Throughout its lifespan, the Toyota Camry has been known as a safe and, dare we say, rather conservative choice. While bordering on boring, this approach has actually paid off, garnering best-selling honors in the hotly-contested US market for some 15 years. But now, Toyota wants to shake things up with the new, eight-generation Camry.
One look at the low hood, swooping greenhouse, and wide stance and you’ll feel the need to check the badge to see if you are actually staring at a Toyota Camry. The split-grille, expansive panoramic roof, body creases, and muscular flanks all hint at a bolder and more youthful stance. It’s the Camry rediscovering the fountain of youth and drinking everything in it.
Thanks to increased dimensions, the cabin is now more comfortable for passengers to spend hours on the road in. But unlike Camrys of yore, occupants sit in, rather than on it. This is due to the lower center of gravity and height. Not to worry about feeling closed in, as the dash is likewise lower for better outward visibility.
Apart from these, the materials used are also up in quality and feel. Toyota has even thrown in goodies like a seven-inch digital gauge cluster and a ten-inch Head-up display. These complement the new center console with Entune smartphone-like menu. The new, more intuitive user experience is part of the Japanese carmaker’s Human Machine Interface that’s both simple yet comprehensive.
The new Toyota Camry will be powered by a choice of four- or six-cylinder motors. The four-pot is an updated 2.5-liter mill, while the six is a 3.5-liter unit. While no output figures were revealed just yet, both engines employ leading-edge tech for improved performance and fuel economy. There is also a new 2.5-liter mill paired with an electric motor. The gas versions get an eight-speed automatic while the hybrid is mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission.
Besides the bolder looks, the 2018 Camry promises equally spirited driving manners. The Toyota New Global Architecture, first seen on models like the Prius, equate to a lower center of gravity and other measures to heighten driving pleasure. The hybrid variant, for instance, sees the battery relocated from the trunk to underneath the rear seat. This translates to more cargo space and of course, better handling.
Being a Toyota, the Safety Sense suite of aids is standard and offers goodies like forward collision warning with auto-brake, pedestrian detection, auto-steering for the lane-departure warning, and auto high beam, among others. It can practically drive itself, mind you.
The 2018 Toyota Camry breaks cover at the ongoing North American International Auto Show in Detroit and will go on sale in the US late this year.
