Engine Specs for Toyota Avalon 2013

When Toyota pulled the wraps off the all-new 2013 Avalon sedan at the New York Auto Show this past April, it shared many general details about the fourth-generation model but didn't say a word about the powertrain options. Now, the time has come for Toyota to disclose that the new Avalon will arrive in dealerships later this year with a choice of two engines, a regular V6 gasoline unit and for the first time in the model's history, a fuel-efficient hybrid system.
We'll start with the Avalon Hybrid, which borrows its powertrain from the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Lexus ES 300h and as such, links a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine to a 244.8-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack and a pair of electric motor/generators within the transaxle.
The Avalon Hybrid achieves a combined output of 200-horsepower with a peak torque of 200 lb-ft (271 Nm).
According to Toyota, the hybrid model returns an EPA-rated fuel economy of 40 mpg (5.9lt/100km) in the city, 39 mpg (6.0lt/100km) on the highway and a combined 40 mpg EPA-rating.
The Avalon's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology offers three modes of operation named EV, ECO and SPORT. In EV mode, the sedan can run on pure electric power for a distance up to one mile (1.6 kilometers) at speeds of up to 25mph (40km/h).
The styling differences between the regular Avalon and the Hybrid model appear to be limited to the blue outline on the Toyota logos.
The standard 2013 Avalon is powered by Toyota's 3.5-liter V6 engine rated at 268 horsepower and 248 lbs. ft. of torque, matted to a six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels.
Toyota says the V6 will propel the new sedan to 60 mph (96km/h) in under seven seconds and return an EPA-rated fuel economy of 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined.
The new 2013 Avalon will be built at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) plant in Georgetown, with prices to be announced.

2013 TOYOTA AVALON HYBRID

2013 TOYOTA AVALON

New Audi A6 Ties with Infiniti M37 in Consumer

Up until now, Consumer Reports' [CR] number one choice in the mid-size luxury sedan segment was the Infiniti M37. Not anymore as after evaluating the redesigned 2012 Audi A6, the M37 has to share the top spot with Ingolstadt's premium saloon. The new Audi A6 received an “Excellent” rating with an overall score of 93 points. This is a huge improvement over the previous model's 79 points.
“The redesigned Audi A6 is an impressive car and a joy to drive”, said senior director of CR’s Auto Test Center. Consumer reports says that the significant improvement is attributed to the revamped model’s combination of strong acceleration, agile handling and comfortable ride as well its high-quality and quiet interior.
Other models included in CR’s mid-size luxury test were the Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTec, the Infiniti M35h hybrid and the new Saab 9-5.
The diesel-powered, 210HP Mercedes, received an “Excellent” road test score and is the new fuel economy leader in the class with 26 mpg beating the hybrid M35h that managed 25 mpg.
The M35h also got an “Excellent” overall test score, thanks to its quick acceleration and fuel economy, but received some criticism over its non-linear power delivery and the fact that handling and braking are inferior to the regular M37 version.
"The gas-electric system helps deliver quick acceleration and fuel economy that's on par with some four-cylinder family sedans, but its power delivery tends to be jerky and abrupt and its handling and braking are not quite up to that of the conventional M37," said Consumer Reports.
Unfortunately for the ailing Saab brand, its new 9-5 didn’t score that well on CR’s test. It did receive praise for its interior’s excellent fit and finish and nimble handling, but its noisy engine, stiff ride, restricted visibility and slow acceleration resulted in Saab’s new model failing to receive a “Recommended” tag.
"The redesigned Saab-9-5 is disappointing in this rarified class. It shares a platform with the Buick LaCrosse and Regal, its former GM cousins, but the 9-5 doesn't measure up well to those models or its competitors," said CR. "Overall, it doesn't score high enough to be recommended."

AUDI A6