Toyota Camry - Domination Decree

The Toyota Camry is already pretty much the definitive D-segment family sedan. With the all-new 2007 Camry, Toyota is adding a healthy dollop of style, a load of safety gizmos and also a hybrid variant. Let class domination begin all over again...

Story: Sameer Kumar

First launched in 1983, the Camry has been around for 23 years now. It came to India in the year 2002 and has, since then, cultivated a small but dedicated fan following. The Camry’s strongest opponent in India – the Honda Accord – has sold in bigger numbers, but for those who want near Mercedes-Benz E-Class space and comfort at less than C-Class money, nothing could beat the Camry.

Don’t fix it if it’s not broke? Somebody forgot to tell Toyota. They apparently weren’t content with the existing Camry’s worldwide dominance in its segment, so early last month they went ahead and unveiled an all-new Camry at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, in Detroit. The aim is nothing less than to set a new benchmark for sedans in this class and Toyota designers have rethought every aspect of the car – the chassis, the engine, the interiors – everything. Special attention has been paid to improving the Camry’s driving dynamics and ride comfort, reducing noise levels even further and increasing the fuel efficiency. Two engine options will be available – a substantially revamped 2.4-litre inline-four, and a 3.5-litre V6. Apart from these, for the first time, a hybrid variant of the Camry will also be available, with Toyota’s ‘Hybrid Synergy Drive.’ The Prius has already proved to be a success story for Toyota and it shouldn’t come as a surprise if the hybrid Camry follows in the Prius’ footsteps in the months to come.

Styling is the one area where the Camry has been criticised in the past, with Toyota’s efforts being called bland and unimaginative. With the new Camry, the Japanese giant has tried to make the car look sharper, more athletic and very contemporary. With a fair amount of success, we’d say. The wheelbase is longer, the track is wider and the stance is subtly more aggressive than before. And it’s not just about how it looks – under the flowing lines is a body structure designed to absorb collision-impact forces and help minimise impact deformation to the passenger cabin. High-strength steel is used for B-pillar reinforcement to help manage overall body deformation in the event of a side collision. Inside the cabin, even the seat frames are designed to receive and help absorb side collision loads.

In a much-needed nod to safety, all new Camrys will come equipped with anti-lock brakes (with EBD and Brake Assist), traction control and vehicle stability control. Dual-stage SRS front airbags, side airbags and side curtain airbags will be standard equipment, as will be peace of mind for the car’s occupants.

We, at CAR India, fully expect the new Camry to be an astoundingly competent automobile. It’ll be launched in India sometime in the next six months, and the D-segment should then be witness to some hard fought battles and some bloodied noses. Watch this space.

Engine / Transmission
The 2AZ-FE engine, standard across the Camry grade lineup, is based on the 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine from last year, but is substantially worked upon.  This redesign employs optimised intake and exhaust systems, as well as strategies that reduce internal friction and enhance engine-block/crankcase rigidity. The result is improved power output (160PS), better fuel economy, and reduced noise and vibration levels. Buyers can choose between five-speed manual and electronically operated five-speed automatic transmissions.

The new 2GR-FE engine – a 24-valve, DOHC, 3.5-litre V6 – will also be available in the new Camry. This one makes 271PS, uses chain-driven dual camshafts, and employs Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i) for optimal cam timing – and therefore maximum power production – at all RPM levels. The V6 is mated to an all-new six-speed automatic transmission, which can also be manually shifted sequentially.

Chassis / Suspension
The wheelbase has been increased by 2.1 inches, rear overhang has been reduced, wheel size has been increased to 16 inches and the turning radius has been reduced. Bigger brake discs are used for improved feel and stopping power.
Front suspension comprises of MacPherson struts, while at the rear, a dual-link strut system helps provide an optimal balance between smooth ride and secure handling. All spring, shock-absorber and antiroll-bar values have been recalibrated, and suspension geometry has been reworked for better handling prowess.

Kit
Even base model Camrys will get an impressive list of standard features, including a multi-adjustable steering wheel, a six-speaker 160-watt digital AM/FM/CD audio system, 16-inch alloy wheels, seven airbags, a vehicle immobiliser and four-wheel disc brakes. Higher end models will also get remote keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear reclining seats, a high-end JBL audio system and eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. In addition, 17-inch alloys, a sporty body kit, sport-trimmed interiors and smoked tint halogen headlamps may be on the options list.

Cabin
The old Camry was hardly lacking in the interior space department and the new one takes things to an even higher plane. The focus was on maximising interior space without significantly enlarging the Camry’s exterior. The cowl has been redesigned for providing more space in the cabin and the front seats are also more spacious. Additionally, the front seats’ slide length was increased to accommodate comfortable driving positions for larger drivers and passengers. Manual seats will now have a range of 10 inches, while power seats will offer 10.2 inches of travel. The new Camry’s seats will also use Toyota’s Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) seat design, which is a significant advance in terms of occupant safety. Available rear seat legroom has been increased. The dashboard has been redesigned to make it look less cluttered and controls have been made more ergonomic and more intuitive to operate.

Basic silhouette remains same though wheelbase is all new and attention to details has crafted virtually an all new automobile. Expected to take on the Accords, Lauras and Sonatas in India sometime by August 2006, the new Camry though would be looked at more closely by all to see whether Toyota Kirloskar choses to place more emphasis on going by the EPCG route or as a proper fully built unit put together here using CKD kits. That should determine not just pricing but also the thrust its maker would like to accord it and the high profile D-segment.

Source: Car India February 2006.