General Motors has already introduced a wireless cell phone mat and so has Chrysler's Mopar division, but Toyota is laying claims to the "world’s first application of Qi wireless in-car charging" as part of a Technology Package for both the 2013 Avalon and Avalon Hybrid models.
We reached out to Chrysler to ask whether its already available wireless charging system adheres to the "Qi" interface standards and we will post an update once we receive a reply, but for now, we will take Toyota's word for it.
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While it prepares for the car's North American launch, the Japanese automaker thought it would be a good idea to promote the new Avalon and the customization opportunities it offers at next week's SEMA aftermarket show in Las Vegas with the unveiling of three different project models.
"The new Avalon is an attractive target for performance enhancement," said Toyota Engagement Marketing and Motorsports National Manager Keith Dahl. "Tuners always want to get their hands on a great new design with strong enthusiast appeal."
The first model is the 2013 Avalon TRD Edition developed by the brand's in-house performance arm, Toyota Racing Development (TRD).
The car is finished in a burgundy shade and features a color-keyed grille and tinted taillights with clear lenses. Dual exhaust with polished mufflers and custom tips along with new 19-inch rims wrapped in 225/40R19 Michelin rubber complete the look.
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.
In the full-size category, we have the near-premium 2013 Acura RLX, which is somewhat misleadingly labeled as a concept study, and the mainstream 2014 Chevrolet Impala.
The mid-size segment is represented by the Fisker Atlantic showcar, which like the RLX, is more or less production ready, the 2013 Lexus ES, the 2013 Lincoln MKZ, the 2013 Nissan Altima and the 2013 Toyota Avalon, which has been re-categorized as a mid-size model.
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And like the Lexus model, the 2013 Avalon sports more stimulating and dynamic exterior and interior designs than the vehicle it replaces.
The re-imagined Avalon was penned at Toyota's Calty Design facilities in Southern California and Michigan, while the car's engineering took place at the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The Avalon is slightly smaller in all dimensions at 195.3 inches (4,960mm) long, 72.2 inches (1,835mm) wide, and 57.5 inches tall (1,460mm) tall), though it keeps the same 111 inch (2,820mm) wheelbase as the outgoing model.
Key styling elements include the crispier lines on the body, the sloping roofline and a rather large lower front grille that brings to mind creations from Ford and older Peugeots. The Avalon rides on 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels, depending on the model, and also features LED combination tail lamps.
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After the recent release of a similar set of photos for the brand-new 2013 Lexus ES 350, the Toyota brand is now following the same tactics for its as-of-yet, unnamed sedan model.
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