Toyota to Introduce All-New Camry for 2007

The news is out! Americas favorite family sedan is about to be significantly updated, according to several major websites. Japanese website Auto Gallery Net reports having correct factual information and several undisguised images of the upcoming Toyota Camry. U.S.-based website Edmunds.com, in its www.insideline.com division, amongst other sites, is also featuring the findings on Toyotas staple family-mover.

The biggest change to the Camry comes from its exterior styling. The anonymous looking styling has been injected with a dose of Vibrant Clarity, Toyota-speak for their new design language. Canadians, and later Europe and America were introduced to Vibrant Clarity with the all-new Yaris subcompact; the upcoming RAV-4 and, according to these photos, the new Camry will also possess fresh styling trademarks in an attempt to shed its staid, boring image.

To prevent overlapping the new Camry with its larger sibling, the Avalon, Toyotas engineers have essentially kept the Camrys size constant. The car keeps its length at 189.6 inches, but the wheelbase has grown by 2.16 inches to 109.25 inches. Front and rear track have increased by approximately 1.18 inches providing a better stance on the road, while the overall height has dropped by 0.78 inches. As such, the new Camry is sleeker, and more aerodynamic: Auto Gallery claims that the new Camry has a coefficient of drag rating of just 0.28 Cd.

By shifting around the layout, while keeping the car the same, Toyota has improved the Camrys packaging: the site claims that the critical increase in wheelbase allows for a roomier cabin, particularly for those riding in back. Meanwhile, cargo capacity has been pegged at more than 17.65 + cu-ft, with numerous large-sized cubbies scattered throughout the cabin - just the right size for hauling an active familys belongings, while 40/20/40 split folding rear seats improve on the industry standard 60/40 split.

As with most modern cars, unexpected high-end luxuries are starting to filter into the equipment list. The Camrys top-spec trim line includes such amenities as a navigation system with 5-inch LCD display, BOSE premium audio system, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, power rear sunshade, heated and ventilated seats, and triple-zone climate control. Like the Avalon, the Camry is also expected to experience a great boost in interior quality, featuring Lexus-like soft-touch plastics, high-quality leather and glossy wood.

The new Camry is powered by a revised version of Toyotas 2.4-liter inline-four in base trim. Codenamed 2AZ-FE, this inline-four generates 167 horses and 165 lb-ft of torque, a decent improvement from the current cars 158 horsepower and 163 lb-ft. It is routed through the front wheels via a new five-speed automatic gearbox. Interestingly, most Japanese vehicles, such as the Acura TSX and Honda Civic, are available with optional all-wheel drive in their home markets, and the Camry is no exception. The electronically-controlled AWD system distributes power equally for improved grip, and might actually be a path Toyota Canada could consider, given that AWD is growing in popularity for its performance and safety benefits.

The information found on the Japanese webpage doesnt speak about any V6s, as large-displacement gasoline engines arent favored in Japans home market due to the cost of fuel and high tax rates, however, for us North Americans, expect a detuned version of the 3.5-liter V6 applied to the Avalon and Lexus IS 350. A hybrid version, which has long been rumored, should finally appear with this new model, just in time to go head to head with Nissans upcoming Altima Hybrid - that will just happen to use Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive components.

Toyota hopes to improve the Camrys dynamics by fettling with the suspension, opting for lightweight metals to reduce unsprung weight. Revised dampers and springs in addition to recalibrated power steering and wider front and rear tracks should add a dose of excitement, bringing it closer to driver-favorites such as the Honda Accord, Mazda6 and Ford Fusion. Likewise, the cars ride quality has not been neglected: the site states that these changes have improved comfort "substantially".

In terms of its safety, Toyota has taken this topic extremely seriously. In Japan, the Camry will come standard with no less than eight airbags including the new dual-chamber airbag on the passengers side, side curtain airbags and knee-bolster airbags.

Braking is conducted through 16-inch discs in front and 15-inch discs in back, aided by ABS and brakeforce distribution. Upper-level Camrys will also feature VSC and TRC stability and traction control systems respectively.

Given the factual information and detail presented, the new Camry is a pretty convincing case for Toyotas midsize family sedan. The Japanese variant goes on sale January 30th, with a price tag that runs between 2.5 and 3.5 million Yen ($20,900 to $29,300 USD). The 2007 model-year Camry is expected to make its world debut at this years North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January. Production will take place across the globe, but our local-markets will receive Camrys built in Kentucky, U.S.A.