Didn't mean to sound snippy. The pressure of trying to decide between buying a "tricked out" Humvee and waiting for the "new" Avalon gets to me sometimes. Do you know if the 05 will be a "short year" model, with the 06 following in the normal fall cycle or????
Since the 05 MY is starting late, does anyone know if they will keep the 04 production line open longer? I realize that they might need the space to retool for the redesigned Avalon.
It is official--almost. According to the August issue of Car and Driver, page 60, the new Avalon will be for model year 2006.
The pic they showed, however, is the same mustard-colored fast-back (from an earlier post above). C&D says...the redesigned Avalon will be built around Camry mechanicals, although wheel base will be stretched to expand interior volume, particularly behind the front seats. Other upgrades include a new 3.5-liter V-6 generating a reported 270 horsepower."
I work at a dealership and the 2005 model year schedule given to us by our regional office states that info. As for when the 06 would come out, I have no idea. Legally, I think a 2006 could go on sale January 1, 2005.
Yes, the 04 will be built through the end of the calendar year.
No offense intended, but your above post is very ambiguous, and personally has confused me more.
Do you mean thte 2004 model will be built through the end of the calendar year and sold as a 2004? Or that the 2004 body/style will continue production 2004 with a short 2005 run?
Toycash is absolutely correct. The 2004 Avalon remains in production through December of 2004. The 2006 Avalon goes into production immediately after the holidays in early January 2005. It is legal to sell a 2006 model beginning January 1, 2005. There will be no 2005 model year Avalon.
The 2006 Avalon will be offered in an XLS Limited trim level that has laser cruise, smart key, heated and cooled front seats, reclining rear seats, power rear sunshade, HID headlights, etc.
When I said that the next gen Avalon would be a 2006 model, you flat out told me it would be a 2005 model. According to post 319, it will be a 2006 model. Which will it be, a 2006 or a 2005?
andretran71, I am convinced that the next gen Avalon is not the Crown Concept. The one Toyota employee said the next gen Avalon from the side looks like a Chrysler 300C, the Crown Concept does not look like a Chrysler 300C from the side. This doesn't mean that the next gen Avalon can't have some nice features that are standard or available, look at some of the features from fellow Toyotas that should be in the next gen Avalon: '04 Prius - Smart Entry and Start '04 Prius - Voice-Activated DVD Navigation with BlueTooth Technology for hands-free phone use. '04 Solara - Tire Pressure Warning System '04 Solara - 5 speed Sequential Automatic Transmission '04 Sienna - Parking Assist '04 Sienna - Dynamic Laser Cruise Control '04 Lexus ES - Power Rear Sunshade '04 Lexus LS - Rear Reclining Seat Back '04 Lexus LS - Rear Seat Heating and Cooling
Thumbing through the July issue of Popular Mechanics ( or maybe Pop. Science) there is a single photo of the new Avalon. It bears a strong resemblance to the 97-03 dodge intrepid profile. The promised interior dimensions are said to rival the LS 430. This could be the poor man's lexus I've been waiting for. I'll overlook the bland exterior style for Toyo quality and Lexus legroom.
Back when this topic started, there seemed to be some discussion of an AWD option for the new Avalon...anyone have any ideas about whether this will happen.
We live in the snow (and hills) and my wife would love a nice roomy AWD sedan.
I think that picture is an artist rendition not an actual photo and besides that picture has been around since March. C&D had better get a new spy photo department if that's the best they can do.
Yes, I agree, this photo has done the rounds for months - I first saw it on a Russian website. Unlike other members, however, I really like the design (even if it is just from an artist's fertile imagination).
This has become a very interesting discussion. I too was told by my dealer that the 2004 Avalon will be in production through December 2004. If the new design Avalon is sold as a 2006 model in January 2005, that really screws the Avalon buyer who just bought a 2004 model in November 2004. His brand new Avalon just depreciated two years and is only two months old. I wonder what the trade in value will be then on his new car?
"His brand new Avalon just depreciated two years and is only two months old."
I dont think that the person who buys a 2004 Avalon in November will necessarily experience a depreciation hit of 2 years simply because the new model is introduced tagged as a 2006. Despite that the new Avalon is a 2006, the 2004 will still really only be one model year old, since almost the entire rest of automobiledom will be in the 2005 model year.
The information from Toyota lists the Avalon that starts in Jan. on a sheet of 05 production schedules, so I still believe that it will be an 05. However, stranger things have happened, so its possible it could be an 06.
I have serious doubts about that picture that is out. To me, if you look closely, it looks like a heavily photoshopped Prius. It also doesn't match in shape to the disguised prototype photos that have been published.
Premliminary launch will be on or around Feb. 15th. 3.5 DOHC VVT-I with sequential shift and dual exhaust.
New colors: White Pearl, titanium Silver, Pistachio, Blue Mirage and Indigo Ink Pearl. The XL will offer Silver trim and the XLS and Limited will have Light wood for Ivory and light gray and Dark wood with dark gray interior.
The Touring grade will have Black leather, Suspension Tuning, 17" alloys, rear lip spoiler, HID lights and fog lamps.
Limiteds will haves smart start, power rear sunshade and other improvements.
Thanks for the info! Personally, Im glad that Toyota isnt absurd enough to call the Touring model, with its likely slight suspension ehancements, more agressive wheels/tires, etc... a "Sport" version. A "Touring" designation is perfect.
sbell, if possible, please confirm that the next Avalon is not going to look like the monstrosity that was published in Car and Driver this month...
I'm a little confused by your trim levels...you mention XL and XLS, as well as Touring and Limited. Are those four distinct trim levels, or are Touring and Limited packages within the XLS grade?
I really have no idea who is right with the new car info..but it makes no difference. The new Avalon will be a very different creation to drive and enjoy. Keep the facts, rumors and maybe early sightings coming. It's exciting, even with an '03 XL in my garage. :-)
Are the "new colors" additions or replacements to the current colors? Also, can you ballpark the increase to the MSRP for Touring and Limited versions? Thanks for the info.
The August issue of Car and Driver shows the same picture of the new Avalon as did the July Popular Mech. I still hope this is not final design as they say it is. Can Dodge sue Toyota for so closly copying their Late model cab forward sedan's. Also they list the engine horsepower at 270.
Great information, but it made me feel like I had missed a previous post saying, "In addition to previous XL and XLS designations, there will be a Touring Grade and Limited Grade within XLS." Much more specific info than anything I have gotten out of local dealers in Hampton Roads. I would hope the Touring Grade wouldn't be limited to black leather; after my 95 Maxima SE I am done with (too old?) also with rear spoilers. Also hope HID lights are available on the limited; we really like them on our 04 Sienna XLE Limited. Thanks again. Any more info will obviously be much appreciated. I have unlocked my email address if you'd rather not post more detailed information on the forum.
The 2005/2006 avalon will get an all new 3.5 V6 engine producing 270 hp, everybody knows that. But in what other models will this V6 be used? It can't go in trucks, since this V6 will be built to be used in cars... And it won't go in the next GS or IS, because they'll use the 3 liter (245 hp). And I don't think the next camry will use it, it's way too powerful and the camry has already good performances (not exceptionnal, but ok). It'd be strange to see toyota building this V6 just to put in the avalon...
The 2005/2006 avalon will get an all new 3.5 V6 engine producing 270 hp, everybody knows that.
Most boardies are speculating that the new Avy will have a 270 hp 3.5 V6 engine, but that has not been proven or confirmed.
Sbell4 provided data that appears to be authoritative, but that too is pure conjecture. Not even the car magazines can agree what the Avalon will look like, if it will be an ’05 or an ‘06 or when it will be introduced. And anybody who knows for sure isn’t talking. What’s with all this secrecy anyway?
Before Ford launched the Lincoln LS, it sent out lots of promotional material including a piece of a painted body panel. That heightened anticipation, created a buzz and netted the LS much publicity. Maybe the new Avalon is so ugly that Toyota does not want it dead on arrival.
Toyota will do things like you mentioned when its a new model, but when its a redesign, they don't want to kill sales of the old model by creating too much buzz.
Well if it doesn't get a 3.5 V6, it'd probably get the 3.3 (225-230 hp). But the next Avalon will probably be heavier than the current one so accelerations would be... The current one already isn't a bomb (9.2 seconds, 0-100 KM/H, that's not poor, that's not good). And if toyota wants to compete with nissan and its maxima (which has very good acceleration), they'll need to put more horsepower.
That has pretty much been confirmed by workers at TMMK who have seen the internal memos. FWIW, in the states, Car and Driver (Nov 99, I believe) clocked the Avalon with the 210hp 3.0L and 4 speed auto at 8.4 seconds to 60, which puts it midpack in its class, Id say. But that was then, and the 3.5L is... almost now...
Thank you for confirming that the 3.5 was real. But don't forget: I'm telling you these numbers (0-100 in 9.2) in KM/H, it's not the same thing than MPH. 0-60 mph is always a bit quicker than 0-100 km/h. And sometimes, in a 0-60 acceleration, the tranny doesn't need the 3rd gear to reach 60 mph and the 0-100 sometimes does because it's always a bit longer to reach 100 km/h so you lose a bit of time because it shifts. For the maxima, I read it does the 0-100 in 6.9 - 7.1 seconds... I don't know if it's true but it seems a lot quicker compared to the avalon.
Is this picture the real 06 Avalon? It does not list it as a spy photo and leaves the impression this is the real thing. I sure hope this is not the long awaited Avalon that I was planning to purchase! It is the ugliest body style I have seen in ages. Looks like the old Ford Torino. I will go Maxima if this is the new 06.
But everyone has different tastes! Even though you "can't imagine" how someone would choose a Maxima over a Toyota vehicle, there are plenty of Maximas on the road. It may not be your cup of tea, but the Avalon's not for everyone either.
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What I don't like in the maxima is its poor fit and finish. The plastics on the dash are so cheap! Unless you ride on perfect road, there are lots of squeaks and rattles in the car. The toyota avalon does a lot better than that.
"Unless you ride on perfect road, there are lots of squeaks and rattles in the car. The toyota avalon does a lot better than that."
That is a rather broad statement that Im not really sure accounts for either make on the whole. Can you point to JDP or Consumer Reports data to confirm?
OK, let's just stick to the Avalon, folks. Thanks!
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Comments
According to the August issue of Car and Driver, page 60, the new Avalon will be for model year 2006.
The pic they showed, however, is the same mustard-colored fast-back (from an earlier post above). C&D says...the redesigned Avalon will be built around Camry mechanicals, although wheel base will be stretched to expand interior volume, particularly behind the front seats. Other upgrades include a new 3.5-liter V-6 generating a reported 270 horsepower."
Yes, the 04 will be built through the end of the calendar year.
Do you mean thte 2004 model will be built through the end of the calendar year and sold as a 2004? Or that the 2004 body/style will continue production 2004 with a short 2005 run?
~alpha
The 2006 Avalon will be offered in an XLS Limited trim level that has laser cruise, smart key, heated and cooled front seats, reclining rear seats, power rear sunshade, HID headlights, etc.
And there's also going to be a Sport Package. Oh yeah, don't forget the Navi screen built into the "instrument cluster" (well, kinda)
'04 Prius - Smart Entry and Start
'04 Prius - Voice-Activated DVD Navigation with BlueTooth Technology for hands-free phone use.
'04 Solara - Tire Pressure Warning System
'04 Solara - 5 speed Sequential Automatic Transmission
'04 Sienna - Parking Assist
'04 Sienna - Dynamic Laser Cruise Control
'04 Lexus ES - Power Rear Sunshade
'04 Lexus LS - Rear Reclining Seat Back
'04 Lexus LS - Rear Seat Heating and Cooling
Tee
We live in the snow (and hills) and my wife would love a nice roomy AWD sedan.
http://www.1000islandstoyota.com/newsite/pages/spypage.html
In any case this is a very disappointing design. This car does not look substantial enough to be the Toyota flagship.
I dont think that the person who buys a 2004 Avalon in November will necessarily experience a depreciation hit of 2 years simply because the new model is introduced tagged as a 2006. Despite that the new Avalon is a 2006, the 2004 will still really only be one model year old, since almost the entire rest of automobiledom will be in the 2005 model year.
~alpha
I have serious doubts about that picture that is out. To me, if you look closely, it looks like a heavily photoshopped Prius. It also doesn't match in shape to the disguised prototype photos that have been published.
New colors: White Pearl, titanium Silver, Pistachio, Blue Mirage and Indigo Ink Pearl. The XL will offer Silver trim and the XLS and Limited will have Light wood for Ivory and light gray and Dark wood with dark gray interior.
The Touring grade will have Black leather, Suspension Tuning, 17" alloys, rear lip spoiler, HID lights and fog lamps.
Limiteds will haves smart start, power rear sunshade and other improvements.
sbell, if possible, please confirm that the next Avalon is not going to look like the monstrosity that was published in Car and Driver this month...
~alpha
I'm a little confused by your trim levels...you mention XL and XLS, as well as Touring and Limited. Are those four distinct trim levels, or are Touring and Limited packages within the XLS grade?
Thanks for the info, by the way.
-Andrew L
It probably doesn't need a whole lot more than the current 210 hp/220 lb-ft, providing it doesn't get much heavier.
~cuz1
I would hope the Touring Grade wouldn't be limited to black leather; after my 95 Maxima SE I am done with (too old?) also with rear spoilers. Also hope HID lights are available on the limited; we really like them on our 04 Sienna XLE Limited.
Thanks again. Any more info will obviously be much appreciated. I have unlocked my email address if you'd rather not post more detailed information on the forum.
But in what other models will this V6 be used?
It can't go in trucks, since this V6 will be built to be used in cars... And it won't go in the next GS or IS, because they'll use the 3 liter
(245 hp). And I don't think the next camry will use it, it's way too powerful and the camry has already good performances (not exceptionnal, but ok). It'd be strange to see toyota building this V6 just to put in the avalon...
The 2005/2006 avalon will get an all new 3.5 V6 engine producing 270 hp, everybody knows that.
Most boardies are speculating that the new Avy will have a 270 hp 3.5 V6 engine, but that has not been proven or confirmed.
Sbell4 provided data that appears to be authoritative, but that too is pure conjecture. Not even the car magazines can agree what the Avalon will look like, if it will be an ’05 or an ‘06 or when it will be introduced. And anybody who knows for sure isn’t talking. What’s with all this secrecy anyway?
Before Ford launched the Lincoln LS, it sent out lots of promotional material including a piece of a painted body panel. That heightened anticipation, created a buzz and netted the LS much publicity. Maybe the new Avalon is so ugly that Toyota does not want it dead on arrival.
~alpha
But don't forget: I'm telling you these numbers (0-100 in 9.2) in KM/H, it's not the same thing than MPH. 0-60 mph is always a bit quicker than 0-100 km/h. And sometimes, in a 0-60 acceleration, the tranny doesn't need the 3rd gear to reach 60 mph and the 0-100 sometimes does because it's always a bit longer to reach 100 km/h so you lose a bit of time because it shifts. For the maxima, I read it does the 0-100 in 6.9 - 7.1 seconds... I don't know if it's true but it seems a lot quicker compared to the avalon.
I find it difficult to believe anyone would think THAT car looks better than anything Toyota would even think of making....
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That is a rather broad statement that Im not really sure accounts for either make on the whole. Can you point to JDP or Consumer Reports data to confirm?
~alpha
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