Chicago 2010: Refreshed Toyota Avalon "boldly redesigned" to look exactly like predecessor

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Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedan, Toyota

2011 Toyota Avalon - Click above for high-res gallery

Perhaps the only 'surprise' at this year's Chicago Auto Show thus far has been the appearance of Toyota's refreshed-for-2011 Avalon sedan. According to this morning's presentation, even the automaker itself debated postponing its introduction in light of its present woes.

Looking to make the best of a bad situation (and among a string of assurances about his company's commitment to quality and customers), Toyota's Group Vice President and General Manager, Bob Carter, was quick to point out that the full-size sedan will ship with an updated gas pedal and emergency shutoff provision. That housekeeping note done, Carter went on to explain that the full-size Avalon checks off the traditional list of mid-cycle refresh items including revised head- and taillamps (the latter with LED), a new grille, revamped fascias and new alloy wheel patterns.

The bigger story for the revamped Avalon is on the inside, where a handsome new center stack, latest-generation navigation system and added niceties like a standard in-mirror backup camera and Bluetooth streaming audio and telephony have been fitted.

As before, the Avalon is powered by Toyota's 24-valve 3.5-liter V6, tuned here to make 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and achieve 20 miles-per-gallon in the city and 29 on the highway. It arrives in dealerships this spring.

Gallery: 2011 Toyota Avalon at Chicago Auto Show

Gallery: 2011 Toyota Avalon

[source: Toyota]

Continue reading Chicago 2010: Refreshed Toyota Avalon "boldly redesigned" to look exactly like predecessor

Chicago 2010: Refreshed Toyota Avalon "boldly redesigned" to look exactly like predecessor originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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[Croc]

Yeesh that is one bland, generic, NOT stylish car. I think it looks worse than the outgoing one, actually. What's up with cribbing Honda's new [ugly] grille?

[Robert Hall]

I wonder if they redesigned the accelerator and throttle also...

Edit.. I see they mention the accelerator in the article.

Appears to be just an MCE of the current model.

Edited February 10, 2010 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[Drew Dowdell]

The presenter mentioned the new accelerator coming on the 2011 Avalon as if it was a big achievement.

[Robert Hall]

The presenter mentioned the new accelerator coming on the 2011 Avalon as if it was a big achievement.

Toyota: Moving Forward.

[Intrepidation]

Toyota formula for new models: take the current car. Melt the front end, melt the rear end. Repeat.

[ocnblu]

They'd be better served to put throttle and braking functions into the hands of the drivers.

[Intrepidation]

I don't think I'd want to operate the brakes and throttle with my hands...would be hard to steer.

[Justin Bimmer]

ZOMG! It looks so differnt!

[gm4life]

...Well they put lipstick on a pig... The problem is it, its still a pig... This actually reminds me of something GM would do years ago, and call it "all new". Slightly less ugly than the old one, but then again hardly anyone is going to be able to tell the difference. FYI the current '10 Avalon has been out for five years and a new front end is going to magically fix it, eh?

Edited February 10, 2010 by gm4life

[smk4565]

2nd most boring car on the market. Only the Lucerne is worse.

[Justin Bimmer]

I thought the same thing SMK. Why does Toyota want to compete against the Lucerne.

[Drew Dowdell]

Lucerne sold Twice as many last month and I don't think this refresh is gonna help the Avalon much.

[PurdueGuy]

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.................................

[daves87rs]

Blah.

[regfootball]

i see this thing has floor mats.

i sat in a new 010 Lucerne today. all the Lucerne needs is a new dash, some suspension and handling magic, and the 3.6DI/6sp to remain relevant.

This Avalon has all the charm of the old Hyundai XG 350 and the Kia Amanti.

Auto show is here in about 2-3 weeks. I can't wait to hear folks taking pot shots at all the Toyotas. I wonder if there will be any fights on the floor.

[regfootball]

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.................................

my nine and a half month old son has had a bitch of a time getting to bed lately. I've tried everything. BUT mayBE I should show him pictures of this new Avalon....think that would get him to sleep right quick?

[ZL-1]

Toyota: Moving Forward.

Unintendedly.

Edited February 11, 2010 by ZL-1