Chicago 2010: Refreshed Toyota Avalon “boldly redesigned” to look exactly like predecessor

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedan, Toyota

2011 Toyota Avalon – Click above for high-res gallery

Perhaps the only ‘surprise’ at this year’s Chicago Auto Show thus far has been the appearance of Toyota‘s refreshed-for-2011 Avalon sedan. According to this morning’s presentation, even the automaker itself debated postponing its introduction in light of its present woes.

Looking to make the best of a bad situation (and among a string of assurances about his company’s commitment to quality and customers), Toyota’s Group Vice President and General Manager, Bob Carter, was quick to point out that the full-size sedan will ship with an updated gas pedal and emergency shutoff provision. That housekeeping note done, Carter went on to explain that the full-size Avalon checks off the traditional list of mid-cycle refresh items including revised head- and taillamps (the latter with LED), a new grille, revamped fascias and new alloy wheel patterns.

The bigger story for the revamped Avalon is on the inside, where a handsome new center stack, latest-generation navigation system and added niceties like a standard in-mirror backup camera and Bluetooth streaming audio and telephony have been fitted.

As before, the Avalon is powered by Toyota’s 24-valve 3.5-liter V6, tuned here to make 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and achieve 20 miles-per-gallon in the city and 29 on the highway. It arrives in dealerships this spring.

Gallery: 2011 Toyota Avalon at Chicago Auto Show