Toyota Camry shifts up a gear

Toyota will introduce its next generation of Camry sedan to the Australian market in November – barely a month after the end of production for the current model and the closure of Toyota's local manufacturing plant in Altona.

The company expects the new Camry to be a game-changer for the brand. There's a new modular platform underpinning the mid-sized sedan, extra driver-assist safety technology as standard, suave looks and more performance from the Hybrid and V6 variants. The Aurion is dropped as a separate nameplate, and in its place will be the Camry V6, reviving an old model line in the new generation. Toyota anticipates the new model will be welcomed by consumers not known in the past for being Camry fans.

"Driving enthusiasts in particular will appreciate the next-generation hybrid Camry that is engineered to provide spirited performance and driving enjoyment along with impressive gains to fuel efficiency," says Tony Cramb, Toyota Australia's executive director of sales and marketing.

"At the same time, Camry retains the proven, dependable and safe reputation that has made it Australia's top-selling mid-size car for almost a quarter of a century."

Toyota claims that the new TNGA platform (TNGA = 'Toyota New Global Architecture') improves on the torsional rigidity of the current Camry by 30 per cent. Featuring extensive use of high-tensile strength steel, the GA-K platform, as it's known within Toyota, also draws on laser screw welding and special adhesives for the increased rigidity. While the architecture has already been introduced to the Australian market in the Prius and C-HR, Camry is the first application in a sedan.

Camry has migrated from the Chapman-strut-style rear suspension of the current model to a new double-wishbone setup. At the front the MacPherson struts have been revised and are now braced by a 'closed cross-section' unit. Toyota claims a lower centre of gravity for the new Camry as a consequence of the new floorpan and suspension.

To reduce noise in the cabin, Toyota has applied more sound insulating material and adopted a four-point mounting system for all three drivetrains.

At entry level the new Camry will be powered by the 2.5-litre engine that's carried over from the current model. This engine will be coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. Engine output is unchanged.

The flagship models will benefit from a new 3.5-litre V6, producing 222kW and 356Nm. An intelligent system of variable valve timing for the intake valves ensures the direct-injected engine can operate in either Atkinson (fuel-saving) or Otto (performance) cycles. Despite its oversquare design (94mm bore, 83mm stroke), the V6 is claimed to develop strong torque right across its operating rev range. An eight-speed automatic transmission coupled to the V6 locks up gears from second through to eighth, for enhanced fuel economy.

Hybrid to go mainstream
Camry Hybrid continues in the new range, and Toyota Australia anticipates the petrol/electric model will ultimately be the volume seller. Currently the Camry Hybrid accounts for 25 per cent of local Camry sales.

The next Camry Hybrid features an all-new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that boasts both port- and direct-injected fuel delivery systems. Like the V6, the hybrid petrol engine is fitted with an intelligent variable-timing system on intake valves and will operate in either Atkinson or Otto cycles. As for the current model, the new Camry Hybrid drives through a continuously variable transmission to the front wheels, with two motor/generator units to supply motive power or recover energy.

Engine output for the Camry Hybrid is 131kW and 221Nm, or 155kW when combined with the electric-motor output. Electric-motor output is 88kW and 202Nm. Toyota advises that the Camry Hybrid is rated at 4.5L/100km in combined-cycle fuel consumption testing.

The Power Control Unit (PCU) is lighter, smaller and more efficient by about 20 per cent, Toyota claims. It sits above the transaxle, allowing the designers to pen a 40mm lower bonnet line for the Camry.

The Camry Hybrid's fuel economy is further honed by means of a new facility, Auto Glide Control, which amounts to a coasting or 'sailing' feature that disconnects the engine from the rest of the drivetrain to save fuel on the overrun. It operates only in Eco mode, and as soon as the driver applies the brakes or pushes the accelerator down once more, the AGC system cuts out. Toyota cites the example of pulling up at a red light, but AGC also saves fuel on gentle inclines.

Toyota has stayed with nickel-metal hydride battery technology for the Camry Hybrid, but the battery is now placed under the rear seat for the purpose of better packaging. Luggage capacity is 30 litres better than the current model's and with the 60:40 split-folding rear seat lowered the volume is larger again.

Packaging advances
Externally, the new Camry is 25mm lower and rides on a wheelbase 50mm longer. Toyota says the track measurements have been pushed out also.

Stylists have devised two different treatments for the front end of the Camry. One is the standard 'mask', and the other is an overtly sports-oriented nose with outboard air intakes in the lower apron.

Toyota has re-engineered the front seats for ergonomics and comfort and the hip point has been lowered to ensure interior space is unaffected by the lower ride height. The company is yet to work out the full specification for the new Camry, but has revealed that all models will come equipped as standard with LED light sources for headlights, daytime running lights and tail lights. All models will be fitted with alloy wheels, ranging in size between 17 and 19-inches in diameter, with some variants to be available with 18-inch wheels.

All models other than base-grade variants will be fitted as standard with an eight-inch infotainment touch screen. Trip computer data will be displayed in a seven-inch TFT screen. High-end models will have a 10-inch colour head-up display.

Standard safety features across the range will include seven airbags, pre-collision alert, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and rear cross-traffic alert. Other safety features also standard comprise lane departure alert, steering assist, adaptive cruise control and auto high-beam. Toyota advises that the active cruise control will bring the Camry to a complete halt.

Pricing is to be announced in November.