from FutureCars

In brief: Toyota has announced that the 2013 Avalon will include a Hybrid Synergy Drive option.

Vehicle in the news

Make/Model: 2013 Avalon
Manufacturer: Toyota

The word

The all-new Toyota Avalon was revealed month ago as a car entirely engineered and designed in North America for its best-selling audience, the U.S. The car featured sportier styling and a more luxurious and technologically-connected interior.

Now, Toyota has announced that along with the 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine the vehicle has been praised for previously, the car will also have a Hybrid Synergy Drive option using hybrid-electric technology from the carmaker’s best-selling Prius line.

Fuel economy in both versions is improved, with the V6 having an EPA-rated 25mpg combined (21 city, 31 highway).

The hybrid version will have a smaller 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine along with a 244.8-volt nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack and electric motor. The hybrid option will have a 40mpg combined efficiency (40 city, 39 highway).

And so …

This will be the first mid-sized premium sedan with a hybrid option getting 40mpg combined.

Photo credits: Toyota