Detroit, MI - The Toyota Camry is on a roll, as the best-selling passenger car in the United States and the best-selling mid-size sedan in Canada. At the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, the upcoming 2018 got a whole lot better.
The new version was highly anticipated thanks to Toyota's New Global Architecture (TNGA) that will transform not only the Camry, but many of its other vehicles with a new dynamic, athletic and wide stance – a refreshing change away from its more conservative styling. The new construction increases the wheelbase by two-inches, as well as over an inch in the hood and roofline.
“In developing the next-generation Toyota Camry, we were able to start with a clean slate, which allowed us to create a true driver’s car,” said Masato Katsumata, the Chief Engineer of the new Toyota Camry.
Under the hood will be three options: a new 2.5-litre inline-four, a retuned 3.5-litre V-6 and a hybrid version that will utilize that 2.5-litre unit along with its own electrification system. The two gas versions will be matched to a new eight-speed automatic transmission; while the hybrid will be connected to a continuously variable transmission that has a Sport Mode for quicker gear shifting when needed. Numbers haven't been released yet for the powertrains, but Toyota claims that the new engine will have higher torque, power and reduced fuel economy. In addition, the chassis will possess increased handling skills that can even be found on the hybrid, as the battery pack has moved from the trunk to below the rear seat.
As far as looks go, the Camry features a two-piece grille that works well with its lowered hood design. The whole package comes off as sleek throughout with sharp lines in the body to add to its character.
On the inside, the Camry will have Toyota's Human Machine Interface with the latest technologies added. Three interlinked displays will show off the upgraded look with a 10-inch colour Head-Up Display, a 7-inch multi-information display that's capped off by an 8-inch infotainment screen.
Not lost on the Camry is Toyota's Safety Sense P that comes standard. This suite of safety technologies enhances the value of the mid-size sedan that includes: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Automatic High Beams. Other optional features include Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
The 2018 aggressively-styled Toyota Camry is expected to arrive in showrooms in late 2017.
