2004 Toyota Solara Review

Specifications

An Emotional and Cerebral Decision

Toyota had the largest stage at New Yorks Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, where the New York International Auto Show is held each year in April. While its entrance was impressive, with dim theater-style lighting contrasted by a fiery red-lit background, few expected the completely revised Camry Solara to be as dramatically styled as it proved to be.

After all, the current version, while a wonderfully refined and velvety smooth performer, hardly qualifies as a particularly distinct piece of automotive art. Its lines are clean and uncluttered and overall design sporty in a comfortably retired jet off to the golf course kind of way. In a nutshell its absolutely non-offensive.

The 2004 model shouldnt offend either, but in the same breath it will most definitely attract a younger buyer. The SE model shown at the show, in bright red with an optional Sports Package, incorporated the same long, low hood line sculpted to meet an attractive four-sided chromed waterfall grille that all Solaras feature. Aggressive headlamp clusters pull styling cues from the sensational Celica, reaching as far back along the front fenders as any I have previously seen. The Sport Package features integrated foglamps that extend the racy persona deep down to the lower front fascia, where a lip spoiler wraps around the outer corners, conceptually matching the aerodynamically formed rocker panels.

Its rear three quarter angle is equally flowing, with a graceful shoulder line rising slightly upon meeting the rear fenders, and then falling downwards along the line of the cat-eye styled taillamps. A steeply raked C-pillar and rear window combination hardly bends into the rear decklid, which ends with a subtle lip spoiler. The Solaras entire rear execution is slightly similar to the Lexus SC 430 - good company to keep. Altogether the graceful lines result in an amazing 0.29 coefficient of drag.

While theres a major difference between the 2004 and 2003 model it replaces, most should see the familial resemblance between the two. That similarity is made more evident under the long, sweeping hood, where the front-drive Solara shares its powertrain with its 4-door Camry sibling. Either four or six-cylinder engines will be offered, the former a 2.4-L reaching 157-hp at 5,600 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, and the latter a 3.3-L V6, with 225-hp at 5,600 and 240 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm.

Biased for torque, the V6 engine will no doubt compliment the Solaras all-new five-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode. Toyota transmissions are respected for precise, smooth shifts, and the new 5-speed should be a solid step ahead. Base 4-cylinder models get the choice of either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.

Toyota is also one of the leaders when it comes to environmental concerns, with what is considered to be the worlds most advanced hybrid gas-electric powertrain gearing up to drive more than just its heavily revised Prius. Of the new models to go hybrid, the new coupe is not initially considered a high priority, but nevertheless both four and six-cylinder gasoline powered engines will be EPA-certified to make the Solara a Level II Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (Level II-ULEV).

And what about handling? The outgoing car does a good job of managing tight and twisting corners, but compared to sportier cars like Toyotas Celica, is biased towards comfort and luxury. For the most part this focus will continue, but Toyota has made a point of stating the new suspension will be performance-tuned. Compared to the current car almost all mountings and pivot points that connect the suspension to the body are repositioned and recalibrated. To achieve that perfect balance of ride and handling Toyota adds specially-tuned shocks, unique springs and rear stabilizer bars. All the improvements are said to “reduce roll and pitch” while resulting in “stable yet invigorating steering feel and response.” As expected 4-wheel ABS equipped disc brakes with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) comes standard.

The Solaras interior reflects the improvements made outside, with simple, elegant design combining with rich materials and high-quality surfaces. I took the time to poke around inside after it was introduced to the media, and couldnt help but feel at peace despite a swarm of journalists flooding the exterior and adjacent seat, cell phones to their ears, jotting in their note pads and madly clicking their collective cameras. The featured car, again in SE Sport trim, boasted beautifully finished graphite-accented trim. Graphite wont grace all models, with the SLE receiving woodgrain accents and SE models finished in brushed aluminum.

Truly, its fit and finish, highlighted by gaps between interior surfaces at a very narrow 19 one-hundredths of an inch or less, made it feel more Lexus than Toyota, a trend that has benefited even the lowly Corolla in recent years. But, just as in real estate, luxury is also quantified by sheer size. While midsize in exterior dimensions, its interior offers twenty percent more storage capacity than the outgoing model, including a front console compartment, dual compartments under the front console mounted armrest and cupholders that can be converted to hold yet more storage. The rear armrest also incorporates cupholders, as well as a compartment for additional stuff. All compartment doors also use silicone dampers for that upscale touch.

All-new features are Satellite XM radio and a DVD-based navigation system. The latter sports a 6.7-inch screen, making it easier to see in all lighting conditions. Toyota claims its Navis searching capabilities are twice as fast as competitive systems, while it incorporates over 5-million verified data points.

Its hardly worth building a car without safety considerations playing a huge part of development, therefore Toyotas new coupe offers standard front side-impact airbags, independent rear seat headrests and the aforementioned four-wheel anti-lock brakes. For a little more money front and rear curtain side airbags will also be available.

But to some, safety is an afterthought. Such free spirits might pay more attention to the optional Sports Package, as I stated before only being available on the Solara SE. Along with the 5-piece body kit and its dark-charcoal interior with black graphite trim, supportive sport-fabric seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, and aluminum pedals add a racy personality. A performance-tuned suspension with more rigid springs and beefier shock absorbers join 17-inch alloy rims, improving both appearances and at-the-limit grip.

The 2004 Solara that will arrive in dealerships this September will soon be coming off the production line at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, in Georgetown, Kentucky. It incorporates more North American involvement than the previous model, with its planning, technical and styling development overseen by the Toyota Technical Center (TTC) in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and styling derived from Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, California.

Without a doubt Toyotas new coupe will tug at more heartstrings than the current 2-door that first went on sale in 1998. Its make-no-excuses styling, improved performance and personalized interior should attract new fans quickly. More so, the Toyotas overall reliability, rating sixth out of thirty-seven automakers in J. D. Powers latest Vehicle Dependability Study, with many of its components shared with first place Lexus, make the decision as cerebral as emotional. Now thats a winning combination.