2018 Toyota Camry
The 2018MY all-new Camry appears rather promising. For those who saw the
NASCAR version a while back won’t be surprised; it adorns a similar Lexus-like
spindle grille, large lower intakes and L-shaped LED headlight clusters.
Thankfully the bodywork also receives visual
character; with taut lines, panel creases and pumped guards. The silhouette is
reminiscent of the Lexus IS sedan; with an organic-looking glasshouse and
rounded rear quarter windows, eschewing the mundane C-pillar inlays of the
outgoing car. Rear-end styling is dominated by sleeker taillight clusters, a
more sculptured trunk lip spoiler and quad exhaust tips.
Big news here is that Camry will migrate onto
Toyota’s modular New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform that also underpins
the Prius and C-HR. However, here it will be tailored for midsize duty, with
bigger dimensions, lower center of gravity and reduced weight thanks to
aluminum components.
If the Japanese brands green lights the TRD model,
then expect larger wheels, stiffer suspension and upgraded brakes. Although
don’t count on it being a hardcore canyon-carver; it’s more likely to tread the
middle ground, competing against the likes of the Ford Fusion Sport.
Perhaps the biggest let down of the current car is
its cabin presentation. Toyota plans to address this with a focus on more
premium looking and feeling materials, attractive styling and a better
infotainment system. Camry is currently very competitive on occupant space, so we’d
be surprised if cabin dimensions increase substantially.
Camry’s current range of gasoline and hybrid engines
will likely carryover, although a new 2.0-litre turbocharged four should make
an appearance, coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Those aforementioned quad exhaust pipes
certainly suggest something serious for the TRD model; however it’s most likely
to be the new direct-injected 3.5-litre V6 found in the latest Highlander SUV.
Expect an output north of 300 hp, channeling power through 8-gears with
Stop-Start technology.
