Only one engine is available to power the 1,583-kg (3,490-lb) sedan. Displacing 3.5 litres (214 cu in), the Avalon's Tier 2 Ultra
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| The Avalon's 3.5L Tier 2 Ultra Low Emissions V6 incorporates Toyota's Variable Valve Timing with intelligence and 24 valves. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Low Emissions V6 incorporates Toyota's Variable Valve Timing with intelligence and 24 valves. This polished performer kicks out a stout 280 horsepower and a strapping 260 pound-feet of torque, which is 33 percent more spice than the previous generation Avalon powerplant. With such prodigious power, it becomes very easy to overwhelm the front wheels. If I had my druthers, which I seldom do, I would have configured the Avalon with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, for that matter. Such a layout would make better use of the Avalon's spectacular punch, I say. Despite some manageable torque steer when the throttle is flung open, the Avalon's drivetrain is a thing of beauty. The engine spins to its redline with nary a hint of displeasure or harshness, while fastened to a slick shifting, electronically-controlled five-speed automatic transmission. A sequential manual-mode gate adjacent to the Drive position allows greater driver control over the shift points, should one's desire turn to sport. But let's not fool ourselves, the Avalon isn't a sports car with track-capable thresholds. It's a
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| The added athleticism of the Touring package enables the Avalon to devour twisty roads with remarkable competency and poise. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Pres) |
big car featuring a big-car ride, capable of ironing out bumps with complete composure and aplomb. My test unit was the Touring edition, denoted by its magnesium colored wheels and slightly stiffer spring rates, the latter of which improves the Avalon's handling ability. The offset to its improved handling is, of course, a slightly firmer ride but one that I deemed "just right." The Avalon sits upon a fully independent suspension setup, which utilizes gas-charged MacPherson struts up front and dual link, gas-charged MacPherson struts out back. Stabilizer bars front and rear augment the Avalon's handling ability. The added athleticism of the Touring package enables the Avalon to devour twisty roads with remarkable competency and poise.
