Taking full advantage of its 280 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and various technological advances (particularly variable-valve timing), this engine is supposed to take the new Avalon from 0 to 100 kmh in less than seven seconds while also delivering better fuel economy levels.
Under the hood, the 2005 Avalon is equipped with the most powerful V6 engine offered in a North American Toyota vehicle. The all-new 3.5-litre, 24-valve V6 produces an impressive 280 horsepower (more than 33 per cent more horsepower than the previous generation) and 260 lb/ft of torque.
The transmission makes shift decisions based on engine speed and load, Wearing explains, so that every shift is ''precise and seamless.'' It also monitors throttle position, road speed, power requirements and operating temperature to efficiently direct gear selection and adjust shift points to driving demands.
More than that, on Avalon this transmission gets sequential multi-mode shifting capability, which allows the driver to make a manual gear selection if a boy racer moment overcomes him, or her.
If such a moment does overcome the driver, the large sedan is set up to handle it, thanks to a ride and handling setup that Wearing calls ''responsive'' and ''engaging.'' Avalon's P215/55 R17 tires with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels were actually chosen to improve control, steering response and handling.
Not surprisingly, the new Touring model should be particularly adept at this, inasmuch as it has a more firmly tuned, Eurosport suspension and higher coil spring rates, along with graphite finish wheels to help it look the part.
This is of course on top of Avalon's primary directive, which is to deliver a smooth, quiet ride.
Indeed, quiet played a big role in the new Avalon, since Toyota's engineers optimized the exterior design of the Avalon for minimal noise, vibration and harshness.
Along with the usual array of post-crash safety devices, the 2005 Avalon also gets a bunch of stuff to stave off a crash, including anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution to avoid body dive or sway during hard braking or cornering.
Brake Assist and stability control are also standard features on the XLS model and both play important roles in the effort to avoid crashes.
According to Wearing, both models of the new Avalon are ''indulgently equipped,'' which means the standard equipment list is long and comprehensive, with a few ''thoughtful'' options.
So every new 2005 Toyota Avalon comes with automatic dual-zone climate control with an air filter and rear seat heater ducts, leather seating surfaces, power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats. 60/40 split rear seat with recline adjustment, power windows with jam protection and auto up/down in the front, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, cruise control, keyless entry, anti-theft, fog lamps, power remote mirrors and a rear window defroster.
Avalon Touring also gets that Eurosport suspension, a power moonroof with sunshade, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift know, aluminum door scuff plates, auto-leveling HID headlights, and an AM/FM/CD audio system with an a six-disc in-dash changer and nine speakers.
Under the hood, the 2005 Avalon is equipped with the most powerful V6 engine offered in a North American Toyota vehicle. The all-new 3.5-litre, 24-valve V6 produces an impressive 280 horsepower (more than 33 per cent more horsepower than the previous generation) and 260 lb/ft of torque.
The transmission makes shift decisions based on engine speed and load, Wearing explains, so that every shift is ''precise and seamless.'' It also monitors throttle position, road speed, power requirements and operating temperature to efficiently direct gear selection and adjust shift points to driving demands.
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If such a moment does overcome the driver, the large sedan is set up to handle it, thanks to a ride and handling setup that Wearing calls ''responsive'' and ''engaging.'' Avalon's P215/55 R17 tires with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels were actually chosen to improve control, steering response and handling.
Not surprisingly, the new Touring model should be particularly adept at this, inasmuch as it has a more firmly tuned, Eurosport suspension and higher coil spring rates, along with graphite finish wheels to help it look the part.
This is of course on top of Avalon's primary directive, which is to deliver a smooth, quiet ride.
Indeed, quiet played a big role in the new Avalon, since Toyota's engineers optimized the exterior design of the Avalon for minimal noise, vibration and harshness.
Along with the usual array of post-crash safety devices, the 2005 Avalon also gets a bunch of stuff to stave off a crash, including anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution to avoid body dive or sway during hard braking or cornering.
Brake Assist and stability control are also standard features on the XLS model and both play important roles in the effort to avoid crashes.
According to Wearing, both models of the new Avalon are ''indulgently equipped,'' which means the standard equipment list is long and comprehensive, with a few ''thoughtful'' options.
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Avalon Touring also gets that Eurosport suspension, a power moonroof with sunshade, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift know, aluminum door scuff plates, auto-leveling HID headlights, and an AM/FM/CD audio system with an a six-disc in-dash changer and nine speakers.