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1997 AVALON PERFECTS

THE ART OF UNDERSTATED ELEGANCE

Engineered and built exclusively in America, the Avalon is the most refined, best equipped, most spacious car ever sold by the Toyota Division. Available in either five- or six-passenger seating configurations, the Avalon is designed as a "move-up" vehicle for midsize sedan owners seeking more room, comfort and sophistication.

Toyota's flagship sedan offers enhanced appearance and performance features for 1997. Avalon's look is refined with a rear in-glass antenna and a new alloy wheel design. Other exterior upgrades include high solar energy absorbing glass, heated outside mirrors and "visual confirmation" from the XLS's keyless entry system.

The output of Avalon's revised four-cam, 24-valve V6 engine was increased for 1997 from 192 horsepower to 200, while torque increased from 210 to 214 Ibs./ft. at 4,400 rpm.

The engine is linked to a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence. Steering is power assisted rack and-pinion, and brakes are four-wheel discs with standard ABS.

Avalon owes its smooth, supple ride to its long wheelbase and independent MacPherson strut front suspension and independent dual-link rear suspension. Gas-filled shock absorbers, front and rear stabilizer bars and anti-vibration cradle sub-frames and delivers balanced handling, while helping minimize noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

NVH characteristics are further refined through the use of asphalt resin sheeting on the floor, flush mounted side and front glass, one-piece windshield glass upper moldings, foamed urethane C- and D-pillars, low profile rain gutters and exacting gaps between body panels. Full deep-pile carpeting, a noise-abating hood pad and a fully lined trunk also reduce noise and help maintain the Avalon's library quiet cabin.

Engineered with a high priority on safety, all Avalons are equipped with a dual airbag Supplemental Restraint System, front and rear ALR/ELR three-point seatbelts, child protector rear door locks and side door impact protection that meets 1997 Government standards.

The Avalon is available in two trim-levels, the XL and XLS. Avalon XL models are equipped with richly-upholstered front or bench seats, full cut-pile carpeting with driver-side foot rest, cruise control, power windows and door locks (with anti-lockout feature), air-conditioning, tilt steering wheel, dual cupholders, auto-off headlights, illuminated glove box, remote trunk and fuel door releases and a four-speaker Deluxe ETR cassette sound system with rear in-glass antenna.

Five-passenger bucket seat models are accompanied by a large center armrest with integral cupholders and console-mounted shift lever. The six-passenger layout features a power-operated 50l50 split-bench front seat with a fold down armrest and column-mounted shifter.

The XLS adds to the list of standard features with soft-touch ventilation controls, automatic air-conditioning, a six-speaker Premium ETR cassette sound unit, factory-installed anti-theft and keyless-entry system, front map lights, with individual rear reading lights, variable intermittent windshield wipers, auto on / off headlights, outside temperature display, leather-wrapped steering wheel and simulated wood-grain trim on the dash, console and door panels.

Both models feature updated interior cloth seats with all-new fabric seats on XLS models and new complementary fabric colors on the XL.

Avalon is so well equipped that the option list is short. Options are limited to comfort and convenience features such as leather upholstery, upgraded sound systems and a sunroof.

It's leading-edge style and distinctive, graceful lines set Avalon apart. Customers looking to "move-up" from the midsize class will appreciate Avalon's more spacious cabin, smooth ride and meticulous fit-and-finish.

Limited Warranty

Toyota's 36-month / 36,000-mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month limited warranties cover powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion perforation with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.

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