Saturday, October 03, 2009

Toyota revealed the refreshed seventh-generation 2010 Camry at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. Visual changes include an updated front fascia unique to each grade, larger headlamp lenses, LED tail lamps (previously hybrids only), and new wheel/wheel cover designs. Audio systems with USB connectivity are offered, and a backup camera is integrated into the navigation system.

Two newly designed 2.5 L 2AR-FE I4 engines replace the previous 4-cylinder in non-hybrid models, which are now mated to either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. The more powerful 179 horsepower (133 kW) version is exclusive to the Camry SE, and Toyota's Smart Key System is now available for the SE (while it was previously only available to the XLE). Toyota's Vehicle Stability Control becomes standard on all Camry grades. All Camry grades receive standard auto-up/down power windows for all passengers, and the dark green Spruce Mica replaces the Sky Blue Pearl exterior color.

The Aloe Green Metallic color replaces the Jasper Pearl exterior color on the Hybrid. The SE models are available with a host of new performance upgrades, including a limited-slip differential and sport exhaust system. The facelifted Camry began production in January 2009 and went on sale in March 2009 in the United States

The seventh-generation Toyota Camry is the first generation in which the Camry has been available as a gasoline/electric hybrid. The Camry Hybrid utilizes Toyota’s second generation Hybrid Synergy Drive and a 4-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower (110 kW) in conjunction with a 40 hp (30 kW) electric motor for a combined output of 187 horsepower. The Camry became the third Toyota model sold in America to be offered as a hybrid after the Prius and the Highlander Hybrid.

Camry Hybrids were initially built solely in Japan, though the majority of production has since shifted to Toyota’s Georgetown, Kentucky plant, which is projected to produce 45,000 of the vehicles per year. In June 2008, Toyota Motor Corporation has announced that the Camry Hybrid will also be built in a Thailand plant in 2009 and in Melbourne in 2010 with an annual production capacity of 9,000 and 10,000 respectively.

0 comments: