Sexy sedan? Toyota’s eighth-generation Camry gets a racier look for US sales
The redesigned mid-size family sedan aims for an even younger crowd in the US, though the Thai version may be tweaked for some conservatism.
It looks like a sporty sedan…
That is how Toyota is describing its all-new Camry, which was unveiled at this month’s Detroit motor show in its eighth-generation guise. The formula is like this: make it slightly longer, wider but shorter in height for its sportiest stance yet.
The Camry has become the latest model (after the Prius hatchback and the CH-R SUV) to use the brand’s TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform. Toyota’s mid-size sedan is 4,860mm long, 1,840mm wide and 1,440mm tall.
The wheelbase, in particular, has grown by 50mm to 2,825mm for better interior accommodation. Toyota says the 25mm drop in height has been compensated by lowering the seats in the cabin.
The design cues are equally revealing. The nose in the regular model (as pictured here) has a racy appearance, while the hybrid version leans more to the classy side.
The interior looks refreshingly modern…
That’s another area that has been completely overhauled. The door panels, steering wheel and dashboard are brand new and adorned with a sea of softtouch plastics to lift the cabin’s premium appeal.
While the instrument panel has a 7-inch multi-information display between the speedo and rev counter, the centre dash incorporates an 8-inch display for navigation and audio controls.
Lots of features have been thrown into the Camry: 10 airbags, a raft of driver-assist systems and Etune 3.0, Toyota’s connected vehicle technologies (like remotely starting the engine from the outside).
Speaking of engines,are there any new ones?
There are mostly improved petrol units of the previous models. Top of the range is the 3.5-litre V6, which has direct fuel injection coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Of more relevance to the Thai buyer is the 2.5litre four-cylinder that now features electric variable valve timing control, known as VVT-iE in Toyota-speak. The eight-speed auto also replaces the six-speeder.
The hybrid version also uses this 2.5-litre motor but includes a new CVT automatic with six-speed manual mode. There’s a Sport mode for more instantaneous acceleration.
Power, torque, performance and economy figures have yet to be disclosed, though Toyota says improvements come in all forms with these new technologies.
How close will the Thai version be to the US version?
It’s still early to say. But it’s quite common knowledge that Asians, in particular, like their big sedans to be classy and elegant, so more chrome might be introduced to the Thai- spec model.
Given that today’s Camry ESport is based on the American model (seventh- gen), there’s a chance that Thais could get to choose from two distinct Camrys. Plus, Toyota will shutter the Camry’s production line in Australia (where the ESport currently comes from), so assembly might be relocated to Thailand.
Expect Thai sales to begin next year, with the hybrid model sitting atop the range at just under 2 million baht.