Will there be 4th gen Avalon? When?

[grandpapa]

The 3rd Gen Avalon has been around since 2005. Depsite how much Toyota claim about the new 2011, still it is a 3rd gen model with newer look.

My guess is we won't see any NEW design until next year. I believe Camry will have a new design by the end of the year as 2012 model. That may affect the launch day for the new Avalon. What do you guys think?

I just hope the new one (if any) will not follow the current trend, with hard plastic, cardboard like headliner on some "recent" new design from Toyota.

[Tom in Tacoma]

I think "We'll See"

[Doobiewah]

I agree that, as much as Toyota wants to call the '11 a 4th Gen, it is really an updated 3rd Gen.

I've read rumors that the '13/'14 will be the total redesign with a hybrid version available in that new model; however, you know how rumors go....

[Mike Murrell]

The Avalon represents a small portion of Toyota's stable.

I wonder if this vehice is on it's way out....served its time?

To be replaced by something even more upscale??????

[grandpapa]

Originally Posted by Mike Murrell

The Avalon represents a small portion of Toyota's stable.

I wonder if this vehice is on it's way out....served its time?

To be replaced by something even more upscale??????

Small % of Toyota's overall sale in US, yes.
more upscale? I guess no. Even in 2011, there are only "base" and Limited, no more XL. More upscale then that will hurt the Lexus ES sale (IMO)
The problem is not just Avalon, most Full size sedan has lost it's market share since people are either going SUV or bigger "Mid-size" sedan. Today, even Camry or Accord provides a lot of room for rear seat passanger.
I will be sad to see the Avalon line get cut (heard this many time even back when the 07 Carmy was out)

[AVA1]

I have a good solution for Toyota's next Avalon, bring over the Toyota Crown and rebadge it as an Avalon. Bring over the Crown Royal, Crown Majesta, and the Crown Athlete (a sporty Avalon)

Problem solved, and a large amount of money saved, and this would open the Avalon name to a wider buying demographic. The Crown would fit perfectly with in Toyota's US line up.

[grandpapa]

Originally Posted by AVA1

I have a good solution for Toyota's next Avalon, bring over the Toyota Crown and rebadge it as an Avalon. Bring over the Crown Royal, Crown Majesta, and the Crown Athlete (a sporty Avalon)

Problem solved, and a large amount of money saved, and this would open the Avalon name to a wider buying demographic. The Crown would fit perfectly with in Toyota's US line up.

That probably not going to happen. In Japan, the root of the Crown is more closed to Lexus LS than the US Avalon. Toyota tried to keep/protect that model in Japan. Just like Nissan try to keep the Skyline for so long (but at the end, the US market is so big and they have to import the GT-R)

[Tom in Tacoma]

Not to mention the difficulty in federalizing Japanese-only model cars. Some may not even be able to pass US safety and emissions laws at all.

[arabianobsession]

Originally Posted by Doobiewah

I agree that, as much as Toyota wants to call the '11 a 4th Gen, it is really an updated 3rd Gen.

I've read rumors that the '13/'14 will be the total redesign with a hybrid version available in that new model; however, you know how rumors go....

Actually, in the computer modules we have to take to be certified, Toyota called the 2011 Avalon a 3rd gen refresh

[Doobiewah]

Originally Posted by arabianobsession

Actually, in the computer modules we have to take to be certified, Toyota called the 2011 Avalon a 3rd gen refresh

Nice to know that....I certainly only felt it was a refresh; however, some dealers will play the 'total re-design' on the unknowing customer...but when it drives by quickly, it is hard to tell a '10 from an '11