Toyota Camry RZ busts out

It's not clear if RZ stands for the "really zippy" but the latest Toyota Camry RZ special-edition is certainly projecting a sporty aura.

Just 1100 versions of the Camry RZ will be built in Altona, priced at $28,490 plus on-road costs, which is $2000 more than the Altise on which it's based. But Toyota claims the special-edition Camry RZ brings $4000 worth of goodies to the table, ameliorating the higher price.

Not to be confused with the sporty Camry Atara SX  revealed in late May, the Camry RZ gets the same 18-inch alloy wheels, but painted black, and adds sports suspension, low-profile tyres, a twin exhaust system and slightly more power.

Toyota says the dual exhaust bumps power and torque by 2kW and 4Nm, to a respective 135kW and 235Nm, and the car comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel consumption is rated at 7.9L/100km -- slightly higher than the 7.8 of the Altise.

Upgrades to the car's body work have also occurred, with a sports-mesh grille, unique exterior mirror covers, headlight inserts, boot-lid spoiler and subtle rear diffuser making the grade.

Some of the other extras include RZ logos on the sides and rear of the car, plus front and rear parking sensors.

In the cabin, Toyota has upgraded the air-conditioning to offer dual-zone automatic climate-control, a premium steering wheel and trip computer, plus keyless entry and engine start, not to mention RZ-branded front floor mats.

Like all Toyota cars, the Camry RZ is covered by a three-year, 100,000km warranty and the first four years or 75,000km are covered by five capped-priced services costing $140 each.

The Camry has been Australia's best-selling mid-size car since 1994, a 23-year streak that's unlikely to be broken until after Victorian manufacturing ceases next year.

Toyota's next Camry is expected to be sourced from Thailand, as is the case with the HiLux ute, based on its proximity to Australia, which has a free-trade agreement with Thailand.