The March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan caused severe problems to automakers all around the world, mainly due to the lack of parts, but at least Toyota seems to be recovering at a faster pace than expected. Today, the world’s largest automaker said production at its North American facilities will rise to approximately 70 percent of normal in June, up from around 30 percent in May when it was forced to idle factories for several days or reduce shifts.
Read more »
The big news for the 2011 lineup is the installation of brake override technology as standard equipment across the range. This technology is designed to stop a car if the brakes and accelerator are applied simultaneously (see Consumer Report's video after the jump) and was adopted by Toyota to ease consumer concerns over sudden acceleration of its vehicles.
Aside from the redesigned 2011 Avalon that was introduced with the safety feature, brake override technology is now standard on the Yaris, RAV4 SUV, Land Cruiser SUV, Sequoia SUV and Tundra pickup truck.
There are more changes on certain models for the 2011 model year that you can check out in detail in the press release after the jump.
Read more »
First of all, Toyota guaranteed that when new Avalon reaches Toyota's US dealerships this spring, it will have the redesigned accelerator pedal assembly and -just in case- a brake override system.
Unfortunately, the faint redesign didn't cure another dangerous feature of the Avalon, its... 'killer' (by boredom) looks. Then again, we reckon that as long as it keeps a steady pace on the road, its "mature" audience won't mind at all.
What Toyota describes as a "bold redesign" on the outside translates to new headlamps, a wider grille, front fog lamps that are now integrated into a trapezoidal front bumper, extra chrome trim down the side and redesigned rocker panels.
The revised tail lights and rear bumper at the back along with the 17-inch wheels on the Limited grade complete the list with the exterior updates.
More attention was paid to the interior that gets a new instrument panel incorporates with... highly readable Optitron gauges and trim finishes, reshaped rear headrests and thicker stitching on the seats.
In addition, the leather-trimmed front seats and seatbacks on the Limited are fitted with ventilation systems and an enlarged perforation area, while Bluetooth connectivity, USB and 1/8-inch auxiliary connections for iPod and other audio devices are now standard across the range.
The optional DVD Navigation system has been revised and includes new displays for road icons and points of interest, and a keyboard screen arranged in the same way as a personal computer.
There are no changes under the hood with all 2011 Avalons featuring a 268HP 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine mated to a multi-mode six-speed automatic transmission. According to Toyota, the 2011 Avalon returns an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city, 29 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined
The 2011 Avalon will begin arriving at Toyota dealerships nationally in spring 2010.
