It’s rumored that a sports-tuned version of the Toyota Avalon will soon be introduced. The redesigned Avalon is credited for putting the model on the map when it comes to styling. Autoblog has reported that three sporty Avalon sedans will be unveiled at SEMA this October. Toyota officials said that a sports-tuned model may enter the lineup and be offered alongside the hybrid and V6 models. The new Avalon features paddle shifters and to optimize its engine, it gets a sports-mode programmed into the transmission. The 3.5 liter V6 on this front-wheel-drive sedan delivers 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. According to Randy Stephens, the chief-engineer of the Avalon (which is made in Kentucky and developed in Michigan) said that Toyota has modified two of the three customized SEMA Avalons in-house. One or both cars will be available with a TRD supercharger kit offered in the Australian market. Apparently, this is identical to the unit that the Lotus Evora S used. The styling of these customized Avalons will be bland compared to what’s usually seen at the SEMA show. These vehicles will be nearly production-ready so that if it they get a positive public response, delays would be kept to a minimum. If a performance model is given the go signal, it may take at least two more years before it’s offered for sale. [source: AutoGuide]
Toyota may soon introduce a sport-tuned version of the Avalon
by Andrew Christian, Email, 03 Sep, 2012
2013 Toyota Avalon Sketch
