Toyota Announces Prices for All-New 2005 Avalon Flagship Full-Size Sedan

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 10, 2005 -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the all-new 2005 Avalon full-size sedan which will arrive at dealerships nationwide this February.

The all-new completely restyled 2005 Avalon is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown, Ky., styled at Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, Calif., and developed by U.S.-based Toyota Technical Centers.

The Avalon sedan is larger, safer, more powerful, more maneuverable, and more fuel-efficient than the sedan it replaced. The Avalon is offered in four grades, the XL grade, the sporty Touring grade, the well-equipped XLS and the top-of-the-line Limited.

The Avalon is distinguished by a sleek grille with chrome accented horizontal bars and subtle new character lines defining a more contemporary profile. The new lower intake valence houses fog lamps on the Touring, XLS and Limited models.

From the rear, Avalon is identified by large tail lamps and an elegantly sculptured trunk. Dual rear exhaust outlets offer a sporty new touch to Avalon's substantially larger exterior dimensions. With a four-inch longer wheelbase and overall width expanded by one-inch, the new Avalon exudes a powerful stance.

The more elegant exterior appearance of the Avalon is complemented by an all-new interior. New amenities include a seven-way adjustable steering column to provide drivers the option of various vertical and telescopic adjustments as well as a sliding armrest for optimal driving comfort.

Rear passengers benefit from a flat rear floor that provides additional leg room and comfort, especially for the middle seat passenger. Rear passengers also enjoy reclining seats up to 10-degrees using a lever on either side of the seat.

All grades are powered by an all-new 3.5-liter, 24 valve, V6 engine matched to a five-speed sequential shift automatic transmission.

Equipped with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), and a dual-stage variable intake manifold, the new V6 produces an impressive 280 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque -- a performance improvement in horsepower of more than 33 percent over the previous generation. This engine is the most powerful V6 ever offered by Toyota in its U.S. model line-up.

The Avalon can effortlessly accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in 6.6 seconds while achieving an impressive estimated EPA fuel economy mpg rating of 22 city/31 highway.

In addition to being more powerful and more fuel efficient, the Avalon is targeted to be certified as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV).

Responsive handling contributes to Avalon's engaging drive, yet ride quality remains a benchmark of smoothness. Standard equipment on all models includes power-assist rack & pinion steering w/tilt and telescoping column, front struts with L-shaped lower control arms and rear struts with multi-link control arms. An anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) are included as standard equipment on all Avalons and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) which integrates traction control (TRAC) and Brake Assist (BA) is available on certain grades.

The front seat-mounted side airbags have been redesigned to provide a greater coverage area, and the body structure has been strengthened to help meet the latest side impact standards. Front and rear side-curtain airbags help provide protection in certain types of severe side impacts. The Avalon also features a driver's knee airbag as standard equipment. The Avalon offers seven airbags in all.

Excellent fit-and-finish is apparent throughout the vehicle and contributes to Avalon's luxurious comfort. Standard comfort and convenience features on the XL grade include an AM/FM/cassette/CD stereo system with nine speakers, dual-zone automatic climate control with air filtration, remote keyless entry, power door locks with anti-lockout feature, power windows with driver and passenger auto up/down with jam protection and retained power, fabric front bucket seats, multi-adjustable power front driver's seat and center console storage area. The 2005 Avalon XL carries a base MSRP of $26,350, while the all-new sporty Touring model has a base MSRP of $28,600.

In addition to the standard features of the XL, the Touring grade is equipped with leather-trimmed seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, aluminum door scuff plates and a rear lip spoiler. The Touring model includes a more firmly tuned suspension, higher coil spring rates and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a graphite finish. Michelin Energy MXV4 P215/55 R17 tires were designed exclusively for the Avalon Touring and Limited models for improved control, responsive steering and sharpened handling.

The XLS grade adds to an already long list of standard features with a power moonroof, four-way adjustable power passenger seat, in-dash six-disc CD changer, dual heated outside mirrors with auto-dimming electrochromic driver's side, auto-dimming electrochromic rearview mirror with compass, aluminum door scuff plates and anti-theft system. Avalon XLS models carry a base MSRP of $30,800.

Premium Avalon Limited grade features a 360 watt JBL Synthesis audio system with six-disc CD changer and 12-speakers, one-touch auto-reverse power rear sunshade, driver and front passenger heated seat with fan, memory driver's seat, power driver's seat cushion length adjuster, and Smart Key System. The 2005 Avalon Limited carries a base MSRP of $33,540.