails durability of its compact pickup truck. In 1983, TRD teamed with Cal Wells III and his company, Precision Preparation, Inc. (PPI), to create one of the most successful partnerships in motorsports. With race vehicles based on Toyota’s pickup, Toyota/PPI dominated the Mickey Thompson (MTEG) stadium series and also won multiple SCORE World Desert races and championships with drivers Rod Millen and Ivan “Ironman” Stewart. In 1993 alone, Stewart won the Mint 400, Baja 500 and Baja 1000.
TRD took its off-road racing to TORC (The Off-Road Championships), and off-road successes continued.
Even before Toyota introduced the 1997 Tacoma TRD Off-Road, its dealers had been selling a line of TRD parts to enthusiasts to fortify their own vehicles. The success of the parts program and then the first factory TRD truck spurred Toyota to offer additional TRD models, eventually including today’s Tacoma TRD Sport for enhanced on-road performance and the Tacoma TRD Pro for all-out off-road capability.
For 2020, the line of TRD trucks and SUVs also includes the Tundra TRD Pro; 4Runner TRD Off-Road, Off Road Premium and Pro; Sequoia TRD Sport and Pro, and the first-ever RAV4 TRD Off-Road.
Toyota-Powered Open-Wheel Racing
In that same vein, the 2019 86 TRD Edition and now the 2020 Camry and Avalon TRD echo Toyota’s decades of success across the spectrum of tarmac racing. After IMSA, Toyota made a foray into open-wheel racing, including sponsoring and supplying engines for the Formula Atlantic series until 2004. TRD developed a version of the 4AG 1.6-liter engine used in Toyota’s MR2 sports car and Corolla GTS sport coupe, producing 240 horsepower and able to rev to 12,000 rpm. Among drivers in the series were Jacques Villeneuve, Jimmy Vasser and Patrick Carpentier.
Joining the upper echelon of open-wheel racing, Toyota’s engines won 38 races in CART and the IRL IndyCar Series. Critically, TRD engineered and built the engines for its cars in both series rather than buying and branding a third-party engine, as others had done. A TRD-powered car won the Indianapolis 500 in 2003.
American Institutions
By the 1990s, Toyota set its sights on two American motorsports institutions, NASCAR cup racing and NHRA drag racing. In 2000, Toyota became the first import car company to race in NASCAR, entering a V6 Celica in the Goody’s Dash Series. Four years later, in Toyota’s first year in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Tundra drivers won 9 races and 13 pole positions.
That year, Toyota also won its first NHRA Funny Car victory at the Winternationals in Pomona, California, and four years later clinched the Funny Car championship. From 2010-2013, Toyota won four consecutive Top Fuel dragster championships.
By the early 2000-teens, Toyota had won championships in all three top NASCAR series. TRD USA engineers designed and built the V8 Tundra and V8 Camry engines for their respective NASCAR series. TRD USA has continued its astonishing run of victories, including in Daytona Prototype championship racing and USAC sprint cars.
Lexus has played a major role in TRD’s history, as well. Notably, Lexus-powered prototype-class cars competed in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series from 2004 to 2009, including winning the Rolex 24 at Daytona three years in a row, 2006-2008. For 2019, the newly formed AIM Vasser Sullivan (AVS) race team is campaigning two Lexus RC F GT3s in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
40 Years … and Counting
TRD has made racing – and winning – in America’s most demanding motorsports an integral part of Toyota’s DNA for four decades. That drive to succeed is the impetus behind the largest range of TRD models that Toyota has ever offered, from a track-tuned lightweight sports car to trail-taming trucks and SUVs. Now, TRD is challenging established sports sedans with the 2020 Camry and Avalon TRD models.
Here’s to a successful next 40 years.
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]]>The post Camry TRD and Avalon TRD Bring Track-Inspired Styling and Performance to the Streets appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>These two sedans have an appetite for curves and a distinct exhaust note bristling with attitude. With aerodynamic-enhanced styling by Calty, Toyota’s U.S. design studio, and chassis performance fortified by TRD, these revved-up Camry and Avalon models are the track-inspired sedans for which enthusiasts have been asking.
When Toyota introduced the new-generation 2018 Camry, sales of the sporty SE and XSE versions spiked. A year later, Toyota introduced the all-new 2019 Avalon, which came in an available XSE grade for the first time ever. These sedans are stylish and fun to drive. Toyota is pushing the limit even further with Camry TRD and Avalon TRD, both with greater track-inspired handling performance and styling. These models include most standard content from the Camry SE grade and Avalon XSE grade, combined with exclusive TRD chassis enhancements and tuning.
Roaring to Go
The new Camry TRD and Avalon TRD embody TRD’s holistic approach to vehicle enhancement. Notably, both are powered by Toyota’s renowned 301 horsepower DOHC 3.5-liter V6 and 8-speed automatic transmission with sport mode and paddle shifters. The V6 breathes easier with a TRD-tuned cat-back dual exhaust, giving both models a throatier idle and acceleration sound.
Thicker underbody braces increase torsional rigidity, and unique coil springs lower both vehicles by 0.6 inches for a reduced center of gravity. Specially tuned shock absorbers and lighter 19 x 8.5-inch matte black alloy wheels complement the new springs and lower stance to improve body control, handling agility and steering precision. The front brakes are larger with 12.9-inch diameter rotors and dual-piston calipers compared to 12.0-inch rotors and single piston calipers found on XSE grades.
Brake performance was also tuned to provide more direct feedback, matching the sporty dynamics of the vehicle. Active Cornering Assist was also added to both models, reducing understeering by providing brake force to the inner drive wheel when the accelerator pedal is depressed.
Calty gave both models striking aero elements, taking advantage of the edgier designs of the new-generation Camry and Avalon and aggressive stance of the TRD-modified chassis. The aerodynamic body kit, which includes the front splitter, side aero skirts, trunk lid spoiler, and rear diffuser, blends a bold styling element and improves high speed vehicle stability to aid in driver confidence. Add to it red pinstriping, red-painted brake calipers, and red TRD badging and both sedans have a road-hungry look.
These TRD sedans will continue to deliver all the quality, durability and reliability that is synonymous with Toyota. Both models will come standard with Toyota Safety Sense-P, a suite of advanced driver-assist technologies.
Camry TRD
Toyota’s commitment to enthusiast drivers is apparent in the level of detail that TRD and Calty poured into these models.
On Camry TRD, the matte-black 19 x 8.5-inch alloy wheels are a half-inch wider, yet 3.1 pounds lighter (each) than the 19 x 8.0-inch alloy wheels on the XSE grade. Paired with Bridgestone Potenza 235/40R19 summer tires, this combination reduces unsprung mass, increases lateral grip, and quickens turn-in response.
Camry’s chassis is further enhanced with stiffer coil springs and front/rear sway bars for increased roll stiffness of 44% in the front and 67% in the rear. To complement spring changes, a unique set of TRD shock absorbers were developed to control vehicle vertical and roll movement during spirited driving while still maintaining a plush on-road ride.
In addition to the TRD aero body features, Camry TRD wears a gloss black front grille with sport mesh insert and black exterior badging. Available colors include the appropriately dramatic Supersonic Red, Windchill Pearl, Celestial Silver Metallic — all three of which are two-toned — and Midnight Black Metallic. Polished stainless steel TRD exhaust tips on the catback exhaust complete the exterior makeover.
Inside, the Camry TRD driver will be seeing red – in the trim, that is. The cabin is decked out with Black Sport SofTex®-trimmed front seats with fabric inserts, red accents and red-stitched TRD embroidered headrests. The leather-wrapped steering wheel also has red stitching, and even the seatbelts are red. A shift knob with an embossed TRD logo, along with unique TRD floor and trunk mats, and a TRD MID visual start up complete the cabin upgrades.
Camry TRD will be on sale in September and have an MSRP of $31,040.
Avalon TRD
TRD’s modifications work the same magic on the Avalon as they do on the Camry. Avalon TRD gets Black Sport SofTex-trimmed heated front seats with Ultra-suede inserts and red accents. Its interior is also adorned with red-stitched TRD-embroidered headrests, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching, red seatbelts, a shift knob with an embossed TRD logo and red stitching, and unique TRD floor and trunk mats.
The matte-black 19 x 8.5-inch alloy wheels paired with Michelin 235/40R19 all-weather tires reduce unsprung mass by 18 pounds compared to the 19-inch wheels on the 2019 Avalon XSE. As on Camry TRD, the unbridled tone of the 301-hp V6 bellows through stainless steel TRD exhaust tips. The red pinstriping on the aero body elements, and the red seatbelts and accents complete Avalon TRD’s styling.
Avalon TRD is on sale in dealerships now and is available in Supersonic Red, Windchill Pearl, Celestial Silver Metallic and Midnight Black Metallic. It has an MSRP of $42,300.
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]]>The post Toyota Racing Development Turns Up Heat for Camry and Avalon appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>Many Toyota enthusiasts already know the equity behind the TRD badge seen on the brand’s hardcore, off-road-ready pickups and SUVs. Conquering the Baja, however, is just one of many feats won by TRD vehicles across the motorsports spectrum. Now, TRD brings its track tuning to sedans that blend greater agility, precision and body control with attention-grabbing design and everyday drivability.
When Toyota introduced the new-generation 2018 Camry, sales of the sporty SE and XSE versions spiked. A year later, Toyota introduced the all-new 2019 Avalon, which came in an available XSE grade for the first time ever. These sedans are stylish and fun to drive. And Toyota is pushing the limit even further with Camry TRD and Avalon TRD, both with greater track-inspired handling performance and styling. These models include all standard content from the Camry SE grade and Avalon XSE grade, combined with exclusive TRD chassis enhancements and tuning.
Camry TRD and Avalon TRD will both be model year 2020 and available in fall 2019.
Roaring to Go
The new Camry TRD and Avalon TRD embody TRD’s holistic approach to vehicle enhancement. Notably, both are powered by Toyota’s renowned 301 horsepower DOHC 3.5-liter V6 and 8AT with sport mode and paddle shifters. The V6 breathes easier with a specially-tuned cat-back dual exhaust, giving both models a throatier idle and acceleration sound.
“Track-tuned” means exactly that. TRD engineers developed the dynamic characteristics through extensive testing at Toyota Arizona Proving Ground, TMC Higashi-Fuij Proving Ground (Japan), and MotorSport Ranch (Texas).
Thicker underbody braces increase torsional rigidity and unique coil springs lower both vehicles by 0.6 inches for a reduced center of gravity. Specially tuned shock absorbers and 19 x 8.5 inch matte black alloy wheels complete a suspension package that improves body control, handling agility, and steering precision. The front brakes are larger with 12.9-inch diameter rotors and dual-piston calipers compared to 12.0-inch rotors and single piston calipers found on XSE grades. Brake performance was also tuned to provide more direct feedback, matching the sporty dynamics of the vehicle.
Calty gave both models striking aero elements, taking advantage of the edgier designs of the new-generation Camry and Avalon and aggressive stance of the TRD-modified chassis. The aerodynamic body kit, which includes the front splitter, side aero skirts, trunk lid spoiler, and rear diffuser, blends a bold styling element and improves high speed vehicle stability to aid in driver confidence. Add that with the red pinstriping, red painted brake calipers, and red TRD badging and both sedans have a road-hungry look.
These TRD sedans will continue to deliver all the quality, dependability, and reliability that is synonymous with Toyota. Both models will come standard with Toyota Safety Sense-P, a suite of advanced driver-assist technologies, among these Pre-Collision Braking.
Camry TRD
Toyota’s commitment to enthusiast drivers is apparent in the level of detail that TRD and Calty poured into these models.
On Camry TRD, the matte-black 19 x 8.5-inch alloy wheels are a half-inch wider, yet 3.1 pounds lighter (each) than the 19 x 8.0-inch alloy wheels on the XSE grade. Paired with standard Bridgestone Potenza 235/40R19 summer tires, this combination reduces unsprung mass, increases lateral grip, and quickens turn-in response.
Camry’s chassis is further enhanced with stiffer coil springs and front/rear sway bars for increased roll stiffness of 44% in the front and 67% in the rear. To compliment spring changes, a unique set of TRD shock absorbers were developed to control vehicle vertical and roll movement while maintaining on-road TRD ride quality.
In addition to the TRD aero body features, Camry TRD wears a unique gloss black front grille with sport mesh insert and black exterior badging. Available colors include the appropriately dramatic Supersonic Red, Windchill Pearl, Celestial Silver Metallic — all three of which are two-toned — and Midnight Black Metallic. Polished stainless steel TRD exhaust tips on the catback exhaust complete the exterior makeover.
Inside, the Camry TRD driver will be seeing red – in the trim, that is. The cabin is decked out with Black Sport SofTex®-trimmed front seats with fabric inserts, red accents and red-stitched TRD embroidered headrests. The leather-wrapped steering wheel also has red stitching, and even the seatbelts are red. A shift knob with an embossed TRD logo, along with unique TRD floor and trunk mats, and a TRD MID visual start up complete the cabin upgrades.
Avalon TRD
TRD’s modifications work the same magic on the Avalon as they do on the Camry. Avalon TRD gets Black Sport SofTex-trimmed heated front seats with Ultra-suede inserts and red accents. It also gets red-stitched TRD embroidered headrests, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching, red seatbelts, a shift knob with an embossed TRD logo, and unique TRD floor and trunk mats.
The matte-black 19 x 8.5-inch alloy wheels reduce 18 pounds of unsprung mass compared to the 19-inch wheels on the 2019 Avalon XSE. As on Camry TRD, the unbridled tone of the 301-hp V6 bellows through stainless steel TRD exhaust tips. The red pinstriping on the aero body elements, and the red seatbelts and accents complete Avalon TRD’s styling.
Avalon TRD will be available in Supersonic Red, Windchill Pearl, Celestial Silver Metallic and Midnight Black Metallic.
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]]>The post Toyota celebra un sedán que se toma el juego en serio: el nuevo Avalon appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>El totalmente nuevo Toyota Avalon –diseñado, estructurado y ensamblado en los Estados Unidos– encarna el deseo de los consumidores de contar con modalidades de transporte de primera, accesibles, y centradas en la tecnología y en el diseño.
“El equipo de Toyota ha transformado la experiencia de conducir para que nuestro sedán insignia fije una nueva norma en el segmento premium y responda al deseo de autenticidad, espontaneidad y exploración de los condusctores”, dijo Ed Laukes, vicepresidente de grupo de marketing de Toyota Motor Norteamérica.
Dos de los anuncios de 30 segundos en televisión nacional de la campaña, “Serious Play”, Let’s Race y Trojan Horse, fueron dirigidos por el célebre director Craig Gillespie, conocido recientemente por la premiada película “I, Tonya”. Un tercer anuncio de 30 segundos, Catch Me If You Can, audaz y atrevido, fue dirigido por Daniel Azancot. Los comerciales fueron desarrollados utilizando hallazgos de investigación multiculturalenfocados a una audiencia transcultural. La campaña también incluye una serie de videos digitales, entre ellos Roundabout, River Run, Scavenger Hunt, Waiting, Hybrid at Play, Musical Play, Performance Play, Group Play, Connected Play y Simon Says, creados para contar las historias de una búsqueda impulsiva de aventuras.
La campaña totalmente integrada fue creada por dos de las agencias oficiales de Toyota: Saatchi & Saatchi y Burrell Communications.
Colocaciones en los medios
Los anuncios de televisión “Serious Play” se transmitirán en selectas programaciones de cable en las cadenas NBCU, FOX Networks, Viacom, Turner y Discovery Cable. Otros elementos de la campaña son audio digital dinámico y anuncios impresos en publicaciones como Esquire, Condé Nast Traveler, Food & Wine y Architectural Digest. Entre las nuevas alianzas mediáticas están Pinterest Pincodes, Discovery, la serie de Podcast “Endless Thread” de Reddit/WBUR y más. Además, los anuncios se transmitirán en películas selectas en cines en todo el país durante el verano, conjuntamente con National CineMedia. Se calcula que esta campaña producirá 3,100 millones de impresiones.
Acerca del Toyota Avalon de 2019
El Avalon de quinta generación, fabricado exclusivamente en Georgetown, Kentucky, es el ejemplo más reciente de la plataforma de Nueva Arquitectura Global de Toyota (TNGA) y ofrece la más alta calidad, confiabilidad, seguridad y diseño en su clase.
El nuevo Avalon estrena varias funciones para Toyota:
Con cuatro versiones disponibles, el nuevo Avalon se ajusta a una gran variedad de clientes/conductores: los dos modelos Sport Plus dedicados, XSE y Touring, además de los más lujosos XLE y Limited. Las versiones híbridas son XLE, XSE y Limited.
Los anuncios “Serious Play” pueden verse aquí. Vea fotos del nuevo Avalon aquí. El vehículo ya está a la venta en concesionarios.
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]]>The post Toyota Celebrates a Sedan Serious About Play: the All-New Avalon appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>The all-new Toyota Avalon – designed, engineered and assembled in the U.S. – embodies consumers’ overarching desire for high-caliber, design-centric, technologically-savvy modes of attainable, premium transportation.
“The Toyota team has transformed the driving experience for our flagship sedan to set a new standard for the premium segment and satiate drivers’ desire for authenticity, spontaneity and exploration,” said Ed Laukes, group vice president, marketing, Toyota Motor North America.
Two of the “Serious Play” campaign’s national 30-second TV spots, Let’s Race and Trojan Horse, were directed by renowned director Craig Gillespie, most recently known for the award-winning film “I, Tonya.” A third bold and daring 30-second spot, Catch Me If You Can, was directed by Daniel Azancot. The commercials were developed using multicultural insights aimed at a transcultural audience. The campaign also includes a series of digital videos including Roundabout, River Run, Scavenger Hunt, Waiting, Hybrid at Play, Musical Play, Performance Play, Group Play, Connected Play and Simon Says created to tell stories of an impulsive quest for adventure.
The fully-integrated campaign was developed between two of Toyota’s agencies of record, including Saatchi & Saatchi and Burrell Communications.
Media Placements
The “Serious Play” TV spots will air in select targeted cable programming across NBCU, FOX Networks, Viacom, Turner and Discovery Cable networks. Additional elements of the campaign include dynamic digital, audio as well as print ads in high profile publications such as Esquire, Condé Nast Traveler, Food & Wine and Architectural Digest. New integrated media partnerships include Pinterest Pincodes, Discovery, Reddit/WBUR’s “Endless Thread” Podcast series, and more. Additionally, spots will air within select movie titles in theaters nationwide throughout the summer in conjunction with National CineMedia. Overall, this campaign is slated to deliver 3.1 billion impressions.
About the 2019 Toyota Avalon
Exclusively produced in Georgetown, KY, the fifth-generation Avalon is the latest example of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform and features the highest quality, reliability, safety and craftsmanship in its class.
The new Avalon includes a few firsts for Toyota:
With four available grades, the new Avalon will accommodate a wide array of customers/drivers: the two dedicated Sport Plus models, XSE and Touring, plus the more luxurious XLE and Limited. Hybrid grades include XLE, XSE and Limited.
The “Serious Play” spots are available for viewing here. View photos of the all-new Avalon here. The vehicle is on sale now in dealerships.
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]]>For related news, click here.
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]]>The post The future of Toyota manufacturing is here as all-new 2019 Avalon begins racing off Kentucky production line and into showrooms soon appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>Also, standard passive and active safety benefits through Toyota Safety Sense move the automaker one step closer to Toyota Motor Corp.’s goal of zero casualties from traffic accidents.
“Throughout development, we focused on the new Avalon being authentic and exhilarating,” said Randy Stephens, chief engineer. “One of the key components in getting there was the new platform and suspension. These underpinnings allow us to provide an unequaled foundation for the marriage between luxury and sportiness in the premium mid-size sedan segment.”
With four available grades, the new Avalon will accommodate a wide array of customers/drivers: the two dedicated Sport Plus models, XSE and Touring, plus the more luxurious XLE and Limited. Hybrid grades include XLE, Limited and XSE.
Elkington said a huge benefit is the diversity in the various models: “My favorite is the touring grade because it has some great driving modes. You can be in normal mode and have a smooth ride – go over a bump or pothole and barely feel it. Then you can switch to the sports mode for the driving experience. On a winding road, you feel each curve and you have the enhanced sound of the engine — so you feel like you are driving a sports car.”
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]]>The post El totalmente nuevo Toyota Avalon 2019 proyecta sofisticación, estilo y euforia de forma natural appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>Respaldado por una plataforma denominada Nueva Arquitectura Global de Toyota (Toyota New Global Architecture, TNGA) y propulsado por un motor V6 energéticamente eficiente de 3.5 litros o por el grupo propulsor Toyota Hybrid System (THS II), el Toyota Avalon 2019 personifica el deseo dominante de los consumidores por modos de transportación premium asequibles y de alta categoría, centrados en el diseño y tecnológicamente inteligentes.
A su menú, Avalon agrega ahora un grupo de primicias para Toyota como Apple CarPlay estándar e indicadores de giro auxiliares dinámicos disponibles, la disponibilidad de detalles en aluminio y madera Yamaha auténtica en la cabina y la mejora del sonido del motor. Además, los conductores apreciarán los beneficios estándar de seguridad activa y pasiva que proporciona el sistema Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), así como una conducción atlética gracias a su suspensión variable adaptativa (AVS) disponible, también por primera vez en un Toyota, y que decididamente hace que Avalon supere a vehículos similares.
El listón ha sido elevado.
Transformación emblemática
Para su quinta generación, el Avalon recibió una transformación integral llevada a cabo por entidades de diseño, ingeniería y fabricación de Toyota establecidas en Estados Unidos: Calty Design Research Inc. (Calty) en Ann Arbor, Michigan; Toyota Motor North America Research and Development (TMNA R&D) en Saline, Michigan; y Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) en Georgetown, Kentucky, respectivamente. Bajo la dirección de Randy Stephens, ingeniero jefe y de Kevin Hunter, presidente de Calty, los grupos de cerebros concibieron un Avalon que representa progresividad multilateral – para sí mismo, para su diverso grupo de conductores y para Toyota.
A lo largo de todo el paradigma de su desarrollo los equipos tuvieron en mente dos palabras clave: Autenticidad y Exaltación. Ambas se aplicaron en cada área de la esencia sofisticada del Avalon y en las cuatro categorías disponibles: los atléticos XSE (completamente nuevo) y Touring, así como en los más opulentos XLE y Limited. Las categorías HV incluyen XLE, Limited y XSE.
Hola, belleza técnica
La musculatura TNGA larga y baja del Avalon queda arropada por una gran cantidad de elementos emblemáticos de Calty. Su aspecto expresivo refleja diligentemente la mezcla de una personalidad abarcadora enfocada hacia el rendimiento, la vigorizante experiencia del conductor y una imagen premium y espaciosa.
En las líneas de la carrocería y en los panoramas de la cabina del Avalon está infundida la filosofía Belleza Técnica. Belleza, que se alinea con Exaltación, representa la reacción emocional de los observadores a las líneas tensas y a la silueta elegante del Avalon. Técnica, que se alinea con Autenticidad, representa propósito y rendimiento – elementos tangibles del estilo del sedán.
Gracias a su núcleo TNGA adaptable, el equipo de Calty decidió que el exterior del Avalon sería más largo, más bajo y más ancho que nunca antes. Métodos de estampación únicos y nunca antes logrados también ayudaron en la embutición de paneles que expresan formas esculpidas reconocibles. Ahora es posible moldear superficies complejas, como en las manillas de las puertas del Avalon que coinciden con la línea de carácter audaz de su perfil. Un estribo diferenciado esculpido detrás de las ruedas delanteras ejemplifica visualmente los beneficios del TNGA.
Las dimensiones del Avalon se hacen eco de las seductivas complexiones físicas de vehículos premium mucho más caros. Su cabina, sin embargo, mantiene su característica herencia de bajo perfil mediante la extensión de la cabina trasera en otras 7 pulgadas, y la prolongación del cristal de la luna y del pilar C ahusado hacia abajo en 2.2 pulgadas. Para finalizar el ingenioso perfil, los ingenieros y diseñadores implementaron una curva de radio de 0.31 pulgada – la más cerrada en la historia de Toyota – delante del pilar inclinado.
En el Avalon se han recortado varias dimensiones relacionadas con la altura: en general (en 1 pulgada hasta 56.5 pulgadas), capó (en 1.2 pulgadas) y sección trasera (en 0.8 pulgada). También en las porciones salientes delantera y trasera (una disminución de 0.4 pulgada y 1.0 pulgada, respectivamente). De conjunto con sus vías de rueda delantera (un aumento de 0.4 pulgada) y trasera (un aumento de 1.5 pulgadas) más anchas, su ancho (un aumento de 0.8 pulgada hasta 72.8 pulgadas) y distancia entre ejes (un aumento de 2.0 pulgadas), todo contribuye enfatizar el aura premium y la talla deportiva del Avalon.
En ninguna parte es la identidad de marca “Under Priority” (una dirección que prioriza la eficiencia aerodinámica, el enfriamiento y la protección del peatón) de Toyota más evidente que en su impresionante cara. Las esbeltas luces delanteras tipo proyector, totalmente LED, que están disponibles, declaran al unísono su carácter deportivo y elegancia. Sin embargo, no son más que un capítulo de la convincente historia de la parte frontal del vehículo, que representa la intersección de superficies tridimensionales y de diversas funciones – las líneas longitudinales y la construcción liviana del capó de aluminio; las parrillas anchas y modernas construidas para cortar el aire con elegancia; conductos de ventilación tangenciales en su parte inferior elaborados para dirigir efectivamente el aire transversalmente en las ruedas delanteras y a lo largo de los flancos pulidos del Avalon. Las puertas cinceladas logran una línea de carácter más intenso gracias a la estampación prototipo TNGA que se aplicó en TMMK.
Por atrás cruzan líneas de carácter horizontales sencillas, en las partes superior, central e inferior. Su ancho de 72.8 pulgadas, en efecto, queda considerablemente resaltado por este seccionamiento peculiar. Las luces traseras LED conectadas moldeadas en un estilo “aero fin” tridimensional marcan una diferencia con respecto a la versión existente. Las luces de reversa, freno y giro quedan integradas de una forma fluida, única y armoniosa.
Las diferencias entre las categorías son marcadas. Una parrilla frontal gris oscura con borde cromado, por ejemplo, es un signo revelador de las versiones XLE y Limited. Como también lo son los aros maquinados plateados de las luces delanteras LED, los alojamientos de los espejos retrovisores del color de la carrocería y las ruedas exclusivas cuyos diámetros van desde 17 hasta 19 pulgadas. Las letras cromadas de la insignia, así como tubos de escape dobles con puntas cromadas individualizan las categorías.
El XSE y el Touring adoptan una actitud más agresiva. Una rejilla negro piano, ruedas negras lustrosas con acabado mecanizado, así como alojamientos negros de los espejos exteriores son características especiales para estas categorías. Los aros de las luces delanteras – también en negro – crean una mística atractiva que nunca antes ha poseído un Avalon. Entre los rasgos en la parte posterior están el alerón del maletero y la insignia identificadora en negro, y un difusor más bajo específico para la categoría colocado arriba y entre los tubos de escape cuádruples.
La línea adopta dos colores Toyota totalmente nuevos: Ámbar Opulento y Metálico Gris Puerto. Los colores que se mantienen incluyen Metálico Plateado Celestial, Metálico Negro Medianoche y Perlado Nocturno Parisino; nuevas opciones para el Avalon incluyen Perlado Viento Helado y Perlado Fulgor Rubí.
En el Avalon la forma sigue a la función. Las aberturas de ventilación tangenciales en la parte frontal, su alerón trasero, y la considerable cobertura del panel bajo la carrocería, desde la nariz frontal hasta la cola, minimizan las ineficiencias aerodinámicas y proporcionan al Avalon un coeficiente de resistencia de 0.27 – mejor que el coeficiente de resistencia de 0.28 del modelo saliente.
Iluminación esclarecida
Las luces delanteras Vision Tech LED disponibles para el Avalon constituyen la iluminación más avanzada lograda por Toyota. Las esbeltas luces delanteras empleadas por las categorías XLE y XSE utilizan un conjunto de tres reflectores para luces de funcionamiento durante el día (DRL) y funciones de haz bajo y alto, lo cual proporciona excelente salida de la luz en toda una gama de situaciones, incluso condiciones meteorológicas adversas y con poca visibilidad.
Para las categorías Limited y Touring, cada luz delantera está compuesta por módulos de iluminación delgados – uno para el haz bajo y el otro para el alto – además de una luz adaptativa LED para las curvas y una señal de giro auxiliar dinámica. Esto se ve por primera vez en un Toyota. Las innovadores luces para las curvas mejoran la visibilidad alrededor de las esquinas y al tomar las curvas durante maniobras tanto a baja como alta velocidad, así como al cambiar de carril o al conducir en reversa. La luz aparece y desaparece gradualmente lo cual permite activaciones y transiciones fluidas, y añade 60 por ciento más de anchura en primer plano al patrón del haz bajo. La señal de giro auxiliar dinámica proporciona un grado adicional de visibilidad notable mediante la activación de cada diodo auxiliar en secuencia y no mediante el encendido o apagado de todos a la vez.
Otra característica que se ve por primera vez en un Toyota intercepta la trifecta de los elementos de iluminación dentro de la luz delantera: emblemáticas luces de DRL y de estacionamiento con ablación con láser técnico. La tecnología permite que la luz se trasmita a través de sus áreas transparentes rodeada por un lente interior metalizado con ablación mediante láser. La ablación con láser crea una textura especializada mediante un patrón intrincado.
Las luces traseras LED del Avalon también implementan la ablación con láser en las unidades del Limited y del Touring, así como en la señal de giro auxiliar dinámica. La composición tridimensional Aero Fin Jet de las luces inserta el indicador de reversa debajo de la luz trasera, en la práctica ensanchando el aspecto del alojamiento, y, a la vez, las musculosas caderas del sedán.
Una cabina que arropa
La fluencia de Avalon en suntuosidad y extroversiones emocionantes no se limita a su aspecto provocativo. Los delgados pilares estructurales de su plataforma TNGA y el ancho parabrisas causan esa impresión de amplitud y apertura que los pasajeros reciben, lo mismo si están sentados delante que en la fila trasera.
Cuando los pasajeros abren las puertas del Avalon son recibidos por una simplicidad general y una distribución deliberada de comodidades y controles. Materiales auténticos, como la moldura de madera suministrada por Yamaha disponible y piezas de aluminio auténtico, acentúan los reposabrazos, la consola central y los paneles de instrumentos.
Por doquier pueden notarse materiales suaves al tacto – alrededor de la fluida consola central de bajo perfil en moldura negro piano; en el esbelto panel de instrumentos con varios niveles que conduce a las puertas; en el compartimiento trasero, donde las puertas y la consola igualan la impresionante artesanía que se aprecia en la cabina delantera. Un portavaso y portadispositivo trasero, con toques en negro piano y acabado cromado satinado, puede plegarse hacia arriba y hacia abajo en el reposabrazos entre los pasajeros. Delante de sus rodillas y al alcance de sus brazos: conductos de ventilación, controles para los calentadores de asientos disponibles y los puertos USB para carga que no pueden faltar. Las profundas curvaturas en los reposabrazos de las puertas proporcionan a los pasajeros una superficie de descanso amplia y comodidad durante viajes largos. La espaciosidad de los asientos traseros del Avalon queda ejemplificada por medidas que son las mejores del segmento en tres categorías: espacio para los hombros (57.1 pulgadas), espacio para las piernas (40.3 pulgadas para el V6; 40.4 pulgadas para el HV) y espacio para la cabeza (37.5 pulgadas para el V6; 37.1 pulgadas para el HV).
La diferenciación de materiales entre categorías es mínima; en el XLE pueden encontrarse molduras de madera contrachapada mientras que el Limited tiene molduras con madera verdadera. Las cabinas del Touring y del XSE están adornadas con piezas de aluminio. Tanto en el Touring como en el XSE puede encontrarse una mezcla de envolturas ultrasuede perforadas; los asientos Softex en el XLE reciben puntadas verticales artísticas. El Limited va más allá de este acercamiento creativo mediante la adición de una perforación especial y puntadas de dos colores – ambas exclusivas de Toyota – además de unpatrón acolchado.
Las superficies de piel color coñac, algo nuevo para el 2019, resaltan el carácter lujoso del Limited. Uniéndose al coñac en la paleta de colores del Limited también están detalles en piel color gris y beige; en el XSE y en el Touring estos detalles pueden ser de material ultrasuede perforado gris o negro; el XLE recibe un trío de ofertas de color con Softex gris, beige o negro.
En los asientos delanteros, las atenciones se dirigen inmediatamente hacia la esbelta consola central del Avalon. El panel delgado aloja el sistema de multimedia (MMS) de 9 pulgadas de Avalon que muestra audio y navegación e integra el sistema de control de climatización del automóvil. Una decoración con acabado cromado satinado rodea el panel de agrupación central que “flota” sobre el panel de instrumentos, enfatizando aún más el aura equilibrada de la atmósfera moderna. Debajo del panel, los pasajeros tienen acceso fácil al eBin, que se abre mediante deslizamiento, y que contiene un enchufe de 12 voltios y el cargador para dispositivo móvil Qi inalámbrico estándar (disponible en el XLE). Dentro de la consola central se encuentran tres puertos de alimentación USB (con lo que en total se eleva hasta cinco). Un dispositivo que es parte portavasos y parte soporte para teléfono ubicado sobre la consola frontal descansa adyacente al selector de cambios; hay líneas de acolchado suave a ambos lados del túnel inferior de la consola, a la altura de la rodilla.
Un volante con tres radios da la bienvenida a los ojos y las manos de los conductores con detalles de acabado satinado cromado pulido y controles multifunción convenientemente colocados. Visualmente, la estética del volante es más pura, con una complexión interior recortada y con los controles más agrupados, al tiempo que se han agrandado las partes para colocar las manos. La función de control de crucero está ahora accesible en el radio derecho del volante. También, por primera vez en el Avalon, el volante puede tapizarse con una superficie de piel a dos tonos cuando está equipado en coñac o gris.
Más allá del volante, una pantalla de información múltiple (MID) de 7 pulgadas muestra información sobre el vehículo, navegación paso a paso, y diversos ajustes del vehículo (incluso los correspondientes a alerta de salida del carril con asistencia en la dirección, sistema de precolisión con detección de peatón, sonar de espacio libre inteligente disponible, monitor de punto ciego con alerta de tráfico cruzando por detrás y pantalla de visualización frontal). Los conductores tienen acceso a dos nuevos menús, entre ellos un velocímetro digital y, en las categorías HV, un tacómetro digital cuando los cambios están en el modo “S”.
A la izquierda de la MID, hay un tacómetro con agujas largas en blanco brillante y una tipografía actualizada. A su derecha, un velocímetro. Las categorías HV reciben la misma pantalla central de 7 pulgadas, pero a su izquierda tienen un indicador del sistema Hybrid que muestra el estado de regeneración del vehículo en CHG (carga), ECO (economía) o PWR (potencia) en tiempo real. Excepto en los medidores del XLE, el tacómetro/medidor de grupo propulsor híbrido y el velocímetro en el XSE, el Limited y el Touring están rodeados por anillos luminosos en 3D. Un anillo cromado bordea toda la agrupación de medidores en todas las categorías.
La pantalla de visualización frontal (HUD) a color, estándar en el Limited y en el Touring, de 10 pulgadas – la más grande en el segmento – proyecta claramente información importante, como las velocidades del vehículo y del motor, instrucciones paso por paso, ajustes del audio y el modo de conducción, directamente en la porción inferior del parabrisas. Esto ayuda a los conductores a mantenerse concentrados en la vía y constituye un tercio de la “zona de control del conductor” del Avalon, compuesta por MMS, MID y HUD. Todas se alinean fluidamente para permitir comunicación óptima entre los ocupantes y el vehículo.
Mega multimedia
Las categorías Limited y Touring traen de forma estándar un sistema de audio de alto rendimiento JBL, el cual también es una opción disponible en las categorías XLE y XSE. Los pasajeros en las categorías XLE y XSE pueden escuchar claramente sus melodías preferidas con un sistema estándar de 8 altavoces que cuenta con Entune 3.0 Audio Plus con navegación conectada mediante la aplicación Scout GPS Link y Entune 3.0 App Suite Connect, que tiene nuevas aplicaciones de terceros para uso en el vehículo. Apple CarPlay es estándar en todas las categorías.
Los servicios conectados Entune 3.0 de Toyota incluyen: conexión de seguridad y conexión de servicio con un período de prueba de tres años, y conexión remota con un período de prueba de seis meses. Se puede poner a prueba también Wi-Fi Connect potenciado por Verizon con hasta 2GB dentro de un plazo de seis meses. La suite de aplicaciones Entune 3.0 no requiere suscripción.
La nueva pantalla táctil capacitiva de 9 pulgadas del sistema permite acciones como pellizcar y pulsar, de la misma forma que se hace con los dispositivos móviles, lo cual resulta perfecto para ubicar con exactitud la pizzería preferida. Tiene una mayor velocidad de actualización de la pantalla, su reconocimiento de voz es más perceptivo y reconoce mejor los gestos de los usuarios.
El Avalon también contará, por primera vez en un Toyota, integración con un reloj inteligente o conectividad mediante un dispositivo habilitado para Amazon Alexa, como parte del sistema de conexión remota de Toyota (Toyota Remote Connect). Esta concepción innovadora permite que los conductores abran o bloqueen las puertas, arranquen el motor o verifiquen el nivel del combustible, todo desde la comodidad de su reloj inteligente o de un dispositivo habilitado para Amazon Alexa. También es controlable mediante la voz, y compatible con dispositivos Android o Apple selectos. Toyota está entre los primeros fabricantes de vehículos con conectividad para dispositivos habilitados para Amazon capaces de ejecutar interacciones hogar-a-vehículo y vehículo-a-hogar.
Con un sistema estándar conformado por 14 altavoces – la mayor cantidad de altavoces en el segmento – y la suite completa de audio premium Entune 3.0, a los pasajeros sentados en las categorías Limited y Touring se les entregan estímulos audibles y visuales sin precedentes. Los conductores de las categorías XLE y XSE también tienen a su disposición muchas aplicaciones opcionales con software y hardware avanzados que aparecen por primera vez en un Toyota. Estas versiones también pueden equiparse con navegación dinámica integrada.
1200 watts, proporcionados a la medida por JBL
Engineers benchmarked the best systems, two vehicle classes up, into the higher-priced premium large sedan segment. The result: a 14-speaker, 1200-watt, precisely-tuned 7.1-channel surround sound that leverages the benefits of a robust TNGA structure, and utilizes the top in hardware, structural engineering, and software technology.
Aspectos destacados:
The Toyota first Quantum Logic Surround combines individual signal streams of music by using patented filter bank technology and psychoacoustic modeling to create an immersive multi-channel listening experience with exceptional clarity, detail, and image specificity. Clari-Fi analyzes audio streams in real time, rebuilds key details lost in processing, and restores high-fidelity.
Corazón de sedán mediano premium, eficiencia de vehículo pequeño
Trabajo duro, deportividad y eficiencia de combustible. Cada uno de esos rasgos fascinantes ha sido mejorado, gracias en buena medida a dos nuevos grupos propulsores TNGA: un impactante V6 de 3.5 litros (2GR-FKS) de 301 caballos de fuerza y 267 libras-pie de torque y un Sistema Híbrido Toyota II (Toyota Hybrid System II, THS II) de cuatro cilindros Dynamic Force de 2.5 litros con potencia neta de 215 caballos de fuerza, con motor eléctrico de 650 voltios (A25A-FXS) y trasmisión continuamente variable (CVT). El Avalon HV sigue siendo el único vehículo completamente híbrido en el segmento.
El V6 derivado del TNGA desarrolla más potencia con menos consumo de combustible que nunca antes. Para alcanzar estos dos objetivos se requirió la aplicación de inyección directa D-4S, de conjunto con un sistema de control variable de válvulas VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide) actualizado.
En el ciclo de admisión se emplea el sistema VVT-iW, mientras que en el escape se activa el VVT-i (Control Variable de Válvulas – Inteligente). Mediante el uso del VVT-iW, los ingenieros garantizaron la creación óptima de torque bajo cualquier velocidad del motor y minimizaron las pérdidas por bombeo durante el cierre de las válvulas de admisión, lo cual mejora aún más la eficiencia energética. El uso del ciclo Atkinson, también, reduce el apetito por combustible del V6, especialmente en climas fríos y durante situaciones de aceleración a fondo (WOT).
Entre otras especificaciones del V6 están una relación de compresión 11.8:1 y dimensiones de diámetro interior (3.7 pulgadas) y carrera (3.3 pulgadas). Las clasificaciones de economía de combustible (ciudad/carretera/combinada), en millas por galón, se ofrecen a continuación:
ECONOMÍA DE COMBUSTIBLE ESTIMADA (CIUDAD/CARRETERA/COMBINADA) |
|
XLE V6 |
22/32/26 |
XSE V6, Limited V6, Touring V6 |
22/31/25 |
XLE HV |
43/44/44 |
XSE HV, Limited HV |
43/43/43 |
Cambios para todas las ocasiones
Una caja de cambios automática de eje transversal Direct Shift-8AT de 8 velocidades (UA80E) TNGA totalmente nueva canaliza la potencia a las ruedas delanteras del Avalon. Combina selección fluida y precisa del cambio en todo el rango de revoluciones con presteza para eficiencia de combustible y potencia según demanda. Su control de lógica revisada logra los mejores emparejamientos de velocidad del vehículo, velocidad del motor y accionamiento de torque, al tiempo que también facilita reducciones de marcha.
Sus ocho relaciones de transmisión logran el equilibrio entre la gama amplia y relaciones estrechas, mejorando en consecuencia la aplicación de potencia y la eficiencia de combustible. Una gama más amplia, específicamente en la 8ª relación de transmisión aumentada, permite mayor economía de combustible a velocidades crucero altas. Las relaciones más estrechas en los cambios de gama media mejoran la potencia para adelantar.
Un nuevo convertidor de torque proporciona una gama más amplia de operación de enclavamiento (versus la transmisión automática de 6 velocidades saliente) para imbuir una sensación de manejo más envolvente y directa. El convertidor contribuye a un bajo consumo de combustible y a la comodidad del pasajero ya que mantiene en un mínimo las revoluciones del motor.
Sin embargo, la experiencia más emocionante de cambios de velocidad, está reservada para los conductores del XSE y del Touring, donde la opción de cambios mediante botones montados en el volante sin duda alguna aumenta la apuesta por la deportividad del Avalon. Los botones proporcionan acceso rápido a la selección de marcha y, cuando se reduce de marcha, la caja de engranajes automáticamente “hace coincidir las revoluciones” para posibilitar cambios más fluidos.
Avalon HV: El Avalon más energéticamente eficiente hasta la fecha
Un nuevo motor Dynamic Force TNGA de cuatro cilindros y 2.5 litros es más energéticamente eficiente, funciona de forma más limpia y es más potente que iteraciones anteriores, y sobresale en la disipación de las ineficiencias térmicas. Para hacer todo esto se requirió la implementación del vasto catálogo de tecnologías avanzadas para motor de Toyota: dual VVT-i con VVT-iE (sistema inteligente de temporizado de levas variable mediante motor eléctrico); inyección directa D-4S (motor de gasolina de inyección directa de 4 tiempos versión Superior) y asientos de válvula con chapado mediante láser; carrera más larga (4.07 pulgadas; el diámetro interior se mantiene en 3.44 pulgadas) y alta relación de compresión (14:1); inyectores directos de combustible con multiorificios; un sistema de enfriamiento variable; sistema de recirculación del gas de escape (EGR) enfriado; y una bomba de aceite totalmente variable.
En vez de presión de aceite, su sistema de válvula variable dual VVT-i con VVT-iE emplea un motor eléctrico para controlar el temporizado de levas variable, lo cual contribuye a la eficiencia de combustible y promueve emisiones de escape más limpias (esto es especialmente útil en climas fríos). La inyección directa D-4S combina inyección directa (DI) de combustible a alta presión e inyección de combustible en el puerto (PFI) de baja presión, y aplica cada método de inyección según parámetros de conducción específicos. Se logra incluso mayor eficiencia de combustible gracias a los nuevos inyectores directos con boquillas multiorificios (seis orificios por inyector).
El matrimonio perfecto
El motor Dynamic Force de cuatro cilindros está acoplado a un grupo propulsor Toyota Hybrid System II completamente nuevo que ha sido concebido para inspirar tanto una conducción fogosa como una concientización sobre el ahorro de combustible. La salida de potencia neta del sistema híbrido son unos impresionantes 215 caballos de fuerza, 15 caballos de fuerza más que en la versión saliente. El THS II usa dos motores eléctricos – MG1 y MG2 – que suplementan la carga de la batería de níquel-metal hidruro (Ni-MH) del sistema híbrido, al tiempo que el MG2 ayuda al motor.
Como novedad para el 2019, la batería extremadamente compacta ahora se encuentra bajo el asiento del pasajero trasero (y no en el maletero) como resultado de una mejor configuración interior TNGA y para mejorar un centro de gravedad más bajo. La nueva unidad de control de potencia (PCU) del THS II, más ligera y más pequeña, tiene microcontroladores dentro de una estructura de pila de energía que se encuentra sobre el eje transversal, todo esto con el objetivo de reducir el peso para conseguir mejor compostura de la conducción.
La instalación de la nueva PCU permite eficiencias en muchos niveles. La pérdida de energía en la eficiencia de conversión del eje transversal y el motor eléctrico se reduce en aproximadamente 20 por ciento y la pérdida de energía del sistema de enfriamiento se reduce en aproximadamente 10 por ciento. El convertidor CC-CC de la PCU, que convierte una corriente continua de un nivel de voltaje al otro, está optimizado para reducir el consumo general de energía. Desde el punto de vista dimensional, el filtro de salida del convertidor CC-CC es más pequeño, más ligero y más silencioso para brindar a los pasajeros una mejor experiencia.
El control automático sin motor (Auto Glide Control, AGC), otra de las tecnologías para ahorro de combustible del Avalon, calcula automáticamente un desembragado eficiente. En condiciones normales de conducción, el freno del motor reducirá la velocidad del vehículo cuando el conductor libere el pedal del acelerador. Sin embargo, y con el objetivo de evitar un frenado agresivo del motor, el AGC limita la pérdida de velocidad del vehículo mediante un ajuste de accionamiento automático que actúa más bien como un cambio neutro, permitiendo que el vehículo llegue sin esfuerzo hasta el semáforo.
A light indicating “AGC” is illuminated on the Multi-Information Display (MID) when AGC is active to alert the driver that less deceleration torque than normal is currently being used. AGC can only be activated when the vehicle is being operated in the ECO drive mode setting.
¿Quién dijo que todos los híbridos eran dóciles?
Agregando más que una pizca de pimienta a las capacidades deportivas del Avalon HV está la inclusión de un nuevo modo de conducción Sport y de la tecnología Shiftmatic en secuencia. El modo de conducción Sport aplica potencia desde el sistema híbrido para mejorar la aceleración, y como una bonificación, todos los modos de conducción, incluso el Sport, pueden usarse mientras el modo EV está activado. Con la tecnología Shiftmatic, los conductores del XSE pueden “cambiar” por las seis velocidades simuladas de la transmisión continuamente variable mediante los botones instalados en el volante o en la palanca de cambios.
Despertando el espíritu aventurero
Muy a tono con su aspecto audaz, el Avalon tiene una personalidad de conducción emocionante imbuida por toda una gama de herramientas disponibles orientadas al estilo deportivo, las cuales, en su conjunto, son una novedad para un Toyota. La suspensión variable adaptativa (AVS), el generador de sonido de la admisión (ISG), la puesta a punto del deflector de escape según la categoría específica, el control activo del ruido (ANC) y la mejora del sonido del motor (ESE) son ejemplos fehacientes del afán más aventurero que haya tenido nunca un Avalon. En el Touring también está disponible una selección más integral del modo de conducción, con cuatro niveles: Eco, Normal, Sport/ Sport+ y Custom (personalizado). Todas las otras categorías reciben una selección de modo de conducción con tres niveles: Eco, Normal y Sport.
La suspensión variable adaptativa (AVS) estándar en el Touring proporciona control de la amortiguación en tiempo real para maximizar la controlabilidad y el manejo. Esta configuración astuta reduce las fluctuaciones en la postura del Avalon bajo cambios de dirección forzados o súbitos, limita los movimientos de la carrocería y a la vez absorbe desagradables ondulaciones en la vía para posibilitar un viaje cómodo y sin sobresaltos.
Para cumplir su misión, el AVS depende de tres sistemas primarios: absorbedores de impactos en cada esquina que cuentan con válvulas de control solenoides para el control independiente de las ruedas; sensores G avanzados delanteros y traseros para comprender la condición del vehículo; y una unidad de control del motor (ECU) central inteligente que reacciona a las observaciones de los sensores G ordenando los ajustes exactos de amortiguación a los solenoides de los absorbedores de impactos.
Los niveles de la fuerza de amortiguamiento del AVS varían continuamente, con un máximo de 650 pasos. Los cambios en la fuerza solenoide, la cual restringe el fluido del absorbedor y por tanto la amortiguación, se producen en tan solo unos increíbles 20 milisegundos. Los conductores pueden ajustar la sensación del viaje del Avalon con tan solo presionar un botón: el modo Normal prioriza el confort, mientras que el modo Sport+ enfatiza la conducción con respuesta más rápida y extremadamente sensible a la aceleración sin que esto reduzca la celebrada flexibilidad del viaje del Avalon. El paso del modo Normal al Sport+ también beneficia el dinamismo del Avalon. Por ejemplo, la respuesta a la aceleración es más rápida, la sensación que se recibe de la dirección electrónica (EPS) enfatiza la respuesta, y el sonido del motor se mejora mediante ESE.
La nueva suspensión trasera con múltiples vínculos permite mejorar muchos atributos positivos de desempeño, como una vía de rueda trasera más ancha, un centro de gravedad más bajo y una postura agresiva. Los brazos tirados revisados se han instalado en una posición más alta para colocar el eje pivote del neumático hacia atrás para una mejor absorción de los baches. Los amortiguadores de impacto en esta configuración también se han inclinado hacia adelante, para alcanzar un viaje flexible. Los bujes en los brazos tirados y en las juntas de los brazos contribuyen a enmascarar aún más las imperfecciones que puedan encontrarse en el camino.
Aunque no están equipados con AVS, las versiones XLE, Limited y XSE aprovechan a cabalidad su plataforma intrínsecamente deportiva y la suspensión trasera con múltiples vínculos y, para ellos, añaden barras estabilizadoras más gruesas y tasas de resorte más rígidas para permitir máxima maniobrabilidad al conducir. Por ejemplo, la rigidez del resorte ha sido aumentada en 25 por ciento cuando se compara el XLE con el Limited; la rigidez de la barra estabilizadora es 20 por ciento y 86 por ciento mayor, en la parte delantera y en la parte trasera, respectivamente, cuando se avanza del XLE al XSE.
Acústica de clase mundial, adentro y afuera
El refinado repertorio acústico del Avalon abarca el interior y el exterior. Mediante Sport+, los pasajeros reciben un concierto de sonidos naturales emocionantes a través de un nuevo sistema de escape con deflectores deportivos modificados, un generador de sonido de entrada (ISG), control activo del ruido (ANC), y mejora del sonido del motor (ESE).
El ISG amplifica el sonido de inhalación de aire del motor para crear una vocalización robusta y, en el extremo de exhalación, el completamente nuevo escape con deflector afina el carácter del sonido durante el arranque, al ralentí y en la aceleración. ANC y ESE trabajan para cancelar cualquier ruido exterior indeseado al tiempo que simultáneamente mejoran el sonido del motor mediante los altavoces del sistema de multimedia JBL ubicados en la cabina. También se han mejorado las notas excepcionales del motor al arrancar; justo antes de pasar a ralentí después de arrancar se produce un “estallido” de muchos sonidos. Cuando se acelera a fondo, el motor deja escapar más gruñidos que pueden escucharse en toda la gama de revoluciones.
A pesar de toda esta vocalización energética añadida, el Avalon nunca deja de entregar, si así se desea, un entorno interior tan civilizado y silencioso como una biblioteca. Se han extraído el ruido de la carretera y el zumbido del motor a la vez que se ha mejorado la quietud y el sonido del motor a velocidad de crucero. Su plataforma TNGA hace uso de sellos adicionales donde los guardabarros delanteros se encuentran con las puertas delanteras y donde las puertas se fusionan en el pilar B. Se puede encontrar más material para absorción acústica en el compartimiento del motor, dentro del acolchado de la alfombra, bajo el piso y en los revestimientos del pozo de la rueda. Los espejos retrovisores exteriores no solo reducen la resistencia aerodinámica, sino también el ruido del viento, permitiendo un entorno extremadamente silencioso para todos.
Superior tecnología de seguridad de Toyota
La suite de sistemas y tecnologías de seguridad Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), que es estándar en el Avalon, pone a Toyota Motor Corporation un paso más cerca de alcanzar su objetivo final de cero muertes debido a accidentes de tránsito.
La TSS-P combina tecnologías de seguridad activa de vanguardia, entre ellas el sistema precolisión con detección de peatón (PCS c/PD), control de crucero con radar dinámico (DRCC) para toda velocidad, alerta de salida del carril con asistencia en la dirección (LDA c/SA); y haces altos automáticos (AHB). Otras tecnologías de seguridad estándar incluyen monitor de punto ciego (BSM) con alerta de tráfico cruzando por detrás (RCTA) y monitor guía trasero (BGM).
También están disponibles el monitor de vista panorámica con alerta (PVMA) y el sonar de espacio libre inteligente (ICS), que ahora incluye un sistema de freno con tráfico cruzando por detrás (RCTB).
Todos los vehículos Avalon 2019 tienen 10 bolsas de aire estándar y el Sistema de Seguridad Star de Toyota, que incluye control mejorado de la estabilidad del vehículo, control de la tracción, distribución electrónica de la fuerza del freno, asistencia con el frenado, sistema de frenado con antibloqueo y tecnología de parada inteligente. Todos los vehículos Avalon también están equipados de forma estándar con una cámara de reversa.
Ensamblado con orgullo en Kentucky
For over two decades, Avalon’s sole manufacturing home has been Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK) in Georgetown, KY. All Avalons sold in America and around the globe are assembled in Georgetown by about 8,000 proud American team members.
Con Avalon como una piedra angular de sus operaciones en Estados Unidos, Toyota ha sido parte del tejido cultural de Estados Unidos durante más de 60 años. Con más de $23 mil millones en inversiones directas en Estados Unidos, incluso 10 instalaciones de fabricación, más de 1,200 concesionarios Toyota y 136,000 personas trabajando en todo Estados Unidos, Toyota ha fabricado 25 millones de vehículos en Estados Unidos durante los últimos 30 años.
PRECIOS* |
||
GASOLINA |
HV |
|
Touring |
$42,200 |
|
Limited |
$41,800 |
$42,800 |
XSE |
$38,000 |
$39,000 |
XLE |
$35,500 |
$36,500 |
*El precio de venta sugerido por el fabricante (MSRP) excluye el cargo de $895 por entrega, procesamiento y manejo (DPH).
The post El totalmente nuevo Toyota Avalon 2019 proyecta sofisticación, estilo y euforia de forma natural appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>The post All-New 2019 Toyota Avalon Beams Effortless Sophistication, Style, and Exhilaration appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>2019 Avalon Hybrid Product Information
DEL MAR, Calif., April 23, 2018
– The roads of Avalon, the mystical paradise that inspired Toyota’s flagship nameplate, have likely never seen a mid-premium sedan like this. Safe to say, neither has San Diego. Until now.
The Toyota first Quantum Logic Surround combines individual signal streams of music by using patented filter bank technology and psychoacoustic modeling to create an immersive multi-channel listening experience with exceptional clarity, detail, and image specificity. Clari-Fi analyzes audio streams in real time, rebuilds key details lost in processing, and restores high-fidelity.
Premium Mid-Size Sedan Heart, Small Car Efficiency
Hustle, athleticism, and fuel-efficiency. Each of these riveting traits has improved, in large part, because of two new TNGA powertrains: a punchy 301-horsepower, 267-lb.-ft. 3.5-liter V6 (2GR-FKS), and, a 215-net-horsepower 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) with 650-volt electric motor (A25A-FXS) and Continuously-Variable Transmission (CVT). Avalon HV continues to be the only full hybrid vehicle in the segment.
The TNGA-derived V6 develops more power with less fuel consumption than ever before. Achieving the two took the application of D-4S direct injection, along with an updated VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide) variable valve timing system.
The VVT-iW system is employed on the intake cycle, with VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing – Intelligent) activated on exhaust. With VVT-iW in place, engineers ensured optimal torque creation at all engine speeds, and minimized pumping losses during the closing of intake valves, which furthered fuel efficiency. The use of Atkinson cycle, too, reduces the V6’s fuel appetite, particularly in cold climates or during wide-open throttle (WOT) situations.
Other V6 specifications include a 11.8:1 compression ratio and bore (3.7 in.) and stroke (3.3 in.) dimensions. Estimated mile-per-gallon fuel economy ratings (city/highway/combined) are as below:
ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY (CITY/HIGHWAY/COMBINED) | |
XLE V6 | 22/32/26 |
XSE V6, Limited V6, Touring V6 | 22/31/25 |
XLE HV | 43/44/44 |
XSE HV, Limited HV | 43/43/43 |
Gears for All Occasions
An all-new TNGA 8-speed Direct Shift-8AT automatic transaxle gearbox (UA80E) channels power to the Avalon’s front wheels. It merges smooth, precise gear selection throughout the RPM range with an alacrity for fuel efficiency and on-demand power. Its revised logic control better matches vehicle speed, engine speed, and torque engagement, while also facilitating poised downshifts.
Its eight gear ratios balance wide range and close ratios, therefore enhancing power application and fuel efficiency. A wider range, specifically at the increased 8th gear ratio, allows for improved high-speed cruising fuel economy. Close ratios at the mid-range gears improve passing power.
A new torque converter provides a wider range of lock-up operation (versus the outgoing 6-speed automatic transmission) to imbue a more enveloping and direct driving feel. The converter contributes to low fuel consumption and passenger comfort, since engine revving is kept to a minimum.
The most thrilling shifting experience, however, is reserved for XSE and Touring drivers, whose optional steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters up Avalon’s sportiness ante without question. The paddles give quick access to gear selection, and when downshifting, the gearbox automatically “rev-matches” for smoother shifts.
Avalon HV: The Most Fuel Efficient Avalon Ever
A new TNGA 2.5-liter four-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine is more fuel efficient, runs cleaner, and is more powerful than previous iterations, and excels at dissipating thermal inefficiencies. Doing it all took the implementation of Toyota’s vast catalog of advanced engine technologies: Dual VVT-i with VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing intelligent system by Electric motor); D-4S (Direct injection 4-stroke gasoline engine Superior version) direct injection and laser-clad valve seats; longer stroke (4.07 inches; bore remains at 3.44 inches) and high compression ratio (14:1); multi-hole direct fuel injectors; a variable cooling system; cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system; and a full variable oil pump.
Instead of oil pressure, its Dual VVT-i with VVT-iE variable valve system employs an electric motor to control variable valve timing, which aids fuel efficiency and promotes cleaner exhaust emissions (this is especially helpful in cold climates). The D-4S direct injection combines higher-pressure direct fuel injection (DI) and lower-pressure port fuel injection (PFI), and applies each method of injection based on specific driving parameters. Furthering fuel efficiency are new multi-hole nozzle direct injectors (six holes per injector).
The Ultimate Happy Marriage
The four-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine is married to an all-new Toyota Hybrid System II powertrain that’s been engineered to inspire both spirited driving and fuel consciousness. The hybrid system’s net power output is an impressive 215 horsepower – up 15 horsepower versus the outgoing version. THS II uses two electric motors – MG1 and MG2 – to supplement the charging of the hybrid system’s Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack, while MG2 assists the engine.
New for 2019, the highly compact battery pack now resides under the rear passenger seat (instead of the trunk), as a result of improved TNGA packaging and for the betterment of a lower center of gravity. THS II’s new lighter, smaller Power Control Unit (PCU) packages microcontrollers within a power stack structure that’s located above the transaxle – all with the goal of lowering mass to better handling composure.
Efficiencies on many levels are seen with the implementation of the new PCU. Energy loss in the conversion efficiency of the transaxle and electric motor is reduced by approximately 20 percent, and its cooling system’s energy loss is cut by approximately 10 percent. The PCU’s DC-DC converter – which converts a direct current from one voltage level to another – is optimized to reduce overall power consumption. Dimensionally, DC-DC converter’s output filter is smaller, lighter, and quieter for an improved passenger experience.
Auto Glide Control (AGC), yet another of Avalon’s fuel-saving technologies, automatically calculates efficient coasting. When driving normally, engine braking will slow the vehicle down when the driver lifts off from the accelerator pedal. However, to avoid aggressive engine braking, AGC limits the loss of vehicle speed through an automatic drive setting that acts more like a neutral gear, allowing the vehicle to coast to the stoplight.
A light indicating “AGC” is illuminated on the Multi-Information Display (MID) when AGC is active to alert the driver that less deceleration torque than normal is currently being used. AGC can only be activated when the vehicle is being operated in the ECO drive mode setting.
But who said all hybrids are docile?
Adding more than a sprinkle of spark to Avalon HV’s sporty skillset is the inclusion of a new Sport drive mode and Sequential Shiftmatic technology. The Sport drive mode applies power from the hybrid system for improved acceleration and, as a bonus, all drive modes, including Sport, can each be used while EV mode is activated. With Shiftmatic technology, XSE drivers can “shift” through the Continuously-Variable Transmission’s six simulated gears via steering-wheel mounted paddles or the gearshift.
Piquing the Adventurous Side
Complementing Avalon’s daring looks is a thrilling drive personality imbued by an array of available sport-oriented tools – which, together, represent a Toyota first. Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), Intake Sound Generator (ISG), grade-specific exhaust baffle tuning, Active Noise Control (ANC), and Engine Sound Enhancement (ESE) fully exemplify Avalon’s most adventurous zeal ever. A more comprehensive four-level drive mode selection – which includes Eco, Normal, Sport/ Sport+, and Custom – is available on Touring, too. All other grades receive a three-level drive mode selection (Eco, Normal, Sport).
Touring’s standard Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) provides real-time damping control to maximize controllability and sharp handling. The astute setup reduces Avalon’s posture fluctuations under hard or sudden directional changes, limits body movements, and yet absorbs nasty road undulations for a comfortable, flat ride.
AVS relies on three primary systems to accomplish its mission: shock absorbers at each corner that have solenoid control valves for independent wheel control; advanced front and rear G Sensors to comprehend the vehicle’s condition; and, an intelligent central ECU that reacts to the G Sensor’s observations by dictating exact damping adjustments to the shock absorbers’ solenoids.
Levels of AVS’ damping force are continuously variable, with a maximum of 650 steps. Changes in solenoid force – which restrict absorber fluid and, thus, damping – happen in an incredible 20 milliseconds. Drivers can adjust Avalon’s ride feel with the simple depression of a button – Normal mode prioritizes comfort, while Sport+ emphasizes handling with tauter, highly responsive footing without diminishing Avalon’s celebrated ride suppleness. Progressing from Normal to Sport+ also benefits Avalon’s liveliness. For example, throttle response becomes quicker, the Electronic Power Steering’s (EPS) feel emphasizes feedback, and its engine sound is enhanced through ESE.
The new multi-link rear suspension allows for the enhancement of many positive performance attributes, such as a wider rear track, lower center of gravity, and an aggressive stance. Revised trailing arms have been installed at a higher position to place the pivot axis of the tire rearward for better bump absorption. The setup’s shock absorbers are tilted forward, too, to realize a suppler ride. Bushings on the trailing arms and arm joints further mask passing road imperfections.
Although not equipped with AVS, XLE, Limited, and XSE take full advantage of their innately sporty platform and multi-link rear suspension and, to them, add thicker stabilizer bars and stiffer spring rates for maximum handling dexterity. Spring stiffness, for example, is increased 25 percent when comparing XLE to Limited; stabilizer bar stiffness is up 20 percent and 86 percent, front and rear, respectively, when progressing from XLE to XSE.
World Class Acoustics, Inside and Out
Avalon’s refined acoustic repertoire spans inside and out. Through Sport+, passengers receive a concerto of exciting, natural sounds through a new exhaust system with sport modified baffles, an Intake Sound Generator (ISG), Active Noise Control (ANC), and Engine Sound Enhancement (ESE).
ISG amplifies the engine’s air inhalation sound to create robust vocalization and, on the exhalation end, the all-new exhaust with baffle tuning ups the sound character at start-up, idle, and acceleration. ANC and ESE work to cancel any unwanted exterior noise while simultaneously enhancing engine sound via the JBL multimedia system’s in-cabin speakers. Exceptional engine notes at start-up are also enhanced; a hearty “flare” of sound occurs right before idle upon start-up. At wide-open-throttle acceleration, more engine grunt is heard throughout the rev range.
For all its added energetic vocalization, Avalon never ceases to deliver a civilized, library-quiet interior, if desired. Road noise and engine droning have been culled while cruising quietness and engine sound have been improved. Its TNGA platform utilizes additional seals where front fenders meet front doors and where the doors merge at the B-Pillar. More sound absorption material is found in the engine bay, within the carpet pad, under the floor, and in the wheel well liners. The exterior rearview mirrors not only reduce drag, but also wind noise, making for an extremely quite environment for all.
Top Toyota Safety Tech
Avalon’s standard Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite of safety systems and technologies represents one step closer to achieving Toyota Motor Corporation’s ultimate goal of zero casualties from traffic accidents.
TSS-P bundles cutting edge active safety technologies including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA); and Automatic High Beams (AHB). Additional standard safety technology includes Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Back Guide Monitor (BGM).
Also available are Panoramic View Monitor with Alert (PVMA) and Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS), which now includes a Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB) system.
All 2019 Avalons have 10 standard airbags and Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System, and Smart Stop Technology. All Avalons also come equipped with a standard backup camera.
Assembled with Pride in Kentucky
For over two decades, Avalon’s sole manufacturing home has been Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK) in Georgetown, KY. All Avalons sold in America and around the globe are assembled in Georgetown by about 8,000 proud American team members.
With Avalon as a cornerstone of its U.S. operations, Toyota has been part of the cultural fabric of America for over 60 years. With over $23 billion in direct U.S. investments, including 10 manufacturing facilities, over 1,200 Toyota dealerships, and 136,000 people working across the U.S., Toyota has produced 25 million vehicles in the U.S. over the last 30 years.
PRICING* | ||
GAS | HV | |
Touring | $42,200 | |
Limited | $41,800 | $42,800 |
XSE | $38,000 | $39,000 |
XLE | $35,500 | $36,500 |
*MSRPs exclude the Delivery, Processing, and Handling (DPH) Fee of $895.
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]]>The post All-New 2019 Toyota Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2018 Camry Take Top Honors at Texas Auto Writers Association’s 2018 Texas Auto Roundup appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>The event, held at Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, Texas, included two days of in-depth test driving on the scenic closed course. Nearly 50 TAWA journalists put vehicles to the test, evaluating five key pillars – exterior, interior, performance, value, and personal appeal. More than 45 vehicles competed in 12 classes.
“To have the new Avalon, Corolla Hatchback, and Camry recognized as the best of Texas by TAWA is truly an honor,” said Lisa Materazzo, vice president of Vehicle Marketing and Communications at Toyota. “These three compelling new products continue to show our commitment to passenger cars, our dealers, and our guests.”
The Avalon, Corolla Hatchback, and Camry were the highlight in their individual categories with designs, features, and performance capabilities that clearly distinguished them from their competition.
Underpinned by a Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, and powered by a fuel-efficient, 301-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 or Toyota Hybrid System (THS II) powertrain, the 2019 Toyota Avalon embodies consumers’ overarching desire for high-caliber, design-centric, technologically-savvy modes of attainable, premium transportation.
To its menu, Avalon mixes a bevy of Toyota-firsts such as standard Apple CarPlay and Dynamic Auxiliary Turn Signals, available authentic Yamaha wood and aluminum cabin accents, and Engine Sound Enhancement. In addition, drivers will appreciate the standard passive and active safety benefits through Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), as well as athletic handling thanks to its available Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), also a Toyota first, that, quite positively, has Avalon out-performing its peers.
The 2019 Corolla Hatchback, in either SE or XSE grades, is all about making a huge impression. With its lengthy list of standard features that includes Entune 3.0 with Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa Connectivity, a revised sport-tuned suspension and TNGA platform, and the first North American application of Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, Corolla Hatchback strikes a resounding chord with drivers who value authenticity, utility, practicality, and style.
The 2018 Toyota Camry – with its new TNGA platform, double-wishbone style multi-link rear suspension, and stylish design – has a sleeker profile that offers improved aerodynamics, a lower center of gravity, and a more rigid body, allowing for a more comfortable and stable ride. In addition, engineers incorporated a number of new noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) countermeasures that were previously found exclusively on luxury models such as sound-absorbing insulation in the hood and upper and lower fender separator, as well as foam/vibration dampening materials throughout the vehicle. The driver-focused design also features the highest grade of soft touch and premium materials on all surfaces of the cabin.
For more information about the vehicles, please visit: ToyotaNewsroom.com.
TAWA is a Texas-based nonprofit association for automotive journalists promoting professionalism and quality in journalism for more than two decades. The group produces two annual events – Texas Auto Roundup and Texas Truck Rodeo – that allow members to experience vehicles from various manufacturers in one place, at one time.
The post All-New 2019 Toyota Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2018 Camry Take Top Honors at Texas Auto Writers Association’s 2018 Texas Auto Roundup appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>The post When it comes to potholes, Toyota lets a robot take the wheel appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>“When our vehicle performance development (VPD) team began looking at testing for the 2019 Avalon, they developed a system that adapted and improved existing technology to allow the car to automatedly navigate around the course,” said Avalon chief engineer Randy Stephens. “This not only saved the engineers and technicians from having to endure the grueling ride, it also provided a more accurate test cycle. The system was proven during Avalon development, and we plan to use it during all future North American vehicle development cycles.”
While connecting components that could remotely start, shift, steer and stop the Toyota flagship vehicle during testing was a challenge, getting it to navigate accurately was an even bigger obstacle.
“Once we had the physical components in place, we started working on the GPS-guided path control,” explained Don Federico, group manager for Toyota’s VPD team. “Traditional in-car global positioning systems are accurate to about four-meters. Our system and control accuracy needed to be far greater to keep the test car on the narrow track at high speeds and to get accurate test results, especially while getting bounced around by potholes.”
After the navigation infrastructure was complete, the VPD team developed path control software allowing the Toyota R&D robot to drive a set course with an accuracy of within two-centimeters. The entire test, which stretches thousands of kilometers, was conducted and monitored by engineers and technicians in a nearby control room without the need for humans to physically occupy the vehicle through harsh testing conditions.
Aside from the benefit of higher accuracy and repeatable patterns, the robot has also allowed the team to test for longer cycles. Before installing the automated system, the test would have to be interrupted every 30-40 minutes to swap drivers. With the robot behind the wheel, the test cycles are now only limited by fuel capacity.
The robot is exclusively in use by Toyota’s North American R&D headquarters in Michigan; however, the company intends to explore possible applications of the system at other Toyota R&D facilities in the future.
The post When it comes to potholes, Toyota lets a robot take the wheel appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>The post 2018 Dallas-Ft. Worth Auto Show – Vinay Shahani Remarks appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>Good morning! I hope everyone is doing well.
We appreciate you joining us here at the 2018 DFW Auto Show… a show that’s near and dear to us, because now that we’ve completed our move to Plano, North Texas is our home.
To celebrate we capped off 2017 with a bang!
Last year’s sales can be summed up in three key points: First, Toyota is America’s favorite brand for six years running; second, Camry is America’s favorite car for the 16th year in a row; and third, the RAV4 is America’s favorite SUV. Now that’s what I call finishing strong!
As we settle into our new digs here in Texas we’ve also embarked on another mission as the official mobility sponsor of the Olympic and Paralympic Games through 2024.
You’ve likely seen some of our messaging during the Winter Olympics or the Super Bowl, which really touch on our focus moving forward. Cars and trucks are obviously extremely important to us, but so is looking toward the future – a future we are committed to helping shape by making sure
That everyone has the freedom to move, and the ability to reach their potential.
Start Your Impossible is a theme you will see from Toyota as we challenge ourselves and the world to provide mobility for all.
Speaking of Olympics, how about Chloe Kim winning gold in PyeongChang the other night! Don’t forget to follow Chloe and our other Team Toyota Olympic athletes on social media – just look for the Team Toyota hashtag. We’re looking forward to more medals as the Games continue.
Now, while we have an eye toward what’s next we certainly have a firm grip on the present. We recently unveiled a very important vehicle, and today it is making its first appearance in Texas.
The all-new 2019 Toyota Avalon – designed, engineered, and assembled right here in the USA – sets a new standard for the premium segment with the highest quality, reliability, safety and craftsmanship in its class.
The Avalon represents our flagship sedan, and as you can see, the design reflects a higher level of luxury and speaks to a wider range of people.
When it goes on sale this spring consumers will have a choice of 4 gas-powered grades, all of which are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine designed to be more powerful with better fuel economy.
The hybrid variation is offered in 3 grades and is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with Toyota’s latest Hybrid System, and it’s important to note: the 2019 Avalon is the only full hybrid in the segment.
The Avalon is the latest example of our Toyota New Global Architecture first unveiled on the Camry last year. The new TNGA global platform allowed designers to create a longer, wider, and lower Avalon, one that features an extended wheelbase with shorter overhangs to improve handling and help create our most impressive Avalon to date!
For the first time, Avalon Touring grade will offer an available Adaptive Variable Suspension and standard multi-link rear suspension.
This AVS system adjusts on the fly in 650 levels reacting in just 20 milliseconds. That’s fast! Most importantly the AVS was tuned and polished for our roads here in North America.
The Avalon appeals to a variety of driving styles. For instance, there’s Eco mode for more leisurely drives, or for more fast-paced action the Sport Plus mode sharpens handling and improves throttle response.
And one of my favorite features in Sport Plus is the Engine Sound Enhancement, which helps amplify the engine’s voice to create a more visceral experience.
When it comes to exterior styling there’s more to love on the new Avalon.
The all-new XSE grade, available in gas or hybrid, joins the Avalon family and it welcomes in a younger buyer looking for premium qualities and athletic charisma.
The Limited and XLE, on the other hand, stay true to those who appreciate authentic premium design, highlighting the sleek and sophisticated technical beauty.
The 2019 Avalon’s standard slim LED headlights – set above the 3D grille – are brighter than ever, and those new headlights, like the tail lights, also feature progressive turn signals.
Our sportier grades are set apart with Piano black accents, a new mesh black grille, and darkened 19-inch wheels and, if you can believe, quad exhaust tips. Remember, this an Avalon we’re talking about!
The craftsmanship inside is better than ever with a simple and streamlined approach. There’s authentic materials throughout like the available Yamaha-sourced wood trim, and the aluminum accents that complement the quilted design on the leather seats and doors.
Comfort and luxury aren’t just for the front of the cabin, as the new Avalon offers a spacious back seat that touts best-in-class rear shoulder, knee, and head room.
A 7-inch multi-informational display provides the driver with information like turn-by-turn navigation, while a new 10-inch head-up display – biggest in the segment – makes it easy for the driver to see engine speed, direction, and audio settings. The Avalon also features Qi wireless charging, WiFi hotspot capability, and 5 USB outlets.
Every Avalon comes standard with a 9-inch capacitive touchscreen, which is super intuitive so you can navigate it just like your phone with pinch and flick movements. Entune 3.0 will be standard on all grades, and it will be our first vehicle fitted with Apple Carplay.
For music lovers looking for the ultimate sound experience there’s an available 1200-watt, 14-speaker, 7.1-channel surround sound system.
Toyota Remote Connect allows drivers to control certain vehicle functions with their Apple or Android smartwatch or Amazon Alexa-enabled devices.
Speaking of … we’re also proud to be among the first to implement Alexa-connectivity. With home-to-car and car-to-home commands, guests can lock and unlock their doors, start their engine, or even check their fuel level all through touch or voice commands.
It is always our mission to provide our customers with the best available safety features, so it goes without saying that every Avalon will come equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, an active safety system highlighted by features like a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed-Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist.
As you can see we believe in sedans, and we are recommitting ourselves to this premium segment with our best Avalon to date.
We think you’ll love it too!
OK, let’s shift gears and talk about trucks.
Now, you might recognize our Tacoma TRD Pro over there.
Tacoma is the best-selling mid-size pickup for 12 years running … so chances are you’ve seen it on the road at some point. But, if you’re having trouble finding it, just look for the truck with the giant trophy in the bed.
The Tacoma TRD Pro was named Mid-Size Pickup Truck of Texas for the second year in a row by the Texas Auto Writer’s Association. It’s an award we’re extremely proud of, especially considering pickup trucks are a way of life in Texas.
Speaking of TRD Pro, we recently made an exciting announcement.
Check out this video.
Awesome, right?
TRD Pros represent our flagship off-road vehicles crafted for our most adventurous truck buyers. They include unique parts designed by our Toyota Racing Development engineers who tapped into our rich racing and off-road heritage.
For 2019, all TRD Pros are equipped with tailor-made Fox Internal Bypass Shocks, which offer optimal tuning to dominate the trails without sacrificing road manners.
These shocks offer a level of precise damping tunability to adjust the suspension performance to suit both trails and roads across the country.
The front shocks are paired with TRD Springs that offer additional lift for off-road performance and a more aggressive stance.
Out back, the rear Fox shocks employ piggyback reservoirs to house additional oil to maintain peak performance in the toughest conditions.
When it comes to styling form follows function with sleek, black TRD Pro branding on every vehicle. That includes a vintage-inspired signature black grille, black TRD badges, and unique TRD Pro wheels.
TRD Pros always feature an exclusive color, and this year that is Voodoo Blue which you may remember from the iconic FJ Cruiser. Super White and Midnight Black Metallic are also available.
Now while all TRD Pros share similar styling, each vehicle also has unique features. The part that probably stands out most is the Tacoma’s new TRD Desert Air Intake. Designed to help its engine perform best in dusty environments. The air intake is moved higher to draw from cleaner air up above the roofline.
Pretty cool, huh?
As for the Tundra TRD Pro, it will be better than ever thanks to a restyled front end that includes a new grille and hood scoop, and we can’t forget about those new, forged aluminum BBS wheels.
The 4Runner will be equipped with the new Fox shocks, but it also gets a new TRD roof rack, a standard premium JBL Audio system with subwoofer, and an updated quarter-inch skid plate with red TRD lettering.
Now, even on our toughest off-road trucks safety remains our biggest priority.
So for 2019, all TRD Pros feature the Star Safety System, and both Tacoma and Tundra come standard with Toyota Safety Sense.
These TRD Pros represent our most impressive off-road vehicles to date. They’re ready to tackle all the adventures Texas has to offer – both on and off the pavement – and they will be available in fall of this year.
It’s been a great start to 2018, but we’re just getting warmed up.
Stayed tuned because we’ve got some more exciting news to come very soon.
Thank you all again for joining us.
Be sure to stop by the Tacoma to grab a picture of our TAWA trophy and share it using the TRDpro hashtag. Oh, and don’t forget to grab a TRD Pro Yeti Tumbler!
Thank you everyone, and have a great day!
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]]>The post New Toyota Off-Road Rigs, All-New Avalon and More Than 50 Vehicles Featured at Chicago Auto Show appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
]]>The next batch of trail-ready four wheelers will be unveiled February 8 at 9 a.m. CST. Enthusiasts can get their front-row access here: https://livestream.com/Toyota/Chicago2018.
The all-new Avalon, which made its debut earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, will be on display, as well as the FT-4X concept, one-of-a-kind NASCAR Camry designs, the Chicago Speedway Pace Car and two 4Runners wrapped with the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox logos.
The Toyota FT-4X Concept or “Future Toyota”—Four Wheel Drive Crossover—is a modern toolbox for today’s city driver. The vehicle was designed by Toyota’s Calty Design Research, Inc. in Newport Beach, California and inspired by Toyota’s iconic adventure vehicles. With a long list of unique functionalities and Rugged Charm compact design, it helps drivers achieve Casualcore—rather than hardcore—outings and move from the city to adventure seamlessly.
Several concepts unveiled at the 2017 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show will also be on display, including the NASCAR driver designed Camrys. NASCAR Drivers Martin Truex Jr., Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin and Daniel Suarez each created a Camry that further elevates the new model’s cutting-edge design and enhanced performance. The championship Camry driven by No. 78 Truex Jr. will also be on display. Racing Analyst Rutledge Wood also created a Camry for SEMA featuring state-of-the-art 3-D printed body panels, an outrageous Blurple paint job and a re-finished interior.
Visitors can take part in a variety of activations, such getting their picture taken near the Olympic-wrapped RAV4 with a 180-degree bullet-time camera to celebrate the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games, as part of Toyota’s multi-year sponsorship. Images are turned into a GIF that attendees can share across social media. Also on display will be the Hiring Our Heroes truck to support the program aimed at giving veterans and military spouses the personal branding tools needed to transition into jobs in civilian life. In addition, guests can experience the benefits of Entune and the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) through interactive displays and virtual reality.
Show visitors don’t want to miss Toyota’s “Camry Thrill Ride” indoor drive experience, which has become one of the Chicago Auto Show’s must-see attractions annually. Located next to the Toyota exhibit, the Camry Thrill Ride is open February 10-18 during show hours. Guests are encouraged to discover the new Toyota Camry XSE V6 during a thrilling experience around a closed course led by professional drivers. The experience puts consumers into an unexpectedly thrilling drive course, showing off all the surprising fun the new Camry XSE offers. Families with small children will need to provide their own child seat if they wish to have their children ride along. Each drive participant will receive a free Toyota-branded beanie.
The post New Toyota Off-Road Rigs, All-New Avalon and More Than 50 Vehicles Featured at Chicago Auto Show appeared first on Toyota USA Newsroom.
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