All American?

It's not quite apple pie and baseball, but the third-generation Avalon is the most all-American vehicle Toyota Motor Corp. has developed to date. This flagship is poised to win over more U.S. buyers with increased dimensions and added features and trim levels.

Engineered at the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, MI, styled at the Calty studio in Newport Beach, CA, and built in Georgetown, KY, this newest flagship is longer, taller and wider, with a clean, classy interior and all-new powertrain. Toyota took a capable fullsize sedan that flew under the radar of many buyers — but whose owners radiated satisfaction — and made it better.

A new engine bay was needed to accommodate the new high-output 3.5L DOHC V-6 that generates 280 hp at 6,200 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) of torque at 4,700 rpm. This 24-valve engine was developed specifically for the Avalon but will migrate to future models, Toyota says.

The dual variable valve timing with intelligence on the intake and exhaust cams is a Toyota first (the rest have only single), helping boost output 33% over the previous generation. The powertrain is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. While the transmission is not new, the addition of a sequential sport shift mode is.

The new sedan achieves an estimated fuel economy rating of 22 mpg (11L/100 km) city and 31 mpg (7L/100 km) highway and is expected to be certified as an ultra low emissions vehicle.

Increased torsional rigidity contributes to a sportier ride and stronger on-center steering feel. It is evident Toyota benchmarked the driving dynamics of BMW and Mercedes brands but dialed it down for the older buyers it says it appreciates. Median buying age is expected to be just shy of 60, 68% married and only 23% with children.

One feature lacking is all-wheel drive. Engineers say it is not possible on the Avalon, even though the Sienna minivan, derived from the same K platform, has AWD because of its taller ride height and different suspension.

The new body is wider, and the passenger compartment accommodates 3-across seating in the back, with flat-floor design — meaning no hump for the middle passenger's legs to straddle.

The cabin is quiet, especially on the Limited model that has new acoustic windshield glass. It is kept clean with a new rain-sensing 1-piece flat wiper blade, fed by spray nozzles hidden under the hood.

Safety features include standard dual-stage airbags, knee airbags and pelvic protection. Seats are heated and ventilated. Dynamic laser cruise control also is available. Toyota further differentiates the '05 Avalon from the popular Camry by giving it a cleaner, more upscale look and doubling the number of trim levels to four.

The Avalon interior goes from dated to stated. A panel hides the audio controls, while the buttons for the navigation system are cleverly concealed in a pop-out compartment for a seamless, sophisticated look.

Executives say the Avalon is a true Toyota flagship, with more presence to attract buyers who are not ready for a luxury nameplate. Toyota hopes to sell 85,000 annually — ambitious given the sales of 36,460 Avalons in 2004. It goes on sale in February.

The XL or base model, which starts at $26,350 ($205 more than the outgoing model), is expected to account for 14% of sales, and the XLS ($30,800) will continue as the volume leader at 45% of the mix.

New for '05 is a sportier Touring model ($28,600), expected to garner 12%, and the rest (29%) will opt for the new, top-of-the-line Avalon Limited, priced at $33,540.

The Avalon sedan, which debuted in 1995 as “Toyota's Buick,” may lack the sizzle of a Chrysler 300 and likely will not garner the same superstar status. But the '05 edition can ride squarely on its own merits and need not take a back seat to anything in the segment.

'05 Toyota Avalon Ltd

Vehicle type: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, 5-passenger 4-door sedan

Engine: 3.5L (3.456 cc) DOHC V-6, aluminum block/aluminum heads

Power (SAE net): 280 hp @ 6,200 rpm

Torque: 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) @ 4,700 rpm

Compression ratio: 10.8:1

Bore × stroke (mm): 94 × 83

Transmission: 5-speed automatic

Wheelbase: 111 ins. (282 cm)

Overall length: 197.2 ins. (501 cm)

Overall width: 72.8 ins. (185 cm)

Overall height: 58.5 ins. (149 cm)

Curb weight: 3,600 lbs. (1,634 kg)

EPA fuel economy, city/highway (mpg): 22/30

Competition: Buick LaCrosse; Chrysler 300; Ford Five Hundred, Crown Victoria