Toyota Motor Philippines has pulled the wraps off the all-new Camry, a longer and taller but sportier-looking, and more fuel efficient iteration of its highly successful executive limousine. The 2012 Camry is reportedly based on an “emotional and rational” approach to the model; we see it as a case of continual improvement.
The Camry is 20mm longer and 20mm taller than the outgoing model, but it looks better-proportioned and more interesting to look at. The styling is similar to that seen in the lower-end Lexus sedans, one of which shares the Camry’s platform. The headlamps and grille remain nondescript, but the front bumper has angular sides and lower flares, a la Audi. The taillights and rear styling are also Audi-esque, lending the car a touch of sophistication. It looks particularly good in the “attitude black” paint, which shimmers to a dark blue shade when viewed in strong light. The 3.5 Q gets dual exhausts.
There are three variants: 2.5G, 2.5V and 3.5Q. The G gets fabric, manual seats, while G and Q get leather seats with eight-way power adjust for driver and four-way power adjust for front passenger. The rear also gets two-way power recline seats. The V and Q interior in the dark leather and wood trim looks like a textbook illustration of a luxury sedan interior. Power rear sunshade, rear door sunshade, triple-zone airconditioning (driver, front passenger, and rear seating area), cruise control, and transponder key function with corresponding Engine Start-Stop button are standard for these variants. Even the base G has dual-zone airconditioning and backup sensors. Bluetooth connectivity, LCD touchscreen for the audio, and power adjust steering wheel are available only in the 3.5Q.
The base engine has been upgraded to a 2.5-liter inline four with dual VVTi. Engine output goes up to 176bhp and 231Nm. The 3.5-liter V6 pumps out 274bhp and 346Nm. Toyota claims up to 20% improvement in fuel mileage from what were hardly gas-guzzling sedans (the previous 3.5 liter car can get 7 km/liter in mixed driving). The engines mate to six-speed automatic transmissions with manual shift gate, something we hope will trickle down soon to the rest of the Toyota lineup.
Toyota says that aerodynamic improvements, including the front bumper, sculpted doors, and underbody fairings contribute to improvements in fuel economy. There are no plans for a hybrid model, unless the proposed tax breaks are put into place.
Camry rides on MacPherson struts up front and independent struts at the rear. All variants roll on 215/55-17 tires. ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, HID headlamps and dual airbags are standard. The 3.5Q adds side and curtain airbags, headlamp washers, and swiveling headlamps.
The Camry, with its new interior and exterior design, long list of toys, and bulletproof resale value, seems set to retain top position in the executive class. The 2.5G goes for P1,451,000; the 2.5V is at P1,681,000; and the 3.5Q is at P2,082,000. White pearl paint will cost P15,000 extra.
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