My FH5 Log: The Last Toyota Camry

In case you forgot, Toyota ended sales of the Camry executive midsize sedan in Japan at the end of last year. Japan did bid farewell to the Camry and with it popped up on Forza Horizon 5, it's time to have my last words with the Camry.

The tenth-generation Toyota Camry popped up on Forza Horizon 5 as a prize car in the High-Performance Dailies Storm Season Playlist and now that I got it, it's time for the final word with the last Camry sold in its native market.

The tenth-generation Toyota Camry was launched in the summer of 2017 and it runs on the TNGA platform. In Japan, it's offered only as a hybrid and it features a brand new 2.5L A25A-FXS petrol engine mated to an 88kW electric motor and a Li-ion battery, resulting in a combined power output of 211PS of power. With a CVT standard, fuel efficiency varies by 28.4 to 33.4km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards. With sales of the Camry ending in Japan at the end of 2023, the 10th-generation Camry will be the last Camry sold in Japan.

This marks the third TNGA Toyota car to enter the world of Forza since the Lexus LC500 and the Toyota GR Yaris and here's hoping for more TNGA Toyotas.

The car shown here is not the one I mentioned. It's the North American-exclusive Camry TRD. It has a 301-hp 2GR-FKS 3.5L V6 petrol engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. It also has a TRD-tweaked aero kit and improved dynamics.

It's amazing that North America still has V6-powered Camrys like this, although the tenth-generation model marked the final time a Camry is powered by a V6. Anyway, long story short, it's time to find out just how good the un-Japanese Camry TRD is by tackling the competition in one of the four new sprint races that debuted in the High-Performance Dailies update. Let's roll the tape.

This Camry TRD is a road-legal NASCAR hero. It's a lot of fun to drive, especially since it may be the last time a Camry like this is powered by a not-for-Japan V6 engine.

The Toyota Camry is already discontinued in Japan, but it continues to be sold in other countries. It's a sad time for Japanese car enthusiasts and another sign that Japan is becoming more of an isolationist state when it comes to world cars. Yes, I said that at the moment Toyota announced the end of the Camry in its home market after 43 years. Long story short but you get the point.

Sayonara, Toyota Camry. You made us proud.

A quick history of the Toyota Camry

Reports told that Toyota Motor Corporation is ending sales of the Camry executive midsize sedan in Japan after 43 years and the next generation model will be sold only overseas. It's another sad day in the Japanese automotive industry as the long list of Japanese cars discontinued in Japan but active overseas is expanding with Toyota's recent announcement of axing the C-HR and the Camry in their lineup with no successors in sight.

As Japan says goodbye to the Toyota Camry, the midsize sedan that changed the rules and upset the world, especially in NASCAR, it's time for a quick history lesson with the Toyota Camry.

The 10th-generation Toyota Camry,
launched in 2017, will be the
last Camry sold in Japan.

First Generation (1980-1982) - The first-generation Camry was known as the Celica Camry when it was launched in January 1980. It's the four-door version of the second-generation Toyota Celica because it runs on the same nook and cranny as the second-generation Celica. The Celica Camry was powered by a choice of a 1.6L, 1.8L, and 2.0L petrol engine.

Second Generation (1982-1986) - No longer Celica-based, the second-generation Camry runs on the same mechs as the first-generation Toyota Vista. This model transitioned into a front-wheel-drive model, making it Toyota's first horizontal-engine front-wheel-drive car. Initially offered with a 1.8L petrol engine, the second-generation Camry was expanded with a choice of a 2.0L petrol and two diesel engines, a 1.8 and a 2.0 variant.

Third Generation (1986-1990) - The third-generation Camry was launched in the summer of 1986 and it features contemporary styling akin to its big brother, the Mark II. The 2.0L petrol engine features Toyota's first Hi-Mecha TwinCam specification. This generation marks the first time it was produced outside Japan as Toyota Australia began production of this model in 1987 at its Victoria plant in Melbourne. Holden even borrowed one for the Apollo sedan as well. In the same year, the four-door hardtop Prominent model was offered.

Fourth Generation (1990-1994) - The fourth-generation Camry was launched in the summer of 1990 and this model features styling inspired by the Celsior flagship sedan.

Fifth Generation (1994-1998) - The fifth-generation Camry was launched in the summer of 1994 and it features a boxier shape and styling inspired by the Crown. The Prominent variant is no longer offered in this generation. It features a choice of a 4S-FE, a 3S-FE, and a 3C-TE diesel engine while mated to a choice of a 4-speed automatic and a five-speed manual.

Sixth Generation (1996-2001) - At the end of 1996, the Camry Gracia was launched in sedan and estate variants. The Gracia is the luxury alternative to the Camry and it served as the replacement for both the Camry Prominent and the US-built Scepter. With the fifth-generation Camry's production ending in the summer of 1998, the Camry Gracia took its place and it was known as the sixth-generation Camry when it was facelifted in 1999. This is the last Camry to have a V6 engine offered in the Japanese market. A year later, Daihatsu sold the Toyota Camry as the Altis.

Seventh Generation (2001-2006) - The seventh-generation Camry was launched in late September 2001, marking the first Camry of the 21st century. The seventh-generation model now runs on the K Platform used by its Windom relative. The V6 engine is gone and the only engine offered is a 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine mated to a 4-speed automatic.

Eighth Generation (2006-2011) - The eighth-generation Camry was launched at the end of January 2006, and this model features a sharp-looking exterior design. The 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine was carried over from the previous model but it saw its power bumped to 167PS. 

Ninth Generation (2011-2017) - The ninth-generation Camry, launched in the autumn of 2011, is now a hybrid-only saloon and the first hybrid saloon from Toyota to introduce the 2AR-FXE hybrid powertrain that saw its 2.5L DOHC Dual VVT-i engine connected to an electric motor and nickel metal battery.

Tenth Generation (2017-2023) - The tenth-generation Toyota Camry was launched in the summer of 2017 and it now runs on the TNGA platform. Like the previous model, it's offered only as a hybrid and it features a brand new 2.5L A25A-FXS petrol engine mated to an 88kW electric motor and at long last, a Li-ion battery, resulting in a combined power output of 211PS of power, and with a CVT standard, fuel efficiency varies by 28.4 to 33.4km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards. With sales of the Camry ending in Japan at the end of 2023, the 10th-generation Camry will be the last Camry sold in Japan.

It's a real shame that the Toyota Camry will be joining the list of Japanese cars discontinued in Japan but active overseas. As Toyota prepares the next-generation Camry, it would be best not to bother it because this is the first time the next-generation Camry will not be available in Japan. Another telltale sign Japan is becoming more of a pariah state when it comes to world cars.

Rest in pieces, Toyota Camry. You will be dearly missed.

New Toyota Camry/Daihatsu Altis (XV70)

Back in January, Toyota launched the all-new Camry at the North American International Auto Show and while Americans are the first to get the new model, not to mention that it was part of this year's Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series alongside its rival Ford Fusion and the soon-to-be-replaced Chevrolet SS, it's hard to fathom what will the Camry for the world market will be since the previous model but the new Camry we last saw in NAIAS last January has now arrived on the Japanese market and it promises to be a global midsize sedan known the world over with its new styling, new high-tech features, and eye-catching performance that sounds very promising but is it?

2018 Toyota Camry

2018 Daihatsu Altis

Like almost all of the wide-body Camrys since the Gracia, Toyota will sell you the new Camry for 3,294,000 Japanese Yen ($33,000) but if your nearest dealership was a Daihatsu and you want a midsize saloon like this one, don't fret because its Daihatsu Altis equivalent is now available to order starting at 3,499,200 Japanese Yen ($35,000). So, what's new with the design, perhaps? 

Come to think of it is a mashup of something old, something new, something Asian-American or so they say. Up front, the front lamps look like it came from the old V50-spec Camry of 2006 while the bumper is more of an enlarged version of the one seen in the previous generation model. The grille is now T-shaped like the ones on the C-HR compact crossover, just to give the new Camry a keen look that won't be as tasteless as a tasteless sugar-free vanilla ice cream you bought at the supermarket. On the back view, well, let's just say it looks nice enough for a Camry of this magnitude but if you are asking for more about the back, better talk somewhere else.

2018 Toyota Camry interior

2018 Toyota Camry interior

2018 Daihatsu Altis interior

2018 Daihatsu Altis interior

Inside, it's becoming more luxurious than the previous model and while the dashboard kind of reminds you of the Prius, the instrumental panel looks suspiciously familiar to the Nissan Teana L33, one of the Camry's chief rivals in the midsize saloon stakes. The instrumental panel looks very vivid and easy to see out of, the spacing on the rear is very promising indeed as well as the boot space is big enough for your yard sale hauls you bought last weekend with the grannies.

2018 Toyota Camry

2018 Daihatsu Altis

Okay, enough about the design impression because it's time to get an earful about how the new Camry behaves with its earful TNGA platform, the new Camry promises to be comfortable and stable while delivering fun-to-drive handling you wouldn't expect on a car like this. It's also more rigid and even lighter as good thanks to its lightweight materials on the body. While this car delivers the sporty handling you would expect on a Japanese midsize saloon like this, the powertrain is not what you called convincing.

Like last time, the Camry is hybrid-only but it bears the brand new 2.5L A25A-FXS petrol engine mated to an 88kW electric motor and at long last, a Li-ion battery, resulting in a combined power output of 211PS of power, and with a CVT standard, fuel efficiency varies by 28.4 to 33.4km/L based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards but due to the WLTC Mode standards in force by next year, these stats are now irrelevant.

Still, if you are one of the people who go by the name of Truex Jr., Hamlin, Busch, Jones, Kenseth, Suarez, Sieg, Gaulding, and Gase, best to stick back to your NASCAR because with a performance of that caliber, the new Camry won't match against its NASCAR equivalent but for an average joe, it's not half bad to drive that Camry. It may not be as fun as a NASCAR but for work and at play, this Camry always gets the job done and this is more than just a family car you can take it for work, it's a road trippers' car fit for your next weekend trips, especially when this car comes with Toyota Safety Sense P and a wide array of safety tech great enough to keep yourselves safe and happy.

So, I think that's enough about talking about the new Camry and its Altis equivalent from Daihatsu despite being involved in NASCAR, it's nowhere near as fun as its NASCAR equivalent but you can feel thankful that this car isn't as tasteless as a vanilla ice cream and with its sharper design that looks uncanny for a midsize saloon, it's even more attractive as well and that is the bottom line.

Available colors: Platinum White Pearl Mica, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Emotional Red, Steel Blonde Metallic, Graphite Metallic, and Dark Blue Mica Metallic.

Photo: Toyota/Daihatsu

Daihatsu Altis (AVV50N) Minor Change

2015 Daihatsu Altis

Following the launch of the new 2015 Toyota Camry minor change, it looks like its equivalent from Daihatsu, the Altis, is not far behind as it follows suit as well.

Just like what you expect from the Camry minor change, the 2015 Altis features a slim front grille, LED-infused headlamps, and a large trapezoidal lower intake on the bumper with integrated fog lamps. On the back, you can also expect a rear bumper and a chrome strip that bridges the rear lamps.

2015 Daihatsu Altis interior

2015 Daihatsu Altis interior

Like the Camry, the 2015 Daihatsu Altis' improved interior features a new backlit instrumental panel with 4.2-inch TFT display between the dials, a revised steering wheel with three spokes, and a new centre console. It even comes with a SD navigation system as well.

It still comes with the 2.5L 2AR-FXE engine connected to an electric motor and a nickel metal battery while mated with a CVT gearbox. Running on petrol engine alone, it produces a standard 160PS/6,000rpm of power output, and 213Nm(21.7kg-m)/4,000rpm of torque output, but running on the 2JM electric motor, it produces 105kW of power and 270Nm of torque. When both the engine and motor are in place, combined power output is 205PS. Simple as pie as it works. Fuel economy? 23.4km/L on JC08 Mode scale.

The suspension's been improved for added comfort and high-speed stability. The NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) has been reduced thanks to the added insulation material within the front doors and underneath the carpet.

The 2015 Altis is only available with the HYBRID 'G Package" variant and it's priced at 3,413,782 Japanese Yen.

Available colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Grey Mica Metallic, Dark Steel Mica, Attitude Black Mica, Red Mica Metallic, True Blue Mica Metallic, and Dark Blue Mica Metallic.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

Toyota Camry AVV50 Minor Change

2015 Toyota Camry

Last 2011, the Toyota Camry luxury midsize saloon has been transformed into a hybrid-only saloon and the first hybrid saloon to introduce the 2AR-FXE engine connected to an electric motor and nickel metal battery. Three years later, the hybrid saloon from Japan has now been given a minor change so what's new?

The 2015 minor change Camry features a slim front grille, LED-infused headlamps, and a large trapezoidal lower intake on the bumper with integrated fog lamps. On the back, you can also expect a rear bumper and a chrome strip that bridges the rear lamps.

2015 Toyota Camry interior

2015 Toyota Camry interior

On the interior, it features a new backlit instrumental panel with a 4.2-inch TFT display between the dials, a revised steering wheel with three spokes, and a new center console. Aside from the cosmetic changes on the interior, there have been some hardware changes on the interior such as the implementation of Toyota's T-Connect SD navigation system.

If you're new here, what is T-Connect? T-Connect is Toyota's new telematics service along with sat-navs compatible with this and a smartphone app.  In addition to the voice controls, T-Connect allows third-party apps to be downloaded to the navigation system. There's an online help service that integrates and improves the functions the G-BOOK currently provided. In short; T-Connect from Toyota features interactive voice response, service for downloading apps to the sat-nav, improved online help, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

2015 Toyota Camry

You still have the 2AR-FXE (2.5L DOHC Dual VVT-i) engine loaded with Toyota Hybrid System II, which produces a standard 160PS/6,000rpm of power output, and 213Nm(21.7kg-m)/4,000rpm of torque output while mated with a CVT gearbox, When switched on EV mode, the 2JM electric motor is operated and it generates 105kW of power and 270Nm of torque. When both the engine and motor are in place, the combined power output is 205PS, that's more than its rival, the Honda Accord Hybrid, would do. The fuel economy is 23.4 km/L on the JC08 Mode scale but for those who opted for the 16-inch wheel option, fuel economy is improved to 25.4km/L. Hmmm...How come there's a trick for this?

In terms of mobility, the suspension's been improved for added comfort and high-speed stability. The NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) has been reduced thanks to the added insulation material within the front doors and underneath the carpet.

Safety-wise, the Camry is available with the optional Pre-Crash Safety System, Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Assist, and automatic high beam which automatically switches on the headlamps when the area is too dark or if it's nighttime.

The 2015 Camry hybrid sedan starts at 3,207,600 Japanese Yen.

Available colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Grey Mica Metallic, Dark Steel Mica, Attitude Black Mica, Red Mica Metallic, True Blue Mica Metallic, and Dark Blue Mica Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

New Generation Daihatsu Altis (AVV50N)

After a two year hiatus, the Daihatsu equivalent of the Toyota Camry, the Altis, is back and this time, it was based on the all new, hybrid-only Toyota Camry that was launched in Autumn last year. If you never heard about the Daihatsu Altis, you're not alone. Toyota owns Daihatsu, right? The Daihatsu Altis was launched in March 2000 and what Daihatsu do is throwing away Toyota badges in the 6th generation Camry. Same thing happened when the Altis went full model changes from 2001 and 2006 until in 2010, Daihatsu won't be selling the Altis because they fed up with this until now...

2013 Daihatsu Altis

2013 Daihatsu Altis

2013 Daihatsu Altis interior

This is still the current-generation hybrid-only Toyota Camry but replaced with Daihatsu badges on it. You still have the 2AR-FXE (2.5L DOHC Dual VVT-i) engine loaded with Toyota Hybrid System II, which produces a standard 160PS/6,000rpm of power output, 213Nm(21.7kg-m)/4,000rpm of torque output, and the fuel economy of 23.4km/L on JC08 Mode scale (26.5km/L on 10-15 Mode scale). One trivia that the 160PS power output can be increased up to 206PS once the 105kW 2JM electric motor is active. Like any other hybrids, the new Altis has EV Mode that keeps only the 2JM electric motor active rather than the 2AR-FXE engine for zero-emission driving. The CVT is the standard transmission offered for the new Camry for enhanced fuel economy and comfortable driving on winding roads.

Being a SU-LEV (Super Low Emission Vehicle) needs to be the safest, and the new Altis has the memo for that. It includes the finest safety features available such as Steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake force Distribution, Pedestrian Warning system that emits noise on some pedestrians, including the blind, Hill Start Assist Control, Discharge Headlamps, 7 SRS airbags, and Global Outstanding Assessment (GOA) for a reinforced bodywork.

Available in seven exterior colors such as White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Dark Steel Mica, Attitude Black Mica, Olive Mica Metallic, and True Blue Mica Metallic. It's available only in "HYBRID G PACKAGE" trim.

My comment:

What is the difference between Toyota Camry and Daihatsu Altis? Well, the only difference I can expect was the badges and that's it. Nothing. The same current Toyota Camry Hybrid, the same luxurious interior, the same 2AR-FXE engine, that's what I expect. Don't start asking what's the difference of these two because this Daihatsu Altis can only be find at your nearest Daihatsu dealer.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co, Ltd.

Toyota to produce Camry in Taiwan

2012 Toyota Camry

It was announced that Toyota will produce the all new "hybrid-only" Toyota Camry AVV50 with its Taiwan joint partner, Kuozui Motors, Ltd. It will take place at the Kuanying plant in Taiwan. Production of the Taiwan-spec Toyota Camry Hybrid began in February 15, 2012 and it will produce about 7,000 units.

PRESS RELEASE:

Toyota 'Camry Hybrid' Production and Sales Start in Taiwan

Toyota City, Japan, February 16, 2012—Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces that its production affiliate in Taiwan, Kuozui Motors, Ltd. (Kuozui), today marked the start of production and sales of the "Camry Hybrid" in Taiwan.

Production of the Camry Hybrid at Kuozui's Kuanying Plant in Taiwan's Taoyuan County began on February 15, making the plant Toyota's seventh hybrid-vehicle production site outside Japan.  Initial annual production is set at approximately 7,000 vehicles, to be the exclusive supply of the domestic market.

Sales of the vehicle, ranging in price from 1,069,000 to 1,399,000 Taiwan dollars, began today.

Marking the development, Kuozui President Haruaki Hoshino said: "We are very proud to begin production of the state-of-the-art Camry Hybrid at our Kuanying Plant.  With environmental and energy-conservation consciousness in Taiwan rising every year, we hope to supply the Taiwanese market with as many hybrids as possible."

TMC considers addressing environmental issues to be one of its most important management tasks and is actively working to promote hybrids and other environment-friendly vehicles.  At the end of 2011, global cumulative sales of TMC-produced hybrid vehicles reached approximately 3.6 million units.

Scoop: http://www2.toyota.co.jp/en/news/12/02/0216.html

Korean Toyota Camry CF ditches Lee Min Ho in favor for Kim Tae Hee?!

Kim Tae Hee meets
the 2012 Toyota Camry

Last year, when the 2012 Toyota Camry came out in North America, there was a special 4-episode web drama titled "The One and Only" which stars Lee Min Ho as a man who lost his memory races against time to save his loved one from his twin brother who was an ex-convict. That web drama features the many features of the 2012 Toyota Camry but that only work on Asian Americans. I should know that the USDM 2012 Camry arrived in South Korea this January 2012 and this is somewhat different. There was a Korean TV Commercial for the US-sourced Camry and that starred none other than IRIS celeb, Kim Tae Hee. I can't help myself but this Korean TV commercial really ditched Lee Min Ho in favor of Kim Tae Hee. That seems to be inappropriate but fun to see.

Toyota Camry AVV50 modified by LX-Mode

LX-Mode Toyota Camry (2012)

The 2012 Toyota Camry is somewhat the most luxurious hybrid car you can afford in Japan. However, if style is your consideration, don't try to overspend it to make it scary because you'll ruin it. Instead, why not spend it to make it more luxurious? A company named LX-Mode provide some modification parts for the 2012 Camry. Customers can modify the 2012 Camry into something gorgeous with some front bumper garnish, black grille garnish, mark-less front grille, colored license frame, side garnish, enhanced lighting, jewelry rhinestone ring surrounding the start/stop button, and most of it. Looks pretty to see but plenty of nuisance for this hybrid sedan.

URL: http://www.lx-mode.jp/lineup/2011/12/toyota-50camry.php

The One and Only climax

It all goes to this ending of 2012 Camry's web drama, titled The One and Only, starring Lee Min Ho. Enjoy watching it and be sure to have interest on the reinvented 2012 Toyota Camry, now on sale at your nearest Toyota dealers!

Suggested retail price is 21,995 US Dollars for the entry level L variant while the high-end Hybrid XLE costs 27,400 US Dollars! You'll be glad that most Camry models come standard with 10 airbags.

It's ready, are you?

URL: http://www.toyota.com/camry/

Episode 3 of Toyota Camry's The One & Only Takes advantage of its Blind Spot Monitor

In Episode 3 of the reinvented 2012 Camry's web drama, The One & Only, we witnessed how the 2012 Camry Hybrid's blind spot monitor works. It's advanced that provides drivers prevent a potential collision, especially when you're chased by goons riding motorcycles.

Episode 2 of 2012 Camry's The One & Only tackles more on Best in Class MPG

Previously, we saw Lee Min Ho's memory slowly recovered after taking advantage of the reinvented 2012 Camry's Entune System, a new infotainment and telematics system that allows phone connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, MP3 connectivity, and loads of Entune-enabled apps such as Pandora Radio, Bing, iHeartRadio, Movietickets.com, and more.

Now, in episode 2 of "The One & Only", it tackles more about the Camry's Best in Class MPG. But also, he was shocked that he was a "marked man".

Check it out:

Reinvented Lee Min-Ho is ready for the 2012 Camry special feature, are you?

2012 Toyota Camry US Version

To bring more publicity to Asian-American buyers who are interested on the reinvented 2012 Camry, Toyota USA released a special web drama titled "The One & Only" starring famous Korean superstar, Lee Min Ho. In this special feature, Lee Min Ho played as a man who lost his memory after a one-month coma. To recover his memory, he have to get inside the reinvented 2012 Camry and once he used the car's Entune system, his memory's slowly recovering.

The first episode is NOW ON AIR, while episode two will be this November 4. Episodes three and four will come soon. This web special has its hopes to reach an Asian-American market demography and the US-Spec Camry will succeed against its rivals.

Catch more: http://www.toyota.com/oneandonly/

This is the 2AR-FXE engine...

2AR-FXE engine

The launch of the all-new, 2012, hybrid-only, Toyota Camry gave birth to Toyota's all new engine designated as "2AR-FXE". So what in a world is the 2AR-FXE engine?

Let me give you the details about this new engine. The new 2AR-FXE engine is a 2.5L 4-cylinder DOHC 16 valve VVT-i inline Atkinson cycle engine which has a "Bore x Stroke" ratio of 90.0 X 98.0, compression ratio of 12.5:1, power output of 118KW (160PS)/5700rpm, and torque output of 213Nm (21.7kg-m)/4500rpm. With the new Camry equipped with the CVT and with this engine, it accumulates a fuel economy of 23.4km/L in JC08 Mode test cycle and 26.5km/L in 10-15 Mode test cycle.

This is just a fresh refresh about the new engine developed specifically on the new Camry, That's all for now and be sure to check out the all new Camry at your nearest Corolla dealer. Thank You for your time.

Photo: autoc-one.jp

Territorial Terrors! A new Camry of different territories!

In honor of the world-premiere of the all-new JDM Camry, let's compare the New Generation Camry of different territories!

2012 Toyota Camry

2012 Toyota Camry (US-Spec)

2012 Toyota Camry (Ukraine-spec)

It's simple. Back in late August 2011, US Toyota launched the all-new Camry with design derived from the previous Camry but edged it up to make it sportier. The Camry is the number one medium sedan in North America thanks to its durability. With such new look, the US-Spec new Camry is designed for the Americans in mind. The US-Spec Camry is offered in 2.5L petrol engine and a Camry Hybrid.

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/toyota-finally-reveals-all-new-camry

There's is a big catch. The US-Spec Camry will also be available in Australia by November as the new Camry Atara.

2012 Toyota Camry Atara

With details remain slim for now, some say that the Camry Atara will use the same 2.5L engine as from the US-Spec Camry...

Scoop: http://www.caradvice.com.au/134224/2011-toyota-camry-atara-unveiled-on-sale-in-australia-in-november/

With the US-Spec Camry out in the open, a country like Ukraine unwrapped a different kind of Camry which will the other parts of the world, especially emerging ones, get this...

2012 Toyota Camry (Ukraine-spec)

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/toyota-ukraine-reveals-a-different-look-for-camry

I've never thought that the Ukraine-spec new Camry looks elegant and intellectual, giving some kind of a "KAREN (可憐)" appeal to the customers but still it uses the 2.5L gasoline engine. That's not all, the Ukraine-spec Camry will also get a 3.5L V6 engine as well! This beautiful kind of Camry will be on sale at Ukraine this October...

So...this is it...on September 5, 2011, the real Camry is here...

2012 Toyota Camry

Scoop: http://www2.toyota.co.jp/jp/news/11/09/nt11_030.html

The new JDM Camry is now a hybrid-only sedan and its powered with the new 2AR-FXE engine with Toyota Hybrid System II. The new JDM Camry is similar to the Ukraine-spec Camry but with the much elegant grille that makes it more sophisticated like some kind of an upperclassman.

Now, I wonder which Camry we'll get....

Camry Modellista? Anyone?

2012 Toyota Camry Customize Car Lineup

Looking for something to make you feel like a upperclassman? Toyota offer some special Modellista packaging just for the New Generation Toyota Camry (AVV50). The Modellista Camry offers a special front spoiler, side skirt, and rear skirt. One aero kit can cost about 147,000 Japanese Yen. It can be offered in available exterior colors such as White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, and Attitude Black Mica. They also offer Modellista parts such as a special 19-inch Aluminum Wheel and Tyre set, Low Down Suspension, Trunk Spoiler, Mirror Finish, special Wooden Interior Panel Set to make it more classy and a Relaxation Cushion with the vibrator installed.

For details, please consult your nearest Corolla dealer...

Site: http://toyota.jp/customize/camry/index.html

New Generation Toyota Camry (AVV50)

The 2012 New Generation Toyota Camry takes on a whole new twist on Toyota's executive midsize sedan and for the first time in Camry history, the New Generation Camry is now a hybrid-only sedan, guaranteed to create a cleaner executive sedan that provides exceptional performance and optimum fuel economy which makes it "the first of its kind" and the new, hybrid-only, Toyota Camry is fully loaded with never before seen features!

2012 Toyota Camry

The New Generation Camry has an utterly familiar exterior design. The side view was derived from the previous generation Camry to keep it more of an instant classic. The new front grille looks exceptionally classy like the previous-generation, ASEAN-spec Camry, and this flawless design really knows that this new Camry achieved its style status. It provides a dynamic character on Toyota's executive midsize sedan molded with some premium aestheticism and partisanship, making it a one-of-a-kind luxury hybrid sedan which is much more stylish than the Toyota SAI and Lexus HS250h combined.

 

2012 Toyota Camry interior

If the New Generation Camry's exterior is the center of attention, the new interior really makes it up to satisfy the executive, providing more space to breathe in. On the driver's view, the new interior can be somewhat borrowed from the second-generation Toyota Mark X. Thanks to that, the new interior can be somewhat set to its premium level and with such craftsmanship, no wonder the New Generation Camry's interior mastered the art of perfection to bring the Yin and Yang between the driver and passenger. You should be happy with the available HDD Navigation System that helps you get through your nearest points of interest.

 

2012 Toyota Camry

And now, the main course of the New Generation Camry is the newly developed 2AR-FXE (2.5L DOHC Dual VVT-i) engine loaded with Toyota Hybrid System II. The new 2AR-FXE engine, developed exclusively on the New Generation Camry, produces a standard 160PS/6,000rpm of power output, 213Nm(21.7kg-m)/4,000rpm of torque output, and the fuel economy of 23.4km/L on JC08 Mode scale (26.5km/L on 10-15 Mode scale). One trivia that the 160PS power output can be increased up to 206PS once the 105kW 2JM electric motor is active. Like any other hybrids, the new Camry has EV Mode that keeps only the 2JM electric motor active rather than the 2AR-FXE engine for zero-emission driving. The CVT is the standard transmission offered for the new Camry for enhanced fuel economy and comfortable driving on winding roads. 

Being a SU-LEV (Super Low Emission Vehicle) needs to be the safest, and the new Camry has the memo for that. It includes the finest safety features available such as Steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake force Distribution, Pedestrian Warning system that emits noise on some pedestrians, including the blind, Hill Start Assist Control, Discharge Headlamps, 7 SRS airbags, and Global Outstanding Assessment (GOA) for a reinforced bodywork.

Available in seven exterior colors such as White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Dark Steel Mica, Attitude Black Mica, Olive Mica Metallic, and True Blue Mica Metallic. The new Camry comes in three variants; Base, G Package, and Leather Package. 

My comment: 

The big twist on the all new Camry is being a hybrid-only sedan for the first time even in a Japan-spec Camry. This has done because Toyota wanted to create a SU-LEV executive sedan capable of being luxurious and eco-friendly. You could say that the all new 2AR-FXE engine is definitely developed exclusively for this new model, and this new engine has the best fuel economy than the Toyota SAI and Lexus HS250h combined. Aside from that, the introductory price of 3,040,000 Japanese Yen shows that this must be a cheaper alternative to the Toyota SAI, which costs 3,380,000 Yen, and the Lexus HS250h, which costs about 3,950,000 Yen. I'm impressed but will the new hybrid-only Toyota Camry hit the Philippines soon?

 

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Are you the 2012 Toyota Camry?

Earlier, some Japanese blogger had scanned some magazine that shows the real exterior of the 2012 JDM-spec Toyota Camry (possibly now a hybrid-only sedan) powered with the newly-developed 2AR-FXE (2.5L 4-cylinder DOHC Dual VVTi) engine with the 60kW 2JM electric motor added.

Although this looks different from the upcoming US-spec Camry, all I can say is that I think I would go for the looks of the upcoming JDM-spec Camry because the JDM Camry is going to be the big brother of the Toyota Mark X.

Also take note: the Daihatsu version of the Camry, the Altis, may not follow since it was axed last year.

Photo source: http://minkara.carview.co.jp/userid/216086/blog/23223389/

Next generation Toyota Camry will be Hybrid-only?

2012 Toyota Camry teaser

Earlier, information about the next generation 2012 Toyota Camry leaked.

Scoop: http://carstadium.net/Notebook/Toyota/Camry2011.html

Leaked information shows that the next generation Toyota Camry will be available only in hybrid in Japan while other countries provide gasoline and hybrid versions.

The next generation Toyota Camry will be equipped with the newly developed 2AR-FXE (2.5-liter 4-cylinder DOHC Dual VVT-i) engine which produces a standard power output of 160PS/6000rpm, torque output of 21.7kg-m/4000rpm, and fuel economy of 26.5km/L in Japan's 10-15 test cycle. However, the power output of the rumored 2AR-FXE engine can be increased to about 206PS if the 2JM electric motor is active. It will be mated with a CVT transmission.

Check back for more!

Toyota Camry/Aurion in a Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin episode

Toyota Camry/Aurion in a Minsan Lang Kita
Iibigin episode

A rare appearance for the 8th generation, ASEAN-spec, Toyota Camry (not to be confused with the US and Japan 8th Generation Toyota Camry), also known in Australia as the Toyota Aurion, showing up in a Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin.

This kind of Camry was driven by some character played by Lorna Tolentino...

Well, what do you think? A rare appearance on Philippine TV drama?