In a surprise move earlier today, Toyota Motor North America executive vice president of sales Bob Carter revealed that the Japanese brand would be unveiling an all-new Avalon sedan at a press conference on January 15 during media days at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
According to Carter, the 2019 Avalon's underpinnings will be based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform – the same architecture as the new 2018 Toyota Camry. But at this early stage in the game, that's about all we know about Toyota's newest sedan, an entry in a full-size sedan market that's dwindled as crossovers have taken over.
The new Avalon, which was previewed with the sole teaser image featured below, is the first new entry in this segment since Nissan redesigned the Maxima. Competitors from Ford and Chevrolet haven't seen much attention from their respective brands, while Hyundai killed its full-size Azera after it accounted for fewer than 5,000 sales in all of 2016.
When the 2019 Avalon debuts, its Camry-derived platform allows us to make a few educated guesses. For a start, expect the Camry's powertrain options to filter through to its big brother. That should mean a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder and an available 3.5-liter V6, as well as a hybrid entry. Both gas-only powertrains should work alongside an eight-speed automatic transmission and send their power to the front wheels. Although there's not a lot to speculate on beyond those few details.
Check out the 2019 Avalon teaser image below.
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