2006 Toyota Avalon

In Toyota's flagship sedan, it's technology that makes it so luxurious. Take the Limited's heated and ventilated front seats, for example. They keep you warm in the winter, cool and dry in the summer. Our engineers embraced technology so that you can embrace the luxury that is Avalon.
History




Built exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing (TMM) in Georgetown, Ky., Avalon was produced with the needs and desires of the American public in mind. Much of the design of both the interior and exterior was performed by the Toyota Technical Centers (TTC) in Michigan, Arizona and California. Avalon was powered by a version of the 3.0-liter, 24-valve, all-aluminum V6 engine that was in the Camry. With its 192-horsepower engine (more than the Camry due to different intake and exhaust plumbing), four-speed automatic transmission and superior aerodynamics, Avalon's fuel economy was on par with Camry. All Avalons were equipped with standard dual airbags, and offered ABS as an option. The 1997 Avalon continued on essentially unchanged, but revised intake and exhaust plumbing resulted in a horsepower increase to 200, up seven. ABS became standard on all models while traction control became available for the first time. For 1998, Avalon saw its first minor change with the introduction of chrome front and rear fascia trim, bodyside molding and license plate bezel. The grille was revised and multi-reflector headlights provided better illumination. The trunk lid incorporated a spoiler-like design, and the jeweled taillights were also new. On the inside, side airbags were made standard, as were pretensioner seatbelts with force-limiters. Optionally available were heated seats with two-position memory. The chassis also underwent extensive reinforcement, resulting in less torsional flex, lower NVH and improved crash worthiness. For 2000, Avalon entered its second-generation roomier, more powerful and more technically advanced than its predecessor. The Avalon has always been a vehicle of firsts for Toyota. It was the first Toyota vehicle built exclusively in America. It was the first true joint venture between Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) of Japan and Toyota Technical Center (TTC) of America. And, it was the first Toyota product to be classified as a 'domestic' vehicle according to CAFÉ standards. ( posted on conceptcarz.com) Now the all-new Avalon is the first Toyota vehicle with both a Japanese and an American chief engineer. Furthermore, the all-new Avalon styling was designed at Toyota California design studio in Newport Beach, Calif. The 2000 Avalon was powered by an improved 3.0-liter V6 engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i) that generated more horsepower and torque, higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The engine produced 210 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 220 lbs./ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. Estimated city/highway fuel economy was 21/29 mpg. All Avalons featured dual front- and side-airbag systems as standard equipment and offer vehicle skid control, traction control and Brake assist as options. For the next two model years (2001 and 2002) Avalon carried over unchanged with the exception of a new color, Stratosphere Mica in 2002. The Avalon entered the 2003 model year with minor changes to the exterior and upgrades to the interior. It featured a new grille, wider lower air intake with a new design for fog lamps, revised tail lamp configuration. The XLS was upgraded with numerous standard features including driver's side electrochromic mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood grain-style trim, available remote controlled DVD navigation system, rain-sensing windshield wipers and new 16' alloy wheels. The XL grade featured a newly designed multi-information display and perforated leather trim is available. The Avalon carried over unchanged for the 2004 model year, with the exception of Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). VSC became available as an option on XL models.

For 2005, the all-new third-generation Avalon was completely redesigned to feature improved performance and a more luxurious interior. The Avalon went from final styling approval to production, in a mere 18 months, the quickest development time of any North American-produced Toyota. A sleek grille with chrome accented horizontal bars and character lines defined a more contemporary Avalon profile. From the rear, large tail lamps and an elegantly sculptured trunk defined the Avalon. In addition, dual rear exhaust outlets offered a sporty touch to the vehicle's larger dimensions, a four-inch longer wheelbase and a one-inch longer width. The Avalon received an all-new 3.5-liter, 24 valve, VVT-i V6 engine which produced 280 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. torque. With this engine, Toyota introduced a unique roller rocker concave cam profile that provided faster opening and later closing of the valves which was a key contribution to Avalon's power increase. Estimated EPA fuel economy ratings were 22 city/31 highway. The Avalon brought several 'firsts' to the Toyota lineup including side mirrors featuring memory, integrated LED turn signal and puddle lamp on the Limited grade. Toyota's first low-profile wiper blade was uniquely developed for the Avalon. The one-piece blade assembly contributed to the reduction of frozen blades. In addition, a Remote Engine Starter was made available on all Avalon grades equipped with the factory alarm system as a port-or dealer-installed option. Interior features of the 2005 Avalon included a seven-way adjustable steering column, sliding armrest, rear flat floor and reclining rear seats. Front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag became standard safety features on the 2005 Avalon. A new Touring grade was also introduced which featured a more firmly tuned suspension, higher coil spring rates, fog lamps, rear lip spoiler, graphite finish wheels and a leather-trimmed charcoal interior. New features for Limited models included the Smart Key System, power driver's seat cushion length adjuster and driver and front passenger seat heater and fan.

Source - Toyota