Toyota Australia has unveiled a new Camry sedan range which will powered exclusively by the latest hybrid-electric (HEV) powertrain.
Available in three grades, the new Camry will be the first Toyota in Australia equipped with the brand’s 2.5-litre, four-cylinder engine and the fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System.
Toyota says its engineers have combined the engine’s output with lighter and more compact electric motors to produce more power and enhanced performance compared with the previous hybrid system.
According to the manufacturer, the engineers have tuned the latest HEV system by reducing engine revs at lower speeds and increasing power from the traction battery, providing satisfying acceleration and torque feel.
A retuned suspension contributes to even greater responsiveness, stability and handling for additional confidence behind the wheel says Toyota.
It says that cars for Australian customers will be built in Japan with a local launch slated for the second half of next year.
Toyota Australia spokesman Sean Hanley says the global adoption of hybrid-electric technology for Camry reflected overwhelming consumer demand, including in Australia.
“Moving exclusively to a hybrid Camry clearly signals the ongoing success of Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to helping customers lower their carbon footprint through electrification while leaving no-one behind,” Hanley says.
“Beyond the broad appeal of hybrid technology under the bonnet, we anticipate strong demand for the new Camry with its premium interiors along with new-generation advances to dynamics, safety and convenience,” he says.
Hammerhead
The new Camry delivers a sleeker look for the sedan featuring Toyota’s new “hammerhead” grille and slim LED headlights, daytime running lamps and taillights.
The interior adopts a modern, open concept with refined materials that endow each of the model’s three grades with their own personality and style.
Convenience is a hallmark, including a standard smart key with push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Additional connected services include an emergency SOS button, 24/7 automatic collision notification and stolen-vehicle tracking.
An available Intelligent Assistant, activated by simple phrases like “Hey Toyota”, enables drivers to search for directions, adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperatures and more.
Depending on the grade, new Camry will sport 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels and convey vital information to the driver through a 7-inch or 12.3-inch digital multi-information display in the instrument cluster and an 8-inch or 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen.
Top-of-the-range specifications include a head-up display, JBL premium audio, leather-accented interior, paddle shifters, Qi wireless charging pad, panoramic view monitor, and front and rear parking assist with automatic braking.
The new Camry will enhance the model’s reputation for safety with standard blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert and a suite of Toyota Safety System features. These include a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian detection, full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-trace assist, road-sign assist and automatic high beam.
