NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW,
2018 TOYOTA CAMRY WHAT IS IT?
The eighth generation of the prototypical Japanese family sedan, the Camry, as much as the Corolla, is responsible for Toyota’s reputation for reliable, sensible transportation. Though the popularity of the family sedan is waning — consumers are increasingly choosing SUVs as North America’s de- facto mainstream vehicle — the Camry has been the best- selling family sedan in Canada for the past two years, so it still a very important car for the world’s largest automaker.
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
The new Camry uses t he TNGA ( Toyota New Global Architecture) platform which, in Toyota’s own words, “retains all of Toyota’s traditional values of superlative build quality and safety while injecting a fun driving experience that plays on all the senses.” From a practical standpoint, that means a lower centre of gravity, a wider stance and lower hip points for driver and passenger.
Camry’s 3.5- litre V6 has been upgraded, and now features the company’s latest D4S electronic fuel injection, while the 2.5-L in-line four is completely revised. A modern long- stroke, high compression ratio (for improved fuel efficiency) engine also boasts the l atest version of Toyota’s Variable ValveTiming- i ntelligent Electric ( VVT- iE) arrangement, which it claims allows the 2.5-L a world-leading 40-percent thermal efficiency. It’s hooked up to a new eightspeed automatic.
Toyota’s latest hybrid system has been engineered to work with the new 2.5- L engine which, when mated to an updated CVT transmission, improves fuel economy over previous Camry Hybrids. There’s a new Sport Mode setting that allows the driver to execute smooth yet quick “gear” shifts when the CVT is simulating a sixspeed sequential-shift transmission.
Oh, and I almost f orgot: All 2018 Camrys have 10 standard airbags and Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, electronic brake- force distribution, brake assist, anti- lock braking system, and smart- stop technology.
WHEN IS IT COMING?
Toyota Canada promises Camrys will be i n showrooms by midsummer
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
If you are one of those folks who would still prefer a sedan to a trendy SUV, then most assuredly. Owning a Camry means never having to explain why you bought the car you did. Reliability and practicality will continue to be its hallmarks, and now it has added a little sportiness as well. David Booth
2018 HONDA ODYSSEY WHAT IS IT?
The latest version of the Honda Odyssey minivan arrives on a new platform and boasts a host of technologies and features aimed at making life easier. The list of technologies and safety features is lengthy, and includes a built-in camera that gives the driver a view of the second- and third- row seating in the central display and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot, along with an intercom system that links to the wireless headphones when needed.
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
The seating is clever. The third row drops into its well when not needed. Plus, the new Magic Slide middle seats not only move back and forth, they now slide side to side. The “buddy” mode sees the two seats slide together on one side of the van.
Under the hood, the 3.5L V6 sees output rise to 280 hp, while a nine- speed automatic transmission on the base models and a new 10- speed automatic on the top-line models promise better fuel economy.
WHEN IS IT COMING?
The new Honda Odyssey is slated to arrive this spring.
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
The new Odyssey makes the driver’s life as easy as it gets with a minivan — for the most part. While the new seating configuration brings a host of options, it still requires the middle row to be unlatched, removed and parked in the garage if cargo capacity is the priority. That remains an oddity. Graeme Fletcher
The remake of Lexus’s flagship sedan, the most luxurious car out of Japan and possibly the most reliable automobile on the planet. It is also the embodiment, says Lexus, of Omotenashi — Japanese hospitality — and, says the world’s largest automaker, much sportier than previous Lexus flagships.
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
This is no mere refresh. The LS has been around since 2006, making it relatively long in the tooth. The 2018 LS will be based on the same ultra-light, multi-metal GA- L platform as the LC 500, which helps cut the LS’s overall weight by almost 90 kilograms. The 2018 LS also debuts an all- new engine, a twin- turbocharged 3.5- L V6. The mid- size V6 is good for 415 hp and, more importantly, a V8- like 442 lb- ft of torque. Hooked up to a 10-speed automatic, it’ ll scoot a rear-wheel-drive version to 96 km/h in about 4.5 seconds ( all LSs in Canada will feature all-wheel drive).
On the safety front, Lexus introduced what it claims is the world’s first intuitive pedestrian detection with active steering. If a pedestrian is detected in the lane ahead and a collision is imminent, the new LS will automatically brake and steer around the person while staying in the lane.
WHEN IS IT COMING?
Lexus Canada says LS 500s will be available in the second half of 2017.
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
The LS should be a winner. After all, there was nothing wrong with the current version that a little personality and increased technology wouldn’t fix. David Booth Driving. ca