Toyota rolls out all-new Avalon in Detroit

Toyota's all-new Avalon sedan made its grand entrance into the world Monday at the Detroit auto show.

After a 32 percent sales dive in 2017, Toyota is hoping to jump-start sales of its flagship mid-size sedan in a ute-obsessed market.

The fifth-generation Avalon will be powered by either a 3.5-liter V6 or a Toyota's hybrid system that features a 2.5-liter-four-cylinder- and 650-volt engine paired with a Continuously-Variable Transmission.

All Avalons are assembled in Georgetown, Ky., and have been since 1994.

The sleek Avalon is joined at the North American International Auto Show by the brand’s full vehicle lineup of cars, trucks and SUVs, including future mobility vehicles and NASCAR Camry designs in a 38,971-square-foot display.

On the heels of its coming-out party at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, the rugged FT-4X Concept also bowed in Detroit.

The Toyota FT-4X Concept — short for “Future Toyota” four-wheel-drive crossover — is a modern toolbox for today’s city driver. The vehicle was designed by Toyota’s Calty Design Research Inc. in Newport Beach, Calif., and inspired by Toyota’s iconic adventure vehicles.

Also on display in Cobo are a trio of future mobility vehicles that demonstrate Mobility for All — Concept-i RIDE, Concept-i WALK and Concept-i Experience.

Concept-i RIDE is Toyota’s ride-sharing solution for the city of tomorrow aimed at transforming mass transportation into a personable and wheelchair accessible experience.

For the last leg of a user’s commuter, the ultra-compact Concept-i WALK autonomously drives users home or to work using sidewalks.

With the Concept-i Experience, guests can step into Toyota’s vision for the future. The interactive display engages with drivers through a powerful AI system that learns with the driver to build a relationship that is both meaningful and human.

Several concepts unveiled at the 2017 Specialty Equipment Market Association — or SEMA — show will be on display, including the NASCAR driver designed Camrys. NASCAR Drivers Martin Truex Jr., Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin and Daniel Suarez each created a Camry to push its design and performance.

The championship Camry driven by No. 78 Truex Jr. also is on display.

Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at hpayne@detroitnews.com or Twitter @HenryEPayne. Catch “Car Radio with Henry Payne” from noon-1 p.m. Saturdays on 910 AM Superstation.