Toyota Camry – Automobiles Review

New Avalon and Camry models get an exclusive AWD system!

2020 Toyota Camry AWD While others are abandoning the sedan segment, Toyota continues to double-down with new ideas and variants of its best-selling sedans. With the start of the new model year, Toyota team launches a new AWD Camry and Avalon vehicles – Let’s check ‘em out!

Both vehicles benefit from a highly-efficient 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder power unit, mated to an 8-speed Direct-Shift automatic gearbox. Most Camry AWD grades generate a total of 202hp, while Camry XSE AWD, along with Avalon AWD have 205hp and come dual exhaust. What is notable about this AWD system is that it can distribute up to 50 percent of the torque to the rear wheels, in response to acceleration form a start or slippage at the front wheels.

Also, when AWD is not needed, as on long highway stretches, the electromagnetic controlled coupling on the front of the rear drive axle can disengage the propeller shaft from the differential to prioritize fuel efficiency. This particular AWD system is designed to re-engage in an instant when needed.

Adapting the AWD drivetarain to the Camry and Avalon required floor structure modifications, along with the use of electronic parking brake and saddle-style fuel tank with an optimized capacity for AWD models rather than the flat tank in the FWD models.

2021 Toyota Avalon AWD

As for Avalon AWD, it will be available for purchase next fall. Both XLE and Limited AWD grades will be available for buyers and will also feature extended list of standard features. Some of these include:

Toyota Safety Sense-P
All 2020 Camry and Avalon models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) a suite of cutting-edge active safety systems that includes:
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
Automatic High Beams (AHB).

Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) are available on Camry and standard on Avalon. Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) with Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB) also are available on both models.

Source: Toyota

February 20, 2020

Darkness Comes! Toyota announces new Nightshade Edition Models

2019 Toyota Nightshade Edition Models Toyota announces details about new Nightshade Special Edition models. 2019 Camry and Highlander lineups will be enriched with sexy exclusive packages that offer both styling and performance upgrades – buyers will bet neat black accents, Nightshade Special Edition badging and countless more goodies. Let’s check ‘em out!

Camry Nightshade

2019 Toyota Nightshade Edition Models

2019 Camry, already popular with its stylish and functional interior, Toyota has prepared neat upgrade to the SE trim level with black 18-inch wheels and black spoiler that are the highlight of the upgrade pack. Additional exterior accents include black window molding, black mirror caps, a black shark fin, black door handles, white and black exterior Toyota emblems and a choice of three exterior finishes: Midnight Black Metallic, Celestial Silver and Super White.

Highlander Nightshade

2019 Toyota Nightshade Edition Models

Sexy and sleek, Highlander Nightshade Special Edition is founded on SE grade level and features black accents to the rear spoiler, shark fin antenna, exterior door handles and door trims are also covered in black. Furthermore, the upgrade pack includes neat 19-inch wheels that complete the overall sporty looks. The pack also includes four optional exterior color schemes: Midnight Black Metallic, Predawn Gray Mica, Salsa Red Pearl and Blizzard Pearl. Neat!

Source: Toyota

November 5, 2018

2016 Toyota Camry RZ Special Edition: Capable, but it is still cheap-looking

2016 Toyota Camry RZ Special Edition Toyota announced a special-edition Camry RZ that is coming our way. In brand’s worlds the vehicle will feature more sporty spirit and some exterior changes. In fact, we quickly noticed the rich in detail alloys and the overall massive and aggressive expression. The vehicle is also geared with low-profile tires, sporty suspension and twin exhausts.

The suspension system is expected to offer better body control and comfort, while the faster gear shifts would contribute to that sporty experience. Furthermore, the exterior embraces some black details and style changes: there is a sporty-mesh radiator grille, halogen headlamps and a rear bumper diffuser. And there are two exterior finishers: diamond and white or cherry.

2016 Toyota Camry RZ Special Edition

In terms of drivetrain system, the vehicle comes with Euro 5-compliant engine and not-that-bad fuel consumption efficiency, considered the wanna-be sporty badass power unit stats: 180hp (135kW) and 235Nm of torque. When you think about it, these numbers are not low in any mean, but performance perfection is achieved with all system components, not just the engine, right? And it looks as there isn’t anything else impressive, as it comes to drivetrain system.

Interior styling

2016 Toyota Camry RZ Special Edition

Interior touches and changes have been made here and there. There is a dual-zone climate-control system, a three-spoke steering wheel, color /you don’t say!/ touch screen and the most important, RZ-branded floor mats.

Additional features

In fact, the vehicle has earned five-star safety rating with its standard safety suite, consisting of seven airbags, reverse camera, stability and traction control systems, anti-skid brakes and brake assist system. Not bad, right?

Prices for the new 2016 Toyota Camry RZ start from $28,490 USD

Source: Toyota

June 15, 2016

Refreshment accepted: 2016 Toyota Camry lineup and its new features are here!

2016 Toyota Camry Atara SX Facelift Toyota updates its Camry lineup with tons of new standard features. The already impressive vehicles will now benefit from special satellite navigation system and expanded Toyota Link mobility system, both controlled via a large seven-inch touch screen. Also, there are some neat cosmetic changes: the lovely Atara SX now proudly demonstrates stylish 18-inch alloys, distinctive red inserts, lower edge of the front grille and rear-bumper diffuser. Cool, right?

There are special ISOFIX attachments in every vehicle, along with new certified Euro 5 power units. But let’s check out and the convenience additions, shall we?

The revised Camry Atara from the inside

The interior of the petrol Atara S is geared with new full-color 4.2-inch multi-functional display that controls many of vehicle’s functions and systems, as the whole multimedia platform, audio, navigation, warnings, drivetrain system condition and communications.

2016 Toyota Camry Atara SX Facelift

The range flagship, the Atara SL comes with wireless phone charger, suspension fine tuning and special 18-inch wheels.

Drivetrain system

In terms of performance and engineering, the Altise, Altara S and Atara SL can be ordered with 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol or hybrid-petrol units. Atara SX comes in petrol-only engine and is the most agile and responsive Camry created so far.

The 2.5-liter petrol engine is capable of producing 178hp (133kW) and is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, while the hybrid system offers the aid of 202 horses (133kW) and comes with a electronic continuously variable transmission. Sweet.

2016 Toyota Camry Atara SX Facelift

Prices for the uplifted 2016 Toyota Camry lineup start from $26,490 USD.

Source: Toyota

May 30, 2016

Toyota Camry Hybrid to be Even More Efficient? See the Prototype!

Toyota announced that it is currently conducting tests on a new technology that could make hybrids and other vehicles with electric powertrains even more efficient. A trial, which will take one year, will be conducted in Japan and will rate the performance of new power semi-conductors that work with silicon carbide (SiC) material. They will be fitted to a Camry hybrid prototype and a hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus.

These conductors can be seen in hybrids and other EVs, and are found in the power control units that govern the motor. They manage the exact use of electricity and send the power from the battery to the motors when the car is being driven. Of course, they also recharge the battery during braking or deceleration.

At the moment, the conductors used account for 20 per cent of a vehicle’s electrical losses. And this is the reason that made Toyota take the decision to increase the efficiency of the complete powertrain. This will happen via the development of high-quality SiC type conductors create less resistance when electricity flows through them.

The tests will be conducted on Camry hybrid prototype and a hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus. Toyota has installed SiC power semiconductors, meaning transistors and diodes, in the PCU’s internal voltage step-up converter and the inverter that controls the motor. It will gather all the needed information, including PCU voltage and current, and driving speeds, patterns, and weather conditions.

Toyota will compare the new data to the previous one, collected from the conductors currently in use, and then will assess the level of efficiency achieved. The Camry road test will take place in Toyota City and will last more than a year. They will begin in early February.

Source: Toyota

January 30, 2015

Toyota Introduces Next-Gen Integrated Safety Technology [VIDEO]

Toyota’s next-generation Integrated Safety Technology was revealed today. It comprises of a lot of smart new technologies and systems which aim to deliver safety driving and are planned to be applied in company’s future vehicles. These include vehicle-to-infrastructure and communications for safer manoeuvres, hazard alerts and smarter as well as more efficient cruise control driving; and new adaptive LED headlight arrays for better night-time illumination. These technologies together with advanced active safety packages are scheduled to be officially rolled out from 2015 for new models.

All of these new features were just announced at a safety seminar in Toyota City. The company is also creating Safety Sense active safety packages, which are tailored to suit different size vehicles prepared to be introduced by the end of 2017.

Vehicle-infrastructure and vehicle-vehicle communications use wireless frequency reserved for Integrated Traffic System (ITS) services. The instance here is simple: when one arrives at junction with no clear view, sensors above the road detect on-coming traffic or pedestrians and send the information to the car (vehicle-to-infrastructure system).

In addition, those vehicles approaching the intersection will signal that they are there with the vehicle-to-vehicle link, thus activating visual and audio warnings. Communicating Radar Cruise Control is the next technology developed by Toyota that utilizes vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

This one makes it easier for preceding and following vehicles to keep a safe distance apart. How it works? It has forward-facing millimetre-wave radar which monitors the distance between the vehicle and this ahead, their approximate speed and the acceleration/deceleration of the car in front.

LED Array Adaptive High Beam comes offering better night-time illumination. The system utilizes multiple, independently controlled LEDs arranged in a single row. The effect: a wider illumination without dazzling drivers of on-coming or preceding vehicles. In addition, it can light up the gaps between cars ahead and those approaching. This next-gen technology will be featured in Toyota’s Safety Sense active safety package.

Starting from next year, the Japanese company will launch a new set of active safety technologies. They were designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions, and will be offered in two Toyota Safety Sense packages: C and P for mid-size and larger vehicles respectively.

More importantly, they will bring together several active safety technologies, including the Pre-Crash Safety system, Lane Keep Assist and automatic high beam. Precisely, the C package utilizes laser radar, while the P package a millimetre-wave radar, each of which is combined with a camera.

At last, there is a separate active safety package called Lexus Safety System+. It will include the new Road Sign Assist function, which recognizes speed limits and road signs when traveling overseas, presenting the information on the driver’s instrument display.

httpv://vimeo.com/112915300

Video Source: Vimeo

Source: Toyota

November 26, 2014

More Features at No Extra Cost? Go for the new Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry gets some sustention at no extra cost! How cool is that! The car now has an upgraded audio system and a standard reversing camera. There’s a catch though: the changes come for free for the four petrol and two petrol-electric hybrid Camry variants. Every audio system includes a touch screen, while four of the six variants have a 6.1-inch screen that also displays the image from the reversing camera.

At the top of the petrol lineup sits the Atara SL. This trim along with the hybrid HL are getting 7-inch screens with satellite navigation and the addition of Toyota Link connected mobility. The latter has an application which helps drivers find a destination, fuel or weather details and etc.

Toyota Camry is in its seventh generation form. It features 2.5-litre petrol engines in petrol or petrol-electric hybrid configurations. Precisely, the Camry Altise delivers 181 horsepower (133 kW) of power and 231 Nm (170 lb-ft) of torque.

The Atara trim will benefit from new twin exhausts that will help lift output to 184 hp (135 kW) and 235 Nm (173 lb-ft). Fuel economy across the petrol range is just 7.8 litres/100km.

The hybrid version shows stand-out performance and economy thanks to its hybrid system. The latter has a combined output of 205 hp (151 kW) with power varied between the petrol engine and electric motor. Fuel use here is estimated at just 5.2 litres/100km.

Source: Toyota

October 29, 2014

Updated 2015 Toyota Camry NASCAR Racer Revealed

Toyota and its Racing Development division (TRD) have just introduced the new 2015 Toyota Camry race car. Next season, the vehicle will take part in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) competition. With this model, the company becomes the first in the series to update the NASCAR ‘Gen-6’ model. The Camry has been redesigned and will also be cmpeting in next year’s NASCAR Xfinity Series.

The update of the car results in a new identity, it looks similar to the 2015 production Camry introduced earlier this year. For this car, TRD worked together with Calty Design, and together they have redesigned the racer, which now incorporates design elements from the new 2015 production car.

Just look at the aggressive front end and grill area that looks exactly like its production counterpart. What is more, the new Camry also features sleek hood and nose, and a brand new tail. The sleeker look is further enhanced via a distinct change in the quarter windows.

The redesigned Toyota Camry racer is a byproduct of the improved collaboration between NASCAR and Toyota. The Japanese company aimed to remodel its Gen-6 race car to more closely resemble its serial production version.

2015 Toyota Camry will make its debut at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Daytona International Speedway during February’s ‘Speedweeks.’

Source: Toyota

October 14, 2014

2015 Toyota Camry is Getting Better

2015 Toyota Camry is undoubtedly one of the best-selling cars in North America. Now the model is ready to go on sale in late September, featuring some innovations. Toyota says that it has remade the 2015 Camry and Camry Hybrid with a bold new exterior design, improved dynamic performance, a premium interior and adding more innovative safety technologies. Camry will be offered in four trim levels: LE, SE, XSE and the top of the range – XLE. Entirely new addition to the line-up is the XSE, which is the sportiest Camry yet. All models will be powered by the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The unit generates 178 horsepower (130 kW) and 230 Nm (170 lb.-ft.) of peak torque. It is coupled with a standard six-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers EPA-estimated 25 MPG city/ 35 MPG highway/ 28 MPG combined fuel economy. XSE and XLE trims will also have the option to be powered by the 3.5-liter V6 engine. It will be mated to a six-speed automatic and will generate 268 horsepower (197 kW).

Furthermore, the LE and SE will also include wide range of standard equipment such as 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, shift lever boot with contrast stitching, satin chrome interior accents, passenger window auto up-down, chrome front upper grille and rear trunk garnish and heated outside mirrors. On the SE, the customers will also find a 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display and direct tire pressure monitor system.

Camry XSE and XLE add more standard features over the LE and SE. These include leather-trimmed seating with multi-stage heated front seats and four-way power passenger seat on the XLE or leather-trimmed seating with Ultrasuede inserts and multi-stage heated front seats and 4-way power passenger seat on the XSE. More standard features include Entune Audio Plus multimedia system, LED daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels with a super chrome finish on the XLE and 18-inch alloy wheels with machined face and black paint for the XSE.

These versions equipped with the V6 engine will add also LED high and low headlights, Smart Key entry, Entune Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite including a 7-inch High-Resolution Touch-Screen Display, power tilt/slide moonroof and Qi wireless charging capability.

Next, the 2015 Camry Hybrid will be offered in three grades: LE, SE and XLE. The LE adds as no cost option 8-way power driver’s seat including power lumbar and the 4.2-inch TFT multi information display. The SE trim level adds Sport fabric SofTex-trimmed front seats with seatback pockets, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic three-spoke steering wheel with Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio controls and silver interior trim.

The top of the range, the XLE adds standard leather-trimmed seating with multi-stage heated front seats and 4-way power passenger seat, LED daytime running lights, direct tire pressure monitor system and 17-inch alloy wheels with super chrome finish.

In terms of safety, all 2015 Camry models come equipped with 10 airbags, STAR Safety System, including Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. It also features the Smart Stop Technology brake-override system.

The advanced safety features here comprise of Pre-Collision System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Auto High Beam, and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

2015 Toyota Camry Pricing:

Model#	Grade	Engine	Transmission	2015 MSRP
2532	Camry LE	2.5 L 4-cyl.	6AT	$22,970
2546	Camry SE	2.5L 4-cyl.	6AT	$23,840
2540	Camry XLE	2.5L 4-cyl.	6AT	$26,150
2548	Camry XSE	2.5L 4-cyl.	6AT	$26,150
2550	Camry XSE	3.5L V6	6AT	$31,370
2554	Camry XLE	3.5L V6	6AT	$31,370
2559	Camry Hybrid LE	2.5L 4-cyl. Hybrid	E-CVT	$26,790
2561	Camry Hybrid SE	2.5L 4-cyl. Hybrid	E-CVT	$27,995
2560	Camry Hybrid XLE	2.5L 4-cyl. Hybrid	E-CVT	$29,980

Source: Toyota

September 3, 2014

2015 Toyota Camry Facelift for Russia

At the current Moscow International Motor Show, Toyota has introduced a specifically facelifted version of its best-selling 2015 Camry. The car not only gets a visual makeover but also receives some engine updates and wide range of new features. The Russian version of the car is pretty much different from its North American sibling, which was also updated recently.

For instance, take a look at the redesigned front end and the protruding lower grille. There is also new design of the headlights, while the upper chromed grille is thinner than this of the US version. At the rear of the model we can see that the bumper has been resculpted.

The back also includes redesigned and definitely more elegant chrome strip, which runs across the entire width of the Camry. Toyota also prepared for the Russian customers new design of the alloy wheels.

The interior of the car has also undergone several modifications. The sedan features entirely new backlit instrument panel including a 4.2-inch color TFT-display mounted in its center. The steering wheel has also been restyled, while the center console features 6.1- or an available 7.0-inch screen. The equipment was also enhanced with the presence of wireless mobile charger, automatic beams and heater rear seats.

Next to the already known range of engines, Toyota is adding to the Russian version of Camry the 2.0-liter four petrol engine. It produces 150 horsepower (110 kW) and is coupled to six-speed automatic transmission. The accelerations time for the car from 0 to 100 km/h is rated at 10.4 seconds, while the average fuel consumption – at 7.2l/100km.

Source: Toyota

August 29, 2014

Toyota Makes Next Steps In Hybrid Power

Toyota is undertaking significant developments in the laboratory and on the race track. The aim – to make next steps in the evolution of hybrid power, which will be utilized in hybrid vehicles such as Prius and Camry. The company is targeting improvements in performance and fuel efficiency. The first step has been already made with the announcement of new generation of computer chips that have the potential to boost the fuel efficiency by 10 per cent. At the same time they also significantly reduce the size of the crucial power control unit (PCU).

Toyota Racing division which is positioned in Germany focuses on practicing the hybrid know-how. This is made via its participation in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) sports-car racing, and will also be implemented in next month’s Le Mans 24-hour classic.

The hybrid technology of the all-wheel-drive TS040 Hybrid race car, harvests more braking energy that can be stored and utilized under acceleration. This of course results in additional power boost. If we compare the new hybrid with last year’s race car, the maximum power of the TS040 Hybrid has been improved more than 18 per cent. In addition, the fuel consumption has been cut by 25 per cent.

TS040 Hybrid made two victories in the two WEC races held this year. This also serves as a real-life test bench for Toyota’s latest hybrid concepts. The knowledge gained from the motorsport program and Toyota’s on-going research and development has already been utilized to enhance the company’s hybrid road cars. Since the launch of the first Prius in 1997, more than six million cars were sold around the globe.

The latest laboratory achievement of Toyota’s includes new silicon carbide computer chips (power semi-conductors) that are more efficient than today’s chips made from silicon alone. They were designed to be used in the PCU of hybrid vehicles, thus enabling the company to improve fuel efficiency by up to 10 per cent while also reducing PCU size by up to 80 per cent.

Precisely, the silicon carbide chips will undergo on-road testing in Japan within a year. They reduce the amount of current lost as heat, and switch the current flow on and off more efficiently. The result is the reduced size of the coil and capacitor, which account for approximately 40 per cent of the size of the PCU.

PCU in hybrid vehicles delivers electric power from the battery to the motor in order to control vehicle’s speed. It also sends electricity generated through deceleration to the battery for storage. Nearly 20 per cent of the total power loss in hybrid vehicles is associated with the power semiconductors alone. This shows a need for an improvement of the semi-conductor in order to improve efficiency.

Source: Toyota

June 2, 2014

Toyota Introduces 2014.5 Camry Hybrid SE Limited Edition

A new limited edition model will join the current Toyota Camry line-up. It is the 2014.5 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE Limited Edition. The reason for the not so typical model year is that the car will have a production run from February to June this year and will be limited to 5000 units.

Next to its sports styling cues, the vehicle offers 40 mpg EPA city fuel economy. This is due to the Toyota Hybrid Synergy drive. In details, Camry Hybrid SE Limited Edition is powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine as well as a hybrid system with nickel metal hydride battery. Both produce a total system output of 200 hp (147 kW).

This limited edition Camry is built on Camry XLE Hybrid’s equipment level. However it adds also some goodies such as exclusive new front fascia, headlights, side rockers, rear valance, rear bumper, rear spoiler, and 17-inch wheels with low profile tires.

The interior of the car has been also enhanced specifically for the car. Inside one can find four-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel, silver interior trim, instrument panel, center stack trim, and front and rear seats.

The car can be easily distinguished due to the added unique badging. Toyota also offers for this model optional package that will add a moonroof and Display Audio with Navigation and Entune Apps Suite.

2014.5 Camry Hybrid SE Limited Edition will be available in showrooms later this month with an initial price of $27,845 USD.

Source: Toyota

February 5, 2014

Tag: Toyota Camry

Camry Nightshade

Highlander Nightshade

Interior styling

Additional features

The revised Camry Atara from the inside

Drivetrain system