DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- It almost isn't
fair. Toyota Camry, the best-selling car in America for the
past 15 years, is about to ruffle some feathers. The
eighth-generation sedan has gone through a total evolution, from a
proven, dependable and safe car to one that also possesses a more
exciting and emotional character, thanks to its newfound sporty
performance and style.
The new Camry utilizes TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture)
which represents a completely new strategy to the way the company
designs, engineers, and packages its vehicles. TNGA 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. The physical manifestation is the usage of a new engine,
transmission and GA-K platform.
"The all-new 2018 Camry is, without a doubt, the most
captivating mid-size sedan we've ever produced," said Bob Carter, Toyota senior vice president of
automotive operations. "It delivers on everything Camry
owners have come to expect from America's best-selling car, and
adds to it, jaw-dropping design, more advanced technology,
cutting-edge safety systems, and stirring performance that raises
it to an unparalleled level of excitement."
"In order to create something that stirs people's soul, we've
laid out the concept of a new sedan that provides fun and
excitement behind the wheel," said Masato
Katsumata, the Chief Engineer of the new Camry. "In
developing the next-generation Toyota Camry, we were able to start
with a clean slate, which allowed us to create a true driver's
car."
Design Backstory
The Camry development team aimed for a styling design concept that
achieves strong harmony between refinement and a sensual athletic
image, creating a new approach to the market. The result is a new
signature design language that takes the car into a beautiful and
futuristic new direction.
There were three primary design goals when penning the all-new
Camry: a distinctive, low center of gravity that results in a firm
wide stance; a practical-yet-emotionally styled cabin profile, and
a sporty and upscale image both inside and out. These design goals
have resulted in a new type of sedan that's both exciting to look
at and, more importantly drive, reestablishing itself as the new
standard in the midsize-sedan category.
An Exterior with Unexpected Attitude
The new Camry's face is accentuated by a two-piece grille comprised
of flowing thin and thick treatments – key elements of the Camry's
"Keen Look" design philosophy. The curvaceous 1.6-inch-lower hood
sits neatly above the grille's uppermost section which accommodates
a commanding Toyota emblem. For the hybrid model, the emblem is
tinged a distinct blue hue. This fashionable trifecta of grille,
hood, and emblem blends flawlessly into the A-pillar, and produces
a stance that is undoubtedly more aggressive than that of any
predecessor.
The 2018 Camry has a sleeker profile than the current model. By
lowering the hip points of the occupants (nearly 1.0-inch in the
front and 1.2-inches at the rear), and therefore their seating
positions, the design team was able to reduce the car's overall
vehicle height by approximately one inch from the current
model and incorporate a lower roofline, without sacrificing
interior space. This invited the designers to pursue a wind-cutting
shape and improve aerodynamics. Striking character lines around and
along the body augment the aggressive front and rear fenders,
giving the reimagined Camry a sportiness that's never before been
perceived on this model.
The lower hip point, shoulder line, roof line and hood height
gives the new Camry the appearance that it has a low center of
gravity, which it does. The design team knew the TNGA
platform provided them with a great opportunity to pen a very
expressive sedan, and they took advantage of this by getting the
lines close to the ground and forming an energetic silhouette. They
incorporated a strong stance that can be seen as you walk around
the car.
Like the front of the vehicle, the rear features an athletic
motif that melds flowing lines and complex shapes to form a
sculpted landscape. Looking closely at the C-pillar's detail
reveals a multitude of surfaces that reflect light from all angles.
A distinct crease extends from the slim multicolor taillights down
to the bumper, effectively "pushing" the wheels outward in
appearance to create a wide posture akin to that of a premium
sports sedan. The exclamation point here is provided by a newly
designed Camry logo that gives the car an upscale identity.
Camry will again be available in four grades: LE, XLE, SE and
XSE. The new Camry's "Sport" SE and XSE grades wear a
noticeably different body style than the entry level LE and premium
XLE grades, highlighted by a sculpted rocker panel, new 19-inch
black machined-finish alloy wheels (XSE only) a subtle rear
spoiler lip, aggressive front bumper, and rear bumper with an
integrated lower diffuser. The face is much more distinctive with
large side intakes flanking the lower bumper's unique "Catamaran"
accents, a high and slim upper intake encompassing the central
Toyota badge, and a powerfully expressive mesh grille. A revised
rear bumper with distinctive corner lines and smoke-tinted rear
combination lamps highlight the changes at the rear.
The Camry design team sought to make the new Camry sport models
instantly recognizable and appear different from the other models
from as far as 200 yards away.
Striking and Comfortable Cabin
The completely redesigned interior is a fusion of functionality,
futuristic styling, and a high degree of personal space and
craftsmanship. While the driver is situated in a sporty
cockpit-type environment having gauges angled toward his or her
direction, the front passenger is treated to a sense of openness
and freedom that results from the innovative dashboard design. A
key visual element of this driver-focused design concept is a
sweeping yet elegant new character line that flows down from the
instrument cluster and bisects the center console waterfall. The
design of the entire front console strikes a smooth connection
between the ease of use of all controls/systems and a handsome and
modern sculptural look that is pleasing to the eye. All surfaces
throughout the cabin—dashboard, instrument panel, center console,
door trim, etc.—employ the highest grade of soft touch and premium
materials. Using an approach typically used in home furnishings,
the design utilizes a mix of tones and hues throughout a space
rather than a strict color profile. The result is a cabin space
having diverse colors and materials, and that enhances passenger
comfort and visual satisfaction.
The front seats have been completely reengineered with improved
ergonomics, providing maximum comfort with a newfound level of ease
and engagement to match the new Camry's elevated performance and
athleticism. Rear-seat accommodations are more refined than ever
with improved roominess and ergonomics. Exquisite stitching on the
front- and rear-seat surfaces is but one example of the high level
of craftsmanship found throughout the vehicle.
High Interaction, Minimal Distraction
The new Camry features Toyota's latest Human Machine Interface
(HMI) whose next-generation display technology offers a unique
level of integrated information with minimal distraction. It relays
information through three interlinked displays: available
interlinked displays: a 10-inch color Head-Up Display (HUD); a
seven-inch multi-information display within the instrument cluster,
and an eight-inch audio/navigation display and HVAC (heating,
ventilation and air conditioning) control panel that's seamlessly
integrated into the center console in a modern, flush-surface
design. Convenient and highly intuitive operation is assured
through customizable features and smart phone-like touch screen
icons that create a seamless connection and user workflow between
the HMI system and other digital media.
Full Utilization of Toyota New Global Architecture
(TNGA)
The 2018 Toyota Camry fully incorporates the Toyota New Global
Architecture (TNGA). At its foundation, TNGA is a structural reform
movement for the entire company that will result in cars that are
more dynamic, athletic, and fun to drive.
By extending the wheelbase by two inches, as well as bringing
down the roof and hood height (by approximately 1.0 and 1.6-inches,
respectively), the development team lowered the center of gravity
and created a wider and more composed vehicle. The new platform
also allows for an ideal seating position for the driver, now lower
and near the center of the car for enhanced feedback, along with
adjusting the overall seating position for all the vehicle's
occupants. A lower heel point provides more foot room and ease of
movement. The range of steering column adjustment has been
increased from the current vehicle, while the hood, cowl, and
dashboard height have all been lowered for enhanced outward
visibility.
The driver and front passenger will experience an unprecedented
sense of outward visibility, thanks to a more compact design for
the instrument panel and a lowered beltline. The reimagined
position of the A-pillar and side mirror sections results in
enhanced lateral visibility and creates a noticeable sense of
openness when the driver sits behind the wheel.
All Gain With No MPG Pain
Three new powertrains will be available on the new 2018 Camry: They
include a new 3.5-liter V6 with D-4S Fuel Injection and an all-new
2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine, which comes paired to a new
8-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission (8AT), and a
next-generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS II).
To match the chassis' increased handling and performance
capability, Toyota engineers have developed the TNGA-inspired
all-new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine to make the most
of the platform's enhanced designs, packaging and rigidity. This
new generation engine focuses on higher torque, higher power and
lower fuel consumption in total use range. This is accomplished by
achieving rapid combustion due to higher tumble air flow. With its
long-stroke and high compression ratio, multi-hole direct fuel
injectors, variable cooling system and the latest version of
Toyota's Variable Valve-Timing-intelligent Electric (VVT-iE), this
high-output powerplant takes the gasoline-powered internal
combustion engine to a new level with world-leading thermal
efficiency of 40 percent. Along with enhanced performance
characteristics, the new engine is also expected to be extremely
fuel efficient, and is anticipated to achieve best-in-class fuel
economy. It comes mated to the newly developed Direct Shift-8AT
transmission that provides direct-lock up from gears two through
eight to eliminate power loss from the torque converter, executing
shifts like a high-performance automated manual gearbox.
The new hybrid system has also been engineered to provide the
ideal balance of energy efficiency with superior power output to
maximize driving performance and enjoyment. The next-generation
Toyota Hybrid System has been engineered to work in concert with
the new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine setup offering
significantly more driving excitement than before. The hybrid's
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) features a new Sport Mode
setting that allows the driver to execute smooth yet quick "gear"
shifts of the simulated 6-speed sequential shift transmission. The
SE grade adds paddle shifters for increased fun and a more sporting
driving experience. The Sport Mode setting also improves
acceleration and feel thanks to an electric power boost from the
hybrid system. Furthermore, to help enhance the vehicle's handling
capability, the hybrid system's battery pack has moved from the
trunk to beneath the rear seat for a noticeably enriched handling
feel, thanks to the vehicle's much improved lower center of
gravity—yet another benefit of the TNGA platform.
In addition to its enhanced handling and driving performance,
the hybrid version of the new Camry is anticipated to achieve
best-in-class fuel economy ratings, with Prius-like city/highway
driving efficiency.
A New Experience Focused on Vastly Superior Driving
Dynamics
At the foundation of the Camry's sporty handling and enhanced ride
quality is its high-strength body/platform structure. Through the
increased use of ultra-high-tensile steel and the application of a
new molding technology it delivers enhanced structural
rigidity.
Further aiding performance is an innovative new double wishbone
rear suspension system that imbues the chassis with responsive
handling and precise steering control while simultaneously
delivering ride quality on par with premium luxury vehicles. A new
four-point engine mounting system adds to the vehicle's civil road
manners as it greatly reduces unwanted noise, vibration and
harshness (NVH) from permeating into the passenger compartment.
The biggest challenge for the Camry engineering team was to
figure out how to convey the driving dynamics of a soul-stirring
sedan. Driving dynamics were always at the forefront of the
engineering philosophy for the new Camry. They wanted a new
Camry in which the driver will be highly impressed with the
handling capability and composure of the new design. So much
so, that drivers will notice the dramatic improvements within the
first few seconds of driving.
Toyota Safety That Makes Sense
Among the many safety features on the 2018 Camry is standard Toyota
Safety Sense™ P (TSS-P). This multi-feature advanced active safety
suite bundles cutting edge active safety technologies including
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD),
Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane
Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA); and Automatic High
Beams (AHB). Select models will also come with standard Blind Spot
Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).
All 2018 Camry's 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®. All Camry's also come equipped with a
standard backup camera.
Ever Better Entune™ 3.0 Multimedia For Everyone
Camry drivers will be the first to enjoy enhanced connectivity and
entertainment through the new Toyota Entune™ 3.0 multimedia
system. The new 2018 Camry will feature Entune 3.0 on all
models, offering an enhanced set of connected vehicle
technologies.
The Entune 3.0 system will feature navigation and App Suite
Connect for everyone. All Camry four-cylinder and hybrid
models will come standard with the Connected Navigation Scout GPS
Link with Moving Maps. Camry V6 models will offer the new
Dynamic Navigation system, providing improved map accuracy.
The wireless map updates provide over-the-air map downloads of
recently added roads and point-of-interest not contained in the
existing head unit map.
Entune 3.0 delivers several new technologies including available
Remote Connect, which provides remote start and door unlock
capability, vehicle status notifications, a guest driver monitor,
and vehicle finder. Keeping up with your vehicle's health
status has never been easier. Available Service Connect will
provide up-to-date vehicle information on fuel level, maintenance
alerts, and more. Entune 3.0 will also offer available WiFi
Connect, allowing up to five mobile devices to connect using 4G
LTE.
The new 2018 Camry will also offer a JBL premium audio system
that features new advancements in sound quality. Sound
enhancements include Sound Staging, which positions speakers
directly in front of the listener to help emulate a live concert
venue; Low Frequency Sounds, made possible by an added 10.1-inch
subwoofer; Clari-Fi, a technology that "un-compresses" music to
help restore an audio track's dynamic range; and nine speakers that
are specifically tuned to the Camry's cabin dimensions and
materials.
Camry - - Everybody's All-American
For nearly three decades, Camry's American manufacturing home has
been Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK) in Georgetown, Ky. Most Camrys sold in
America are assembled in Georgetown by more than 7,700 proud American
team members. This pride has been reflected by the fact Camry is
the best-selling car in America and has held this sales crown for
15 consecutive years! Overall Camry sales in the U.S. since
it first launched back in 1983 have surpassed 10 million units, and
counting.
With Camry as a cornerstone of its US operations, Toyota has
been part of the cultural fabric of America for nearly 60 years.
With over $22 billion in direct U.S.
investment, including 10 manufacturing facilities, 1,500
dealerships and 136,000 dedicated employees, Toyota has produced 25
million vehicles in the U.S. over the last 30 years.
History of Camry
Sold in more than 100 countries, the Toyota Camry is the most
popular mid-size sedan in the world and is the segment leader in
many global markets where it is available. Introduced in
Japan in 1982, the Camry was
Toyota's first mass-produced vehicle with a transverse engine
layout. Its welcomed combination of affordability with superior
packaging, quality and engineering was a revolutionary concept,
allowing the Camry to distinguish itself from other, notably larger
American sedans that were popular at the time. One could say it was
a pioneer in establishing the Midsize-sedan segment. In the
following years, the Camry became a sales success everywhere it was
sold. Today, Camry remains a key model in the Toyota lineup and is
manufactured in 10 different plants around the globe, with total
sales surpassing 18 million units.
The all-new 2018 Toyota Camry will begin rolling into Toyota
dealers in late summer 2017.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos and video to accompany this
story are available and can be retrieved in digital form by media
without charge at http://www.toyotanewsroom.com.
CONTACTS:
Toyota Product Communications
Sam Butto (310) 468-7728 or
sam.butto@toyota.com
Nate Martinez (310) 468-5134 or
nate.martinez@toyota.com
Media Web site: http://www.toyotanewsroom.com
Public Web site: http://www.toyota.com
ALL-NEW 2018 CAMRY PRELIMINARY
SPECIFICATIONS
Advanced Powertrains
- All-new 2.5-liter four-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine paired
with a new Direct Shift-8AT
- 3.5-liter V6 with D-4S Fuel Injection
- Next-generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS II) with Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Simulated six-speed sequential shift transmission on all Hybrid
grades (paddle shifters on Hybrid SE grade only)
Safety and Convenience
- Standard Toyota Safety Sense package includes Pre-Collision
System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Full-speed Range
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control System (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert
with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beam (AHB)
- Available Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic
Alert (RCTA) and Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) with Rear Cross
Traffic Braking (RCTB),
- Available Bird's Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan
- Enhanced body structure/platform through a new high-strength
body that offers increased occupant protection in the event of a
side or front collision/impact in offset or head-on collisions
PRELIMINARY
VEHICLE
DIMENSIONS (inches)
|
LENGTH
|
191.3
|
WHEELBASE
|
111.2
|
HEIGHT
|
56.7
|
WIDTH
|
72.4
|
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SOURCE Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.