2018 Toyota Camry due in Nov – preliminary specs announced

Toyota has announced the preliminary specifications of the all-new 2018 Toyota Camry, which will reach Australian showrooms in November 2017.

The eight-generation Camry is the first Toyota sedan to adopt TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) and sports a more evocative styling than ever before.

This lightweight and high-strength structure improves torsional rigidity by 30 per cent, enabling Toyota to apply its engineering and design strengths for a more dynamic character, along with sportier handling and agility.

Other “firsts” for Camry include LED headlamps, double-wishbone rear suspension and an electric parking brake as well as available 19-inch alloy wheels, 10-inch colour head-up display, 8-inch touch-screen audio display and 7-inch multi-information display in the instrument cluster.

Toyota’s advanced safety suite is standard, including a pre-collision system with autonomous emergency braking, all-speed active cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beam, a reversing camera and seven airbags. Select variants will also come with blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.

Toyota Australia’s executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said new Camry’s creators have produced a more refined, athletic image while injecting a fun driving experience with rapid acceleration, crisp handling and enhanced ride comfort.

“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,” Mr Cramb said.

“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,”
he said.

Two new powertrains with direct-injection engine technology will be available on the next-generation Camry.

The latest Toyota Hybrid System is said to provide spirited performance and driving enjoyment as well as significantly improved fuel economy. It features new sequential shift technology that provides access to six ratios via the shift lever or available paddle shifters.

The system combines an all-new 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder D-4S direct-injection petrol engine with lighter, smaller and more efficient hybrid components. Normal, Eco and Sport driving modes can be engaged even in electric-only (EV) operation.

A new Auto Glide Control system acts like a neutral gear to help improve fuel efficiency while ensuring smooth engine braking when coasting, such as towards a red light.

Hybrid system combined output is 155kW with overall fuel economy expected to be below a claimed 4.5 litres/100km.

The 2018 model-year Camry is also available with a new 3.5-litre V6 engine with D-4S direct injection, paired with a new eight-speed direct-shift automatic transmission.

With an efficient 11.8:1 compression ratio and able to utilise both the Otto and Atkinson cycles for optimum performance and efficiency, the V6 has expected power and torque figures around 222kW @ 6,600 rpm and 356Nm @ 4,700 rpm.

The new Camry features new fully independent double-wishbone rear suspension that is said to contribute to responsive handling, precise steering control and comfort.

Design wise, there are two different front masks, each featuring a two-piece grille with an upper section that accommodates a commanding Toyota emblem. The sporty version adopts large side intakes and a powerfully expressive gloss black mesh grille. All models are equipped with LED headlights, DRLs and taillights.

Camry will offer greater distinction between grades including 17, 18 and 19-inch alloy wheels. Sports grades will also be fitted with an aggressive body kit and 19-inch black machine-finished alloy wheels.

Inside, the interior surfaces employ premium soft-touch materials with an advanced mixture of tones and hues to enhance passenger comfort and visual satisfaction.

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