Toyota Avalon (2013)

CAR GARAGE | Toyota Avalon (2013) | The all-new 2013 Toyota Avalon will combine passionate styling, innovation, and an elevated level of craftsmanship to help reposition Toyota's flagship sedan within the highly competitive mid-size premium segment. "The 2013 Toyota Avalon car-building showcases Prowess and infuses the Avalon nameplate with new levels of excitement, dynamic capability, and refinement," said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager of Toyota Division.  Toyota Avalon is available with two millimeter wave radar systems that help add an additional measure of occupant safety. An available Blind Spot Monitor uses radar to enhance safety by helping detect vehicles in the adjacent lane where drivers may be challenged to see them. The same radar technology has been adapted to offer a Rear Cross Traffic Alert that is designed to detect low-speed cross traffic behind the vehicle. The system's detection range spans from about 10 feet to 2 feet Depending on vehicle location.

The Avalon's Rear Cross Traffic alert uses the sensors in the rear quarter panels to help detect vehicles approaching from the side and behind the vehicle. The vehicle shift lever must be in Reverse to detect cars, trucks, vans and any vehicle over 125cc motorcycle. The maximum speed of the Toyota Avalon can be five mph with a maximum speed of the approaching vehicle, not to exceed 18 mph. The radar controls the vehicle speed within a preset range to help maintain vehicle to vehicle distance. Like all Toyota models, the Avalon features the STAR Safety System, roomates includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA ), and Smart Stop brake-override Technology (SST).

The V6-powered Avalon features a hydraulic automatic transmission that has been optimized for improved fuel economy and performance from a lightweight front-wheel-drive transaxle. The transmission can be shifted from D mode into S mode on the shift gate, where shifts can be actuated with + or - shifts of the lever. The Sport mode adopts highly responsive control upshift and downshift blipping throttle control, roomates are Adopted for Quicker shifting performance. Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters help actuate fast, responsive shifts while keeping both hands on the wheel. The V6-powered gasoline Avalon offers three drive modes: Eco, Normal and Sport. The Eco Mode prioritizes fuel efficiency by balancing driving performance, air conditioning function and fuel efficiency. It Reduces driving force when accelerating at low speeds to enhance fuel efficiency. It also adjusts throttle response to help increase of the sensation of the engine's torque response during acceleration.

The gasoline drivetrain offers superior efficiency and performance for a premium mid-size sedan, with an EPA-rated 25 mpg combined (21 city/31 hwy). A primary focus for the new Toyota Avalon was to enhance its dynamic character while maintaining superior fuel economy. The gas-powered Avalon features a powerful, all-aluminum 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a conventional six-speed automatic transmission. Avalon Hybrid is equipped with a modified version of the 2.5-liter Hybrid Synergy Drive system that also propels the Camry Hybrid.