THE eighth generation Toyota Camry is on its way. The first Camry not to be made here will launch in Australia in November of this year, and the 2018 model will include brand new direction injection 3.5-litre V6 and hybrid options.
Built on a completely new platform, the new Camry is the first sedan to adopt Toyota’s new global architecture, and features more evocative styling, sportier handling and agility, improved ride comfort and advanced technologies.
Other “firsts” for the Japanese built 2018 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.
In a range of exterior design changes, the new Camry will feature an extended lower roof line and a longer, wider stance with a lower bonnet that reflects the car’s lower centre of gravity.
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. Sports grades will also be fitted with an aggressive body kit.
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.
The Japanese car maker’s hybrid system has had an overhaul too, with a new sequential shift gearbox providing access to six ratios via the shift lever or available paddle shifters, married to a new 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder D-4S direct-injection petrol engine. 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. The hybrid system combined output is 155kW with overall fuel economy expected to be below 4.5 litres/100km.
Of potentially greater significance is the arrival of the new 3.5-litre V6 engine with D-4S direct injection, paired with a new eight-speed direct-shift automatic transmission, and expected power and torque figures around 222kW and 356Nm.
Further aiding performance is new fully independent double-wishbone rear suspension system that contributes to responsive handling, precise steering control and comfort.
