Yeah yeah yeah, Toyota sucks, blah blah blah.

I'm just here to pass along what was mentioned this morning in my sales meeting.

There's going to be a new Avalon for 2005. We weren't really told any specs, but here's some "info" (dunno how reliable this is) from The Car Connection:



Word from insiders in Japan...reports that the next generation Avalon will have much more modern styling, with a long, rounded roofline sweeping into a high tail. The windshield slopes down to a fairly short, curving hood, and tall, narrow headlights sweep up the front fenders. The overall result is a thoroughly new, modern look for Toyota's flagship sedan.

Along with the new styling comes an upgrade to the latest Camry platform, since the current Avalon is now built on the last-generation Camry platform. The new Avalon will be stretched in length for extra interior room. Rear-seat legroom is said to be equal to or more than the big Lexus LS430. The engine will also be upgraded to a new 3.5-liter V-6 producing 270 hp.

This artist's sketch gives an idea of what this new, longer Avalon will look like when it is introduced for the 2005 model year.

Also some not-quite-breaking news, there is going to be a hybrid version of the Highlander SUV, using the same powertrain from the upcoming Lexus RX400h (3.3 liter V6, front and rear electric motors totalling 270 hp). We don't have pricing info yet but it is only going to be available as an upgrade of the V6 4x4 Limited model. Those typically sticker at about $35k without navigation or $37k with it, and we're expecting that the hybrid version is going to add another $5000 to the price. No word on mileage numbers yet, and I'm not really going to make an estimate since this is the first V6 hybrid on the market and it's in a much heavier vehicle than say, a Prius.

Oh and a couple of people asked if we would be getting a new Supra anytime soon and the response was that we have a TRD supercharger for the Solara.

 

It looks like a fish. And not a pretty one. I can't possibly show up to bingo in that.

 

a supercharger? then i guess maybe the idea is the supra will REALLY hit it big when it does come back...... sorry speculation...

 

ROTFLMAO!

I also have my own inside Toyota source out in California, and he said that the Avalon won't look anything like the Über-Prius from TCC.
... too bad, I like that look. :no:

 

ive been reading up on the highlander hybrid ever since i heard my mom talking about wanting to get one when it comes out .. and the hybrid version is not going to be an "upgrade" to the 4x4 v6 version... everything ive read(including toyotas own site, says it will be available in different versions... both base and limited forms 4x2 or 4x4, with all the same option packages as the regular gas version.. i think this is the best way to do it...because not everyone wants a fully decked out hybrid, nor can everyone afford one equipped like so.

heres from toyotas site:

 

Do you know if there would be a Tacoma Hybrid?? I'd be intrested in one of those if there is.

 

Honestly we have no real pricing or package information, I'm just relaying what was said at the sales meeting. If it turns out to be incorrect then so be it.

One factor which leads me to doubt that Toyota is going to offer a full range of trim levels on the hybrid is that it is going to be built in relatively small numbers. In that instance it makes sense to keep the number of potential variants to a minimum. Even if there is a fwd hybrid model I'd guess it's only going to be available as an upgrade to the fwd Limited.

But, we still have no official info on it, so who knows what the final spread of options/prices will be.

 

how much do avalons cost? loaded camry's can get pretty expensive, so i wonder if the price difference between an es330 and the new avalon will be small.

 

From toyota's north american press room:
"The Highlander Hybrid will feature an array of amenities owners have come to expect in their mid-size SUV, including standard air conditioning, power windows, mirrors, and door locks, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, and a deluxe 3-in-1 AM/FM/ETR cassette/CD sound system with six speakers. A multi-function display is conveniently located just beneath the speedometer that calculates and displays various mechanical and performance information including instant and average fuel economy, outside temperature, low tire pressure, and a Hybrid Synergy Drive energy monitor. A navigation system will be available on the Limited grade. Like the Prius, it will also monitor the electric-gas power distribution of the Hybrid Synergy Drive on a seven-inch touch-panel display monitor. All options currently found in the 2004 Highlander will also be available in the 2005 Highlander Hybrid."

So.. we'll see, but it seems it will be available in base and limited, both 4x2 and 4x4. Which is what im hoping. but...They may in fact offer both trims, but build predominantly more of a certain trim, such as the 4x4 limited version.

 

It just looks like a bigger Prius. I say anything is better then the avalon we have now, blah.