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Comments
Strange that Toyota would reduce horsepower for the 2006.
I saw a 280 hp figure at Motorweek magazine online. It was for a 2005 Avalon.
2005 Toyota Avalon
Engine 3.5-liter dual- overhead-cam V6
Horsepower 280
Torque 260 lb feet
0-60 mph 6.5 seconds
1/4 mile 15 seconds 99 mph
60-0 mph 139 feet
EPA Mileage 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway
I guess for 2006 the horsepower was reduced. Or maybe Motorweek was wrong.
Also, from a Car and Driver review online, November, 2005. I guess this is also a 2005 model.
"The new 3.5-liter V-6 claims 280 horsepower, and it made believers out of us with a 0-to-60 run of six seconds flat. Its 14.6-second quarter-mile time at 99 mph "
No, there are no directional signals on the mirrors and I am not sure if there is parking assist, but I don't believe so either.
And by the way, the 10-spoke allow wheels looks a little cheesy, somehow it looks like allumium painted plastic. Otherwise, a great car!
Some corrections are in order. This info is taken from toyota's website: link title
Engine 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve Dual VVT-i V6
268 hp @ 6200 rpm
248 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm
Comapre to Azera:
Engine: 3.8L DOHC 24-valve, V6 engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT)
Horsepower @ rpm: 263 @ 6,000
Torque @ rpm: 255 @ 4,500
280 horsepower for a 2005 Avalon is all over the internet. 268 HP is listed for the 2006 model at ToyotaUSA.
Where is the explanation from Toyota on why HP was reduced? If I had to guess I'd say premium fuel was used in 2005 but regular in 2006.
Any documented evidence out there?
I thought all the horsepower ratings since around 1972 were SAE net horsepower.
Are Hyundai's numbers SAE certified or net? I'd guess they're certified.
Dont forget, the re-ratings do not make the cars any slower or faster, just levels the playing field in terms of consumer research and marketing.
For example, the 190 horse Camry V6 is but .2 slower to 60 than the 221 horse Fusion V6, which has a more advanced transmission. The Camry is slower through the quarter, but has better passing times, according to Car and Driver.. My point: As always, HP doesnt tell a whole story.
~alpha
http://www.eclipse-web.com/avn5495-index.html
things apart. (I hope)
Wouldn't everything already be there if same cars in Korea
have navis? (am I making any sense?)
Anyhow, I hope they come out with navi options.
(not that I'll need it)
She stopped at the side of the road, turned on the Garmin, pressed "Home" and the GPS unit VOICE prompt her home in short time. Once the unit was set, at no time did she have to take her eyes off the road.
Is a nav system needed? No. But it is a convenience that comes very handy at times and offers little in the way of safety problems if used properly. Between a road map and a decent NAV unit, I know which I feel is safer to use in the conditions my wife found herself in. A voice prompt Nav unit.
I am also one of those people that waits forever to ask for directions. One, I always seem to be of the opinion that I am just about to find my way any minute. And two, more than once I have been given wrong directions.
I have no problem with the Azera not having a NAV unit. That is because I prefer the portable units from Garmin, Magellan et al. Maybe I am missing something but they seem to have all the features of the built-in units. Even dead reckoning on some models.
Anyway, I sat in a light blue Azera fully loaded from what I could tell. It had a moonroof, and an Infinity sound system. The material quality is excellent. Believe me when I say this, I sat in an Avalon and ES330 earlier. Later I sat in a Grand Marquis and the Azera was better.
The wood looks and feels great, just as good as the Toyota/Lexus products. The leather is pretty soft, and the shift stick is comfortable to touch and nice to look at. The plastics are really good.
The rear seat has adequate thigh support and good legroom, although the Avalon has more and a flat foor. 3 adults can sit nicely.
One drawback, at least to me. The styling is too bland, very conservative. But then the competition, the Lucerne, Avalon, 500/Montego, Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis are all like that. The 300 is the only standout.
I might be going back on Tuesday, will post some impressions then.
Episode Title: 2511/Pontiac Torrent
PBS broadcast window begins November 18, 2005
Quick Listing:
Road Test: New 2006 Pontiac Torrent crossover utility
Road Test: Upscale 2006 Hyundai Azera sedan
Goss' Garage: Pets on Wheels
FYI: Drivers with Disabilities
Car Keys: First Drives - 2006 Mitsubishi Evolution
Yes I agree that,....One drawback, at least to me. The styling is too bland, very conservative. But then the competition, the Lucerne, Avalon, 500/Montego, Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis are all like that. The 300 is the only standout.....But the 300-M styling is the one most likely to become outdated the fastest. Nevertheless, the Azera's styling is the most "contemporary" among those listed.
backy, "Hyundai Azera vs. ????" #1, 13 Nov 2005 9:12 am
I hope that you are right. I have been holding off until I see and test drive it.Where are you from???
The Azera was the same fully loaded model as last time. When I sat in other models, I realized that the Azera will probably do well but wont be a runaway success.
Avalon - Sat in a limited model, fully loaded from what I could tell. It had Nav. The material quality and leather were first rate. The rear seat is huge with tons of legroom. Seats were very comfortable. It kind of felt big from the inside. The wood is very pretty to look at and feel. Switchgear seems good too, as well buttons and ergonomics.
300 - Another fully loaded model with Boston Acoustics sound system. No Nav. The cabin was pretty nice looking, but in some places material quality wasnt that great. The seats were very comfy. I felt the rear seat legroom could be more, as well as thigh support. I also felt the visibilty wasn't too great, like a Hummer H2. This one felt very big.
Amanti/Opirus - I say that this one has the best interior of them all, including Avalon. You may or may not agree. The wood was great, as well as comfort, ergonomics, and visibility. The back seat is smaller than the Azera and Avalon however. Sad that such a nice car has a weak engine.
Passat - The Passat also had a nice interior, second to the Kia though. The material quality was superb, comfort was good because of stiff seats. Rear visibility was not so great, and rear legroom was tight. It had a very innovative cupholder design, out of the dash although I'd rather have them on the console. It was expensive, with a tag of 9500KD, or 32K US.
Grand Marquis - This car lwas one of the best looking, although the dash hasnt evolved much in 15 years. The gauges dont look that great. The wood is OK, but almost all the other cars were better. The trunk is huge, but rear seat legroom and comfort ranks behind the Avalon, Azera, and 300. It feels very big inside although visibility was probably the best.
ES330 - Smaller than the rest, but with gorgeous interior. The rear seat is comfortable but seemed smaller than the one in my Camry. This car will be redesigned soon anyway.
No 500, Impala Lucerne comparison as they are not sold here.
My final ranking with reason.
1 - Chrysler 300 (styling, power)
2 - Toyota Avalon (interior, spacious)
3 - Hyundai Azera (value, roomy, bland styling)
4 - VW Passat (style,interior, high price)
5 - Kia Amanti (value, interior, engine lacks guts)
6 - Lexus ES330 (interior, prestige, but design is old)
7 - Mercury Grand Marquis (old, tired but looks good, like a classic)
Thus concludes my little comparison test
compare the different cars.
Azera LX
BMW 330
Infinity G35X sedan with 280HP and all wheel drive
Which of these would you choose?
After all why has the 300C been such a success? Styling. That's its appeal. Every car has its own. The Azera/ES330 has value, the Avalon has luxury and refinement. Not saying any are bad, but it's the 300C's combination that makes it a winner for me. Of course, my findings are probably going to differ from yours.
Also, I can see why you like the Passat, however as I said a Passat with all those options would be pretty expensive. The rear seat is much smaller than the rest as well, like the ES330. Materials quality was good in the Azera and Passat. I especially liked the classy gauges and the lustrous wood.
As Pat mentioned, you are more than welcome to start a comparisons topic about the Azera and a few of the more likely competitive vehicles, but we simply can't host a discussion that's quite so unfocused.
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(as reported in the following article)
Well crafted: Hyundai has a new flagship — 2006 Azera
BY CONNIE KEANE - Motor Matters - 10/29/05
But my point is that you prefer sports sedans over big, smooth riding, super quiet, and luxurious sedans.
The Azera is not and was never intended to compete with sports sedans. They are just two different animals.
Regarding the Azera,BMW 330, and Infiniti G35. I dont believe the "Ultimate Driving Machine" crap. The ultimate driving machine is "you", the driver. Ask any Alfa Romeo drivers.
SE $24,799
Limited $27,499
Compare to the XG's current MSRPs:
XG350 $24,899
XG350L $26,499
A fully-loaded Azera Limited (Limited trim + 10-speaker Infinity audio system w/subwoofer & in-dash 6-disc CD changer, power adjustable tilt-and-telescopic steering column, integrated memory system, power-adjustable foot pedals, rain-sensing wipers, & power tilt/slide sunroof) will supposedly go for somewhere around $29K.
Mike
Now compare the Azera to other car , keeping price and size in mind , and I think you have a winner.
Not likely with an Azera.
Equipment lists and appearances are one thing. Driving is another.
The proof is still missing.
Well said.
I want reports of direct comparison driving tests of the Azera LX with cars in its class. By "class", I mean close to it in size, passenger volume, weight (plus or minus 10%), power, luxury and safety features, and within 25% or so of the Azera LX MSRP
which lists performance numbers.
I would find those interesting and informative.
At a minimum I'd want to see the numbers in these or very similar categories:
0-60 mph time.
1/4 mile time and speed.
40-70 mph acceleration time.
Top gear acceleration from 60 to 90.
Slalom course speed.
Lateral acceleration in G force numbers.
0-120-0 mph time and distance.
70 to 0 mph braking distances.
Engine torque vs. horsepower vs. RPM graphs.
Measured noise levels at various speeds and throttle.
Road course race track times.
MPG over the same driving route of 400 miles or so.
I'll also enjoy reading all the subjective seat-of-the-pants comparisons the drivers and passengers may mention in the reports.
I know the Azera is not a race car. I don't expect it to perform as a race car.
But I'd like to see how it compares objectively to the other cars in some honest, unbiased comparison tests.
But in a few weeks, you will be able to do your own comparison tests--which are more important to your personal decision, right? As you said, it's how the cars drive. If the drive is good, a great G-force number or 0-120 mpg time (120?!?) isn't all that important except for bragging rights, is it?
Mike
In the old days, the 1950's and 1960's, I used to hear about specially prepared and super tuned cars being provided by the manufacturers to automotive journalists for testing. Those results might have little to do with how a car I might purchase would perform. Hope things are more above board nowadays.
Objective performance ratings are like a grades on a report card. The higher the grades, the better the car. Treat them like resumes. Read them and narrow the field to a few of the better cars. Then do the in-person interview, the test drive.
A common problem in car shopping is how emotional/illogical people become at some point in the process. Senses can be deceiving. Hunger or fatigue can influence one towards a regrettable decision. So can a salesperson, or a spouse. There could be many other pressures.
I don't have the skill or the equipment to objectively test and evaluate cars. Sure, I can look at them and drive them a little (no left turns please) before making my purchase, but there is no way I can really know if I'm getting the best performing one from doing that. I'll look to the pros for help. (Hahaha. Professional drivers on closed road course. Do NOT attempt these maneuvers at home!)
A car which outperforms at the limits will most likely perform well day to day for me too. The best performing cars are probably the best designed and manufactured cars too. If so, maybe they'll also be the longest lasting and most trouble-free. Might even hold their value longer which is nice at trade-in time.
Bragging rights? Not my cup of tea. But if they can do it, its not really bragging anyway. Without announcing it, its still a nice feeling to know you have one that outperforms the others though.
And, when a driver gets in over his head, a better performing car will provide a margin of safety a lesser car can't. Could be a matter of life and death.
I'll never own a super car, an ultimate car. But within my price range, I'd like to have a good chance of getting the best one. As usual, its all relative.
The more people who choose to buy the best performing cars, the more great performing cars we'll have to choose from in the future. Research, choose, spend. Like they say, don't forget to vote.
Even if it is not a sport sedan according to informed auto enthusiasts, I'd let it compete in the sport sedan class and see how it does. Pretty well I'd guess.
But I would not enter the Azera in a contest with sport sedans.
The Passat is certainly a better choice than the Azera if you place a greater emphasis on high performance than on passenger and trunk room and a quiet serene ride.