Toyota Unveils All-New Avalon Flagship Sedan and FT-SX Concept at 2005 North American International Auto Show
DETROIT, Jan. 10, 2005 -- The all-new completely restyled 2005 Avalon full-size sedan made its world premiere at a press conference today at the 2005 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The press conference also featured the unveiling of the FT-SX crossover concept, offering a glimpse at a new genre and product direction for Toyota.
The Avalon arrives in showrooms this February, with a larger and more luxurious interior and improved performance.
"The all-new Avalon is distinctive, stylish and the 'most-American' vehicle of any Toyota product to date," said Don Esmond, Toyota Division senior vice president and general manager. "More luxurious and refined, the redesigned Avalon is truly a flagship vehicle offering advanced technology and an understated elegance."
Avalon, which first launched in 1995, 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 is offered in four grades, the standard 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 also 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. A sequential shift feature allows the driver to enjoy a more involved driving experience by controlling gearshifts manually, when desired. Equipped with 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. While the XL model features 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels are standard on the Touring, XLS and Limited grades. 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 Touring model features a more firmly tuned suspension and higher coil spring rates. The Touring grade wheels also feature a graphite finish.
Toyota's first low-profile wiper blade was uniquely developed for the Avalon. The wiper blade's aerodynamic, low-profile and lower sectional height results in efficient wiping and reduced wind noise. The one-piece blade assembly contributes to the reduction of frozen blades.
Compared to the previous generation Avalon, new high performance halogen headlamps light the road with a longer and wider beam and are standard on XL and XLS grades. Touring and Limited grades feature high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with dynamic auto leveling for improved visibility, while reducing glare for oncoming traffic.
The Avalon provides an impressive array of safety features as standard equipment including front seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags, and a driver's knee airbag.
Additional standard safety features include an anti-lock brake system (ABS), and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC) Brake Assist (BA) is also available as an option.
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 includes a premium 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, and fabric multi-adjustable power front bucket seats with center console storage area.
Other standard features include optitron meters with chrome accents, maintenance indicator light, steering wheel mounted audio and climate controls, multi-function information display with audio, climate control, temperature and trip computer, cruise control, engine immobilizer, and tilt and telescopic steering column.
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, and aluminum door scuff plates.
Also adding to the XL standard features, the XLS grade includes 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.
The top of the line Limited grade adds to the XLS features with a 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 Limited grade caters to driver comfort. The front of the driver's seat cushion length is power adjustable, resulting in improved support and a better fit between the seat surface and thigh. Not only are the driver and front passenger seats heated, but they also feature a fan in the seat cushion and seat back that blows air through the perforated leather trim to improve driver and front passenger comfort. A Smart Key System providing convenience and enhanced security is also standard equipment on the Limited model.
The Avalon offers additional convenience features to further enhance comfort and luxury. Options available on select models include navigation system, Dynamic Laser Cruise Control, a Remote Engine Starter, and audio system upgrades.
"Completely redesigned, and restyled and significantly improved, enlarged, enhanced and refined in most every measure of comparison, the new Avalon is unchanged in one key area and that's value," said Esmond. "When it hits showrooms next month it will carry a base price of $26,350, a mere $205 higher than the MSRP on the vehicle it replaces. Like never before the 2005 Avalon is smart money spent wisely."
Like the Avalon, the FT-SX crossover concept was created to appeal to customers who are seeking a vehicle offering roominess, comfort, utility and refinement in a stylish package that conveys success without moving to a luxury brand.
"The FT-SX concept was developed to explore a totally new genre to help create a bolder, more decisive image for Toyota," said Esmond. "It is a concept aimed at young families looking beyond the traditional passenger car or SUV and boomers seeking a stylish and refined reward vehicle."
The FT-SX concept was co-developed by Calty and the TMS Advanced Product Strategy Group. The team was assigned the task of creating a vehicle combining the ride comfort, handling, and fuel efficiency of a sedan with the utility, spaciousness and visibility of a car-based SUV.
"With the FT-SX, we studied the finest attributes of Toyota's successful passenger cars and SUV's and took it to the next level," said Kevin Hunter, vice president, design and studio activities at Calty Design Research, Inc. "We began with a totally new silhouette and package, lower and wider than an SUV, but taller, more comfortable, and more versatile than a sedan. Add a powerful V6, all-wheel drive, 21-inch wheels, four doors, a large, multi-function glass roof and an innovative rear hatch and you have a vehicle with exceptional functionality."
The exterior design concept of the FT-SX was the creation of 30-year-old Calty designer, Ian Cartabiano, who also designed the all-new 2005 Toyota Avalon. When undertaking the FT-SX project, Cartabiano envisioned a powerful design that would create excitement for both young families and empty-nest boomers, with a fresh styling identity for the Toyota brand.
The exterior theme of the FT-SX is bold, simple and powerful. At more than 15 feet in length, over six feet in width and over 5 feet in height, the FT-SX delivers a stance that is both sleek and imposing.
The face of the FT-SX is an all-new expression for Toyota. Defined by the alignment of the headlamps, Toyota badging, and grille, the new "T-Face" establishes a memorable design theme for Toyota's future. The headlamps connect seamlessly with a bold new grille. Deep hood sculpting is achieved with unbroken lines elegantly sweeping down from the upper edge of the A-pillar, through the grille, and down the bumper, wrapping back around the front wheels, giving the FT-SX a wide, dynamic image presence.
The profile of the FT-SX is long and sleek. A dramatic, arching roofline conveys versatility, while a fast angle, "coupe inspired" greenhouse and D-pillar suggest sporty performance. Clean and unadorned, the strength of the modern profile flows from center to rear, tying in wide, sculpted wheel well flares. Strong rocker character lines wrap around the entire car, providing a look of stability. The beltline's unbroken, razor sharp edge carries back to the exhaust.
In the rear, the tail lamps sweep around the beltline to emphasize a wide, stable stance. The FT-SX features a clean and taut surface accented by a full width exhaust in the lower bumper. A smoothly integrated rear wing extends from the belt line continuing the body side motion past the rear glass.
The innovative rear hatch offers three opening options. The upper glass hatch pivots up; the lower hatch pivots down; and the glass roof has two panels which slide towards the center, not only creating a useful loading opening, but also doubling as a rear sunroof. The door handles are subtly integrated into the beltline and open the clamshell doors at the touch of a button. Deep, acrylic lamps house new LED technology to provide a "surface-through" image. Two-piece detailed 21-inch wheels provide a counterpoint to the clean body theme.
The inviting interior was created by Calty designer Alberto Palma and exudes luxury, comfort, utility, and practicality. The fresh look is achieved with natural woods, soft leathers, and durable metals. The interior features a new sense of space defined by a "60/60" feeling for the driver and front passenger. This is achieved by overlapping seat elements that create individual space giving each the impression his space is dominant. A "flying speedboard" gauge cluster surrounds the driver with a sleek, sporty design that (like the exterior) seamlessly flows into the door and around the interior. The armrests are integrated into the seats, eliminating clutter and creating a living-room effect.
The rear cargo area is designed to fit every need, displaying a high level of quality and refinement. A loading tray automatically extends when the lower hatch is opened to assist in loading large and heavy objects.
"The FT-SX is the emotional and powerful result of our exercise in defining a new genre and potential product direction for Toyota," said Hunter. "Its surprising utility, powerful design, innovative features, and luxurious comfort create the passion necessary to fulfill the requirements of its buyers in a fresh new way. In short, the FT-SX is a vehicle that delivers the best of both worlds."
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