☰
conceptcarz.com
✕

2008 Toyota Avalon

Toyota Avalon Gets New Six-Speed Transmission And Luxury Upgrades For 2008

The Toyota Avalon – the platinum standard in premium midsize sedans – offers enhanced performance from a new six-speed automatic transmission and a revised braking system for 2008. Revised exterior styling and new luxury upgrades make Avalon an even more desirable choice among full-size sedans.

A new bumper, grille and headlights update the Avalon at the front, and new smoked tail lamp lenses add a touch of sophistication. Chrome door handles and a new wheel design for the Touring and XLS grades accentuate Avalon's upscale design.

The new six-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) provides a sequential manual shift feature for a more involved driving experience when desired. A revised braking system employs larger rear discs and aluminum rear calipers.

Inside Avalon for 2008, numerous enhancements to standard and optional equipment increase comfort and convenience. The standard XL model for 2008 now offers an available four-way power passenger seat, while the XLS and Limited offer an optional new eight-way power passenger seat. All grades gain a standard new multi-information display, leather shift knob and additional chrome interior accents.

Music-playing versatility is assured by a newly standard six-disc CD changer for all models, plus a mini-jack for connecting an iPod® or MP3/WMA music player to the vehicle's audio system. Bluetooth® wireless technology is included with the JBL audio upgrade package (standard on Limited).

The third-generation Avalon was designed at Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, Calif., developed by U.S.-based Toyota Technical Centers and is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown, KY.

The Avalon is offered in four grades, the standard XL, the sporty Touring, the extremely well-equipped XLS and the top-of-the-line Limited, which compares well to near-luxury models for comfort and amenities. The XLS and Limited models gain even more luxury touches for 2008, starting with a new rich dark wood grain and chrome trim interior.

Both the XLS and Limited models now also offer power-adjustable lumbar for the front passenger seat. On the Limited, the rear sunshade now re-extends when the driver shifts from Reverse to Drive.

Contemporary Design and Comfort

Avalon exudes a powerful stance, distinguished by a sleek grille with chrome accented horizontal bars and subtle character lines defining a contemporary profile. The lower intake valance houses fog lamps on the Touring, XLS and Limited models, and the Touring model also features a rear spoiler.

Toyota optimized the exterior design of the Avalon for minimal wind noise. Numerous small details contribute to lower cabin noise and vibration, including refining the shape of the A-pillar and side mirrors and lowering the position of the aerodynamic windshield wipers. In addition, the Avalon Limited model offers a specially designed acoustic windshield.

Side mirrors on the Limited grade feature in-glass LED turn signals, and an LED puddle lamp illuminates the area along the side of the car when passengers approach the vehicle. The Limited grade also features side mirror memory. Touring and Limited grades come standard with high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with dynamic automatic leveling for improved visibility, while reducing glare for oncoming traffic. Large tail lamps and an elegantly sculptured trunk distinguish the Avalon from the rear, and dual exhaust outlets add a sporty touch.

Avalon's elegant exterior is complemented by its refined interior. Outstanding fit-and-finish is apparent throughout the cabin. Amenities for driver comfort include a tilt and telescopic steering column and a center console sliding armrest. Rear passengers benefit from a flat rear floor that provides generous legroom, and the rear seats recline up to 10 degrees.

Sport Sedan Performance with Luxurious Ride and Comfort

All Avalon models are powered by a 3.5-liter, 24-valve V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of peak torque. Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i) and a dual-stage variable intake manifold ensure outstanding performance at all engine speeds.

The Avalon can effortlessly accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in just 7.7 seconds, and it also achieves admirable estimated EPA fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway. The 2008 Avalon is certified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV).

Responsive handling makes Avalon engaging to drive, yet ride quality remains a benchmark of smoothness. The XL model features 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels standard on the other grades. The Touring model features a more firmly tuned suspension and higher coil spring rates than other Avalon models, and its wheels feature a graphite finish. All Avalon models are equipped with a standard full-size spare tire.

Comprehensive Safety Package

The Avalon's supplemental restraint system (SRS) includes standard front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side-curtain airbags that help provide protection in certain types of severe side impacts. The Avalon also features a driver's knee airbag as standard equipment.

The standard anti-lock brake system (ABS) features Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is available with traction control (TRAC) and Brake Assist (BA) on all models. VSC is designed to detect and help to correct loss of lateral traction during cornering. VSC integrates traction control (TRAC) to help limit wheel spin on slippery road surfaces. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking and, if the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to activate the ABS, it applies maximum braking pressure until the driver releases pedal pressure.

Equipped to Please

The Avalon XL grade is extremely well equipped and includes as standard a premium AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD changer and nine speakers; dual-zone automatic climate control with air filtration; remote keyless entry; power door locks with an anti-lockout feature; power windows with driver and passenger automatic up/down with jam protection and retained power; a multi-adjustable power driver's seat, and a center console storage area.

Additional standard features include a tilt and telescopic steering column; steering wheel mounted audio and climate controls; multi-function information display with audio, climate control, temperature and trip computer; cruise control; engine immobilizer security system, and a maintenance indicator light.

The Avalon Touring grade – in addition to its sporty suspension tuning – adds comfort features over the XL, including leather-trimmed seats; a power front passenger seat; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and aluminum door scuff plates.

Building on the XL grade's standard features, the Avalon XLS adds 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 an anti-theft system.

A Strong Taste of Luxury in Avalon Limited

The top-of-the-line Avalon Limited offers luxury-grade comfort. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather. The driver and front passenger seats are heated and ventilated. The front of the driver's seat cushion length is power-adjustable, offering improved thigh support. The Avalon Limited also features a JBL Synthesis audio system with a six-disc CD changer and 12 speakers, and for 2008 adds Bluetooth® wireless connectivity.

Additional amenities in the Limited include a one-touch auto-reverse power rear sunshade; memory driver's seat, rain-sensing wipers, HID headlamps and the Smart Key System. With Smart Key, the driver carries a light, compact key fob that signals a sensor in the car when it is near, turning on the puddle lamps and interior dome lamp, and then unlocking the doors when the handle is touched. The car is started by a pushbutton. The driver can open the trunk by touching the handle when the key fob is carried near the rear bumper.

Options for Even More Comfort

Options available on XL and Touring grades include a power moonroof and an anti-theft system. A 360-watt maximum output JBL Synthesis audio system with six-disc CD changer and 12 speakers is offered on Touring and XLS models and adds Bluetooth wireless connectivity for 2008. Heated front seats are also available on the Touring.

A navigation system is available for the XLS, Touring and Limited models. The navigation controls have surface-emitting illumination and hide away above the gated shifter. Maps, climate and select audio controls are shown on the seven-inch LCD color display located beneath the center air vents.

The Avalon Limited offers the Dynamic Laser Cruise Control system that can maintain a pre-set distance from a vehicle traveling ahead. The system can reduce the Avalon's speed if the preceding vehicle slows down or if another vehicle pulls in between.

A Remote Engine Starter is available on all Avalon grades equipped with the factory alarm system as a port- or dealer-installed option. After the driver has started the engine by depressing a button on the key fob, the climate control system will use the most recent settings to help ensure cabin comfort quickly.

Toyota's 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60 months/60,000 miles and corrosion perforation for 60 months with no mileage limitation.

by Toyota

by Toyota

Toyota Announces 2008 Model Year Prices For Eight Vehicles

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the 2008 Avalon full-size sedan, Prius gas-electric hybrid, Yaris subcompact, RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), FJ Cruiser off-road SUV, 4Runner mid-size SUV, Tacoma pickup and Sienna. All eight models begin arriving in dealerships in late July and throughout the month of August.

Avalon, the flagship of the Toyota passenger car lineup, continues to set the standard for performance, luxury, and value in its class. For 2008, Avalon receives a new six-speed automatic transmission and a braking system upgrade for improved stopping distance, reduced fade and pedal firmness.

Exterior changes include a new aggressive design for the headlamps, front bumper and radiator grille, in-key remote keyless entry and tinted tail lamps. New 17-inch alloy wheels are offered on the Touring and XLS models. The Limited model also receives chrome door handles.

Interior changes include a new dark wood grain trim and eight-way power front passenger's seat with power lumbar support on XLS and Limited models. The Touring model features a new aluminum-style interior trim.

The 2008 Avalon also has an updated AM/FM/CD changer with nine speakers, MP3 playback capability and auxiliary audio input jack as a standard feature.

The base MSRP for the 2008 Avalon ranges from $27,075 for the XL model to $34,415 for the Limited model. The total Avalon average MSRP increases $201 or 0.6 percent.

The fuel-efficient 2008 Prius is a better value this year with an expanded lineup to include a lower-priced, new standard model. The base MSRP for Prius ranges from $20,950 for the newly introduced standard model to $23,220 for the Touring model. The total Prius average MSRP increases $150 or 0.7 percent.

The new Prius arrives in dealerships in August.

The Yaris subcompact carries over unchanged for 2008 except for the addition of a standard tire pressure monitoring system for all models. The 2008 Yaris also gains the all-new Liftback Sport model. The Yaris Liftback Sport features several exterior enhancements, including color-keyed front and rear under-bumper spoilers and side rocker panels, and is equipped with standard features such as driver and front passenger sport seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, tachometer with amber illumination, 15-inch wheels, rear window defroster, rear window wiper, AM/FM/CD player with MP3/WMA capability and auxiliary audio input jack.

The five-speed manual transmission Liftback carries a base MSRP of $11,300 and the Sedan with automatic transmission carries a base MSRP of $12,900. The Yaris Sport Liftback with five-speed manual transmission will carry a base MSRP of $12,975. All Yaris vehicles arrive in August and the total Yaris average MSRP increases $150 or 1.2 percent.

The RAV4 maintains all interior and safety enhancements for 2008. All models now feature driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags and first- and second-row side-curtain airbags with roll-over sensor as standard equipment. RAV4 models carry a base MSRP that ranges from $21,100 for the base model 2WD four-cylinder to $26,670 for the 4WD Limited V6. Total RAV4 average MSRP increases $150 or 0.6 percent.

The FJ Cruiser, the most capable off-road SUV in the Toyota line-up, will feature a number of key upgrades, including an anti-theft system, an illuminated entry system, side-curtain airbags for both rows and sun visors with vanity mirrors. The FJ's base MSRP ranges from $22,545 for the 2WD automatic to $24,13

4Runner will improve its numerous standard safety features on all models with the addition of driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags and first- and second-row side-curtain airbags with roll-over sensor. For 2008 the MSRP will increase $380 for SR5 and Sport Edition models and $350 for Limited models. The 4Runner MSRP ranges from $28,015 for the 2WD SR5 V6 to $38,735 for the 4WD Limited V8. The total 4Runner average MSRP increases $376 or 1.2 percent.

For 2008, the Tacoma pickup truck will receive a price increase of $100 or 0.5 percent for all models. The base MSRP ranges from $14,280 for the 2WD four-cylinder with a manual transmission to $26,115 for the Double Cab 4WD V6 automatic long bed. The total Tacoma average MSRP increases 0.5 percent.

Sienna offers new product enhancements and Extra Value Packages. New standard features include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control and rear disc brakes on all models. Also, Bluetooth® is now on all models featuring standard or available JBL audio. The Sienna MSRP ranges from $24,340 for the 2WD CE to $37,665 for the AWD Limited model. The total Sienna average MSRP increases $35 or 0.1 percent.

by Toyota

by Toyota

At times compared to a Lexus, from the outside the Toyota Avalon might be a bland looking four-door, but on the inside the combination of luxurious roominess, safety, ride comfort and value you wouldn't be able to find elsewhere. The Avalon emerged as one of the 10 best cars sold in North American in terms of problem-free operation in a recent J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study. Originally based on the platform of the then-current Toyota Camry, the Toyota Avalon is a full-size car that was produced by Toyota in the U.S. and Australia. The Avalon was produced as a front wheel drive four-door sedan.

When the Toyotta Cressida was deleted from the American car market in 1992 and the Toyota Avalon was designed to fill the gap left by that vehicle. Though the Cressida was a midsize, rear wheel drive vehicle, the all new Avalon was a full size, rear wheel drive car and had Toyota's 1MZ-FE V6 engine, compared to the Cressida's 7M-GE I6 engine.

On February 21, 1994, the first Avalon rolled off the assembly line in Georgetown, Kentucky as a 1995 model. In 1999, a second-generation model was released in the U.S. and Japan. Built in the same plant as the Camry, the 1995 Avalon was a completely new model that was placed higher than the Camry, making it Toyota's flagship.

Larger in almost every aspect, the second generation Avalon was introduced in 2004. Based on a stretched Camry platform, the Avalon featured a 3.0 L V6 engine that produced 192 hp and 210 ft – lb of torque. Minor updates to the front and rear fascias were underwent in 1998, along with the power rating being upped to 200 hp and increase of torque to 214 lb – ft. Basically the same size as the Camry, the second generation Avalon was US made and was exported to Japan's domestic market where it was labeled as the Toyota Pronard.

The original, first-generation Avalon still continues to be built in Australia in the Melbourne suburb of Altona. The original model is produced in both right hand drive for New Zealand, Australia and various parts of Asia, and left hand drive for the Middle East. Toyota was now in what it called its ‘Mark III' phase with the Australian Avalon. Though based on the same car launched in the US in 1995, the Australian Avalon had a slight facelift for the 2004 model year. In July of 2005 Toyota Australia ended production of the Avalon. Toyota of Australia was now concentrating on producing a vehicle much larger than the Avalon in late 2006 that will compete with the Holden Commodore and the Ford Falcon. Introduced at the 2006 Melbourne International Motorshow, the all new Aurion was unveiled and will go on sale in November of 2006.

A complete redesign from previous generations, the '05 Avalon is Toyota's largest, most luxurious, and most costly model sold under its own nameplate. Inside the Avalon was a 3.5 L 280 hp V6 engine along with a host of advanced technological features. Produced to compete with the Chevy Impala, the Buick LaCrosse, Nissan Maxima and the Ford Five Hundred, the new Avalon was unveiled at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. Featuring much more distinctive styling than previous generations, the third generation Avalon did have power dropped to 268 hp due to new SAE specifications along with torque dropping to 248 ft-lb. For 2005 stability control was expanded to the XL and Touring models and a keyless remote start became standard for Limited models.

by Jessican Donaldson