2016 Toyota Avalon gets revised equipment, sportier styling

Toyota has been known to make some sporty models. We're not sure we'd count the Avalon as one of them, but while that's not what the Japanese automaker's largest sedan is about, it has gotten a bit more aggressive - at least in the styling department - over successive generations. The current model introduced just a few years ago took things in a decidedly sportier direction, and the updated model revealed here for the 2016 model year takes it a step further.

Debuting today at the Chicago Auto Show, the 2016 Toyota Avalon is an evolution of the model we already know. It features revised styling that's just a touch sportier than the model it replaces, and comes packed with updated equipment. As you can see, the reshaped lower grille gives it an incrementally more planted look, flanked by turning indicators to replace the outgoing model's foglamps. Around back are new LED taillights and a chrome bumper accent, and inside, the cabin has been retrimmed with gray accent stitching on the light gray upholstery.

The new Avalon will be offered in five trim levels - XLE, XLE Plus, XLE Premium, Limited and Touring - powered by a conventional V6 engine, with Hybrid models dropping the lowest and highest of those trims. The two base models also get new 17-inch alloys, seven-inch dashboard display, new interior trim and tire pressure monitoring system. The XLE Premium gets an upgraded infotainment system with wireless charging, the Limited model gets 18-inch alloys (17 on the hybrid), automatic high beams and added safety systems, while the top-of-the-line Avalon Touring upgrades with larger 18-inch wheels and a revised front fascia as well as LED head- and daytime running lights.

The revised Avalon debuts in Chicago alongside the Special Edition models of the Corolla and Camry. Show full PR text FIRST LOOK IN THE "SECOND CITY:"
THE REFRESHED 2016 TOYOTA AVALON PREMIUM MID-SIZE SEDAN
- Updated Styling
- New LED Headlights and Taillights
- Retuned Suspension for Enhanced Comfort
- Upgraded Convenience Features
- 2016 Camry and Corolla Special Editions Also Unveiled

CHICAGO, Feb. 12, 2015 - - Call it a trio of firsts in the Second City as the refreshed Toyota Avalon and sporty Camry and Corolla Special Editions made their world debuts at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. The three models rode into Chicago with a head of steam as the Avalon, Camry and Corolla are each the sales leaders in their respective segments, a first for Toyota. All three vehicles are 2016 models and will go on sale later this fall.

Refreshed 2016 Avalon
Unveiled as all-new in 2012, the fourth-generation Avalon was the first vehicle to meet Toyota President Akio Toyoda's challenge to create cars that spark people's emotions. Toyota mixed its legendary Quality, Durability and Reliability (QDR) with a strong dose of emotion through fresh new styling, improved performance, and high-tech features. They proved to be winning ingredients as Avalon quickly grabbed the attention of mid-size premium car buyers in segment leading numbers.
Five distinct grades on the V6 models will give customers a wide array of choice (XLE, XLE Plus, XLE Premium, Limited and Touring). Hybrid customers can choose from three separate grades, adding luxury features and technology options as they move up the chain from XLE Plus to XLE Premium and Limited.
Two unique suspension systems were developed for the 2016 Avalon to better align with diverse customer preferences. One retuned suspension prioritizes a comfortable ride for the XLE through Limited grades. The other, provides a more dynamic and responsive driving experience for the Touring grade.
Both of these suspension tunings are new and represent significant improvements over the current production Avalon.
The refreshed 2016 Avalon adds more refinement with an array of styling, performance and technology enhancements. New features on all Avalon grades will include:
- Wider lower front grille with narrow upper grille design
- Newly-designed turn signals (replacing fog lights)
- Refined LED taillights
- Chrome rear bumper accent
- New gray accent stitching with light gray interior
Additional new standard features on the XLE and XLE Plus grades include:
- Redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels
- 7-inch Entune Audio Plus screen
- Premium woodgrain dash ornamentation
- Tire-specific Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Technology upgrades are added to the Avalon XLE Premium grade as it receives Entune™ Premium
Audio with Navigation and App Suite and the Qi Wireless Charging as standard equipment.
The performance-tuned Avalon Touring grade adds to its sporty styling with new standard features that include:
- Redesigned 18-inch dark gray painted alloy wheels
- New sporty front fascia
- New LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
- Unique "Touring" badge

The top-of-the-line Avalon Limited rounds out the updates with the addition of new 18-inch alloy
Super Chrome wheels on gas models, and new 17-inch alloy Super Chrome wheels on the Limited hybrid
(also optional on gas Limited). The Limited adds optional advanced safety features including automatic high beam headlights, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System, and Lane Departure Alert.

Camry Special Edition
When redesigning the Camry for 2015, Toyota went bumper to bumper and floor to roof, changing or re-engineering nearly 2,000 parts. Only the roof remained unchanged, and it capped off the boldest Camry ever. Now, only one year after this major redesign, America's best-selling car will offer the 2016 Camry Special Edition for owner's looking for an extra dose of both aggressiveness and technology. Based on the youthful Camry SE, the limited production Camry will add sporty interior and exterior features. In addition to features found on the Camry SE, standard equipment on the Special Edition will include:
- Unique 18-inch alloy wheels with machined face contrasted with gloss black painted accents
- Power tilt/slide moonroof
- Smoked tail lamp treatment
- High contrast blue stitching on the seats, shift boot and dash
- Exclusive sport appearance seats trimmed with black SofTex® bolsters and blue patterned inserts
- Sport meter cluster with blue details and white background
- Entune Audio Plus
- Available Entune Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite
- Smart Key with pushbutton start
- Qi Wireless Charging
- Two exterior colors: Blizzard Pearl and new Blue Streak Metallic
- Floor mats with logo and unique exterior badge

The Camry Special Edition will be powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Like all Toyota vehicles, the Camry Special Edition will come standard with the Star Safety System.
Production of the Camry Special Edition will be limited to approximately 12,000 units and will run from August 2015 to January 2016.

Corolla Special Edition
The iconic Toyota Corolla is the world's best-selling name plate of all-time with over 40 million sold since 1966. With its all-new 11th generation introduced in 2014, the current Corolla is the roomiest and most fuel-efficient ever.
Corolla will add more driving excitement with the launch of the 2016 Corolla Special Edition. Sporty styling features, inside and out, complement a spirited driving experience made possible with steering wheel paddle shifters, rear disc brakes and Sport Driving Mode along with an array of additional standard features.
Based on the sporty Corolla S Plus grade, the 2016 Corolla Special Edition will turn heads as it adds:
- Unique 17-inch alloy wheels with gloss black finish
- Black mixed media seats with red contrast stitching
- Red accented dash and door trim
- Smart Key System with pushbutton start
- Three colors: exclusive Absolutely Red, Black Sand Pearl and Super White
- Special Edition floor mats with logo and unique exterior badge
Toyota's Entune™ Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite and power tilt/slide moonroof will be available as options.
The Corolla Special Edition will be produced between August and December 2015 and will be limited to 8,000 units. Related Gallery2016 Toyota Avalon Related Gallery2016 Toyota Avalon: Chicago 2015
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