Toyota reveals 2017 Camry TRD

Toyota has revealed the Japanese version of its eighth-generation Camry, including sporty new TRD and Modellista versions, and they could be part of the new mid-size sedan range that will be launched in Australia later this year.

Riding on Toyota’s new TNGA platform, the Mk8 Camry was revealed in North American form at the Detroit motor show in January.

But ‘our’ next Camry will look more like the global version now revealed in Japan (pictured here), from where the 2018 model will be imported after Toyota Australia stops building the current model in Altona in October.

The differences are subtle — amounting to revised headlight, fog light and grille treatments — but Australia’s next Camry will be based on the premium-look global version to be sold in Japan, Europe and the US, where it will be sold alongside the sportier model revealed at Detroit.

Key changes include fresh bumpers, a ritzier seven-slot lower grille rather than x-shaped mesh, clear-lens headlights, revised tail-lights and the addition of horizontal fog lights either side of the lower air-dam.

Both the TRD and Modellista versions pictured here are based on the global Camry (and are therefore a good chance to come Down Under), but it remains to be seen whether they bring any powertrain or chassis changes over the standard models.

Toyota Australia has confirmed its 2018 Camry will be offered with carryover 2.5-litre four-cylinder, new-generation four-cylinder (‘Dynamic Force’) petrol-electric hybrid and 3.5-litre petrol V6 powertrains – the latter reserved for the Camry V6, which will replace the discontinued Aurion.

These two stylised variants are fitted with unique body kit: the TRD with a bold lower splitter with integrated daytime running lights and large five-spoke alloy wheels, while the Modellista appears to have a more prestige focus, with multi-spoke alloys and a marginally subtler front bumper treatment.

Inside, other than its steering wheel being on the right-hand side and featuring more woodgrain trim materials and a revised infotainment system, he global Camry differs little from the US version.

The two sporty Camry variants do add more aggression in terms of exterior styling, however, by wearing a unique body kit with – in the TRD’s case -- a bold lower spoiler with outboard LED daytime running lights and large five-spoke alloy wheels. The more premium-focussed Modellista, meantime, comes with a more understated front bumper and multi-spoke alloys.

Full global Camry specs are yet to be released, but as we’ve reported, the new TNGA-based Camry measures 4880mm long, 1839mm wide and 1445mm high, rides on a 2824mm wheelbase and is expected to be lighter, more efficient and more dynamic.

Watch this space for our first drive of Toyota’s vital new Camry from the global launch in the US next month.