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2016 Toyota Avalon gets revised equipment, sportier styling

Toyota has been known to make some sporty models. We're not sure we'd count the Avalon as one of them, but while that's not what the Japanese automaker's largest sedan is about, it has gotten a bit more aggressive – at least in the styling department – over successive generations. The current model introduced just a few years ago took things in a decidedly sportier direction, and the updated model revealed here for the 2016 model year takes it a step further. Debuting today at the Chicago Auto Show, the 2016 Toyota Avalon is an evolution of the model we already know. It features revised styling that's just a touch sportier than the model it replaces, and comes packed with updated equipment. As you can see, the reshaped lower grille gives it an incrementally more planted look, flanked by turning indicators to replace the outgoing model's foglamps. Around back are new LED taillights and a chrome bumper accent, and inside, the cabin has been retrimmed with gray accent stitching on the light gray upholstery. The new Avalon will be offered in five trim levels – XLE, XLE Plus, XLE Premium, Limited and Touring – powered by a conventional V6 engine, with Hybrid models dropping the lowest and highest of those trims. The two base models also get new 17-inch alloys, seven-inch dashboard display, new interior trim and tire pressure monitoring system. The XLE Premium gets an upgraded infotainment system with wireless charging, the Limited model gets 18-inch alloys (17 on the hybrid), automatic high beams and added safety systems, while the top-of-the-line Avalon Touring upgrades with larger 18-inch wheels and a revised front fascia as well as LED head- and daytime running lights. The revised Avalon debuts in Chicago alongside the Special Edition models of the Corolla and Camry. FIRST LOOK IN THE "SECOND CITY:" THE REFRESHED 2016 TOYOTA AVALON PREMIUM MID-SIZE SEDAN - Updated Styling - New LED Headlights and Taillights - Retuned Suspension for Enhanced Comfort - Upgraded Convenience Features - 2016 Camry and Corolla Special Editions Also Unveiled CHICAGO, Feb. 12, 2015 - - Call it a trio of firsts in the Second City as the refreshed Toyota Avalon and sporty Camry and Corolla Special Editions made their world debuts at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. The three models rode into Chicago with a head of steam as the Avalon, Camry and Corolla are each the sales leaders in their respective segments, a first for Toyota.

Dutch Toyota dealer has plans for old Prius batteries as solar backup

A Toyota dealer in the Netherlands is looking to the sky for power. The Louwman Hague Toyota dealership has put almost 1,000 solar panels on the roof, and there might be some Prius hybrid batteries involved. Our Dutch isn't as good as it could be and our questions to Toyota in the US haven't turned up any definitive answers, but there is some mention that these solar panels are will someday be feeding power into a bank of Toyota hybrid batteries. The 1,000 panels make up 1,600 square meters, about the size of 4.5 IMAX movie screens, and is the largest in the area. They generate around a quarter of a megawatt of energy [as our readers point out, this is what the translation says, but it doesn't make sense, so we think it might mean a quarter MW of power a day], which is enough to power 80 homes. The excess electricity will go into the battery packs that have (possibly) already been used in a Prius or another of the company's hybrid. There are many examples of automotive batteries being tested as stationary back-up power sources, and maybe this Dutch solution can be used as a guide when Toyota sets up its new US headquarters in sunny Texas.

Hi-po Toyota GT86 to get KERS?

We happen to like the Toyota GT86 - and, it of course goes without saying that the same applies to the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S, as well - just the way it is. Yes, that includes the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine and its 200 horsepower at 7,000 rpm.
That said, a little extra power never hurt anybody, right?
The most obvious way to add some punch to the GT86 would be with a turbocharger, and that has indeed long been rumored for an STI version of the BRZ. Will Toyota follow suit? According to Top Gear, the answer is no. Says GT86 chief engineer Tetsuya Tada, "I think 300bhp with a turbo and 200g/km of CO2 would be tasteless in this day and age. And a turbo would mean the loss of the GT86's uniqueness." Perhaps a bit harsh, but there you go.