Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda recently tasked the company to put passion and excitement back into its products, and it appears the
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engineers and stylists are taking his directive to heart. So when the refreshed current-generation Camry was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, it was almost like a new model reveal.
Instead of a typical mild mid-cycle update, Toyota jacked up the roof on it’s best-selling midsize sedan, stripped the car down to the chassis, and replaced pretty much every body panel in between, together with some 2,000 other parts.
The new bodywork has the same general shape as before, but is 45 mm longer overall and features prominent new character lines including an upward-sweeping line running from the front quarter panel to the rear fender, and new trim connecting the taillights. At the front an all-new fascia and big trapezoidal grille gives the Camry an aggressive look that’s reminiscent
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of the Lexus IS series, especially in the Camry’s new sport-oriented XSE trim.
Inside, there are upgraded premium materials, a redesigned instrument panel, and improved amenities including a new centre console tray with wireless charging for select smartphones. To help create a more serene cabin environment the window and door seals were improved to reduce wind and road noise, the door mirrors were redesigned to reduce turbulence, and 30 percent more insulating material was added to the carpeting.
To help stiffen the car’s structure and improve driving dynamics, the body features additional spot-welds at key locations, and the track has been widened by 10 mm. As well, the electric power steering has been retuned to provide more direct-feeling steering inputs and better on-centre feel, and the brake system has been
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revised with a two-stage booster to provide improved pedal feel.
Mechanically the 2015 Camry will carry over with the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder or 3.5-litre V6 engines hooked up to six-speed automatic transmissions, while the Hybrid version will get the same 2.5-litre Atkinson engine combined with a CVT transmission and electric traction motor.
A new trim level for 2015, the XSE embraces Toyoda’s demand for more passion and excitement. Recognizing that the mildly sporty SE trim already accounts for 45 percent of the Camry’s sales mix, the XSE promises to be the sportiest Camry yet and to therefore give sport-minded customers more of what they want with model-specific 18-inch wheels, unique shock absorbers, firmer suspension bushings,
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higher spring rates, and unique electric power steering tuning. The SE and XSE will both get a distinctive front fascia and mesh grille treatment.
Even the eco-minded Camry Hybrid is promising an additional dash of sportiness thanks to a new Hybrid SE model. It features model-specific front suspension tuning to improve ride quality while sharpening steering response, and retuned stability control programming to offer a more natural driving feel.
The new 2015 Camry will arrive at Toyota dealerships starting in the fall of 2014.
©(Copyright Canadian Auto Press)
