This is the moment you’ve all been waiting for, the most hotly-anticipated Detroit Auto Show debut is finally here. Sarcasm aside, Toyota says that its new Camry is the most aggressive, most advanced model the company has ever built – and we have reason to believe it.
The eighth-generation of America’s best-selling sedan has received a serious makeover, from top to bottom. Putting to use the Toyota New Global Architecture (or TNGA), it’s more "athletic, and fun to drive" than any model before it, says the company.
The wheelbase sees an extension of two inches (50.8 millimeters), bringing to total length to 191.3 inches (4,859.02 millimeters), while the lower roofline and hood have been dropped about 1.0 inch (25.4 millimeters) and 1.5 inches (38.1 millimeters), respectively. The seating position is lower too, the total height of the vehicle measuring in at just 56.7 inches (1,440.18 millimeters), and the cabin is more tailored to the driver. All that added athleticism pairs to an assortment of new and improved engines.
A 3.5-liter V6 with D-4S Fuel Injection sits at the top of the range. Down the line, a 2.5-liter engine pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while an available hybrid model pairs that same 2.5-liter engine to the company’s new hybrid system – or as it’s so cleverly named, the next-gen Toyota Hybrid System (THS II) – and a CVT.
Though performance figures remain a mystery, Toyota is pretty confident that its new Camry Hybrid will achieve best-in-class ratings over competitors like the Accord, which gets an estimated 49 city and 47 highway mpg. Official details on horsepower and mpg should be released soon after the debut, if we’re lucky.
Apart from the new platform and new range of engines, the Camry gets a suite of standard safety features like pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure alert with steering assist. For a few bucks extra, buyers can tack on things like a blind spot minor with rear cross traffic alert, intelligent clearance sonar, and even a bird’s-eye view camera with perimeter scan.
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The new Camry will come in four trims when it goes on sale: LE, XLE, SE, and SXE, with the optional "Sport" package available for SE and XSE trims. The added "Sport" pacakge will supposedly give the exterior a more sculpted look with add-ons like 19-inch black alloy wheels, a subtle rear spoiler lip, aggressive bumpers, front and rear, and an integrated lower diffuser on the front fascia.
Toyota says that the 2018 Camry was designed to be "more distinctive" than other Camrys before it, and should be "instantly recognizable… from as far as 200 yards away." The sporty new sedan will make its debut at the Detroit Auto Show before it goes on sale later this summer.
Source: Toyota
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Gallery: 2018 Toyota Camry
10 Photos
It almost isn’t fair. Toyota Camry, the best-selling car in
America for the past 15 years, is about to ruffl
e 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 compan
y 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 vi
ce 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 stan
ce; a practical-yet-emotionally styled cabin profile,
2018 TOYOTA CAMRY
2
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 tw
o-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 accomodates 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 s
hape and improve aerodynamics. Striking character
lines around and along the body augment the aggr
essive 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, wh
ich 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 di
fferent 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 expressi
ve mesh grille. A revised rear bumper with
distinctive corner lines and smoke-tinted rear combination lamps highlight the changes at the rear.
2018 TOYOTA CAMRY
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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 t
he 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 bet
ween 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 reeng
ineered 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 stitch
ing 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 disp
lay 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 cr
eate 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.
2018 TOYOTA CAMRY
4
By extending the wheelbase by two inches, as well as bringing down the roof and hood
height (by approximately 1.0 and 1.5-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 experienc
e 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 tr
ansmission (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-intelli
gent Electric (VVT-iE), this high-output powerplant
takes the gasoline-powered internal combustion engi
ne to a new level with world-leading thermal
efficiency of 40 percent. Along with enhanced perfo
rmance characteristics, the new engine is also
expected to be extremely fuel efficient, and is anti
cipated 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 engineer
ed to provide the ideal balance of energy
efficiency with superior power output to maxi
mize 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 signific
antly 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” sh
ifts of the simulated 6-speed sequential shift
transmission. The SE grade adds paddle shifters for increased fun and a more sporting driving
2018 TOYOTA CAMRY
5
experience. The Sport Mode setting also improves ac
celeration 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 per
formance, 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 in
creased 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 w
anted 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
2/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. T
he new 2018 Camry will feature Entune 3.0 on all
models, offering an enhanced set of connected vehicle technologies.
2018 TOYOTA CAMRY
6
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 in
formation 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 subw
oofer; 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.
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