August
23, 2011 - Torrance, Calif. -- Toyota introduced today the all-new,
seventh-generation Camry, America's best-selling car for nine years
running and 13 of the past 14 years. The 2012 Camry debuts a bold,
sophisticated new design with a more spacious interior, improved driving
dynamics and an even quieter ride than before. With class leading
safety, fuel economy and multi-media technology added in, the end result
is the best Camry ever made. Introduced in 1983, the Toyota Camry would
later establish the template for the modern midsize sedan, setting
benchmarks for Quality, Dependability and Reliability, along with a
comfortable, quiet ride. Since that time, Toyota has sold more than 15
million Camry models worldwide.
"The all-new 2012 Camry blends an
evolution of the car's values -- such as comfort, efficiency,
reliability and safety -- with a more appealing design and engaging
driving experience," said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice
president and general manager. "Competition in the midsize sedan segment
is the strongest it's ever been, and the all-new Camry is designed to
maintain its long-standing leadership while also broadening its appeal."
The
Toyota Camry again offers three powertrain choices, all of which have
been enhanced for 2012 to provide better fuel economy and more
responsive performance. All Camry models with the revised 2.5-liter
four-cylinder engine now offer 178 horsepower, an increase of nine hp,
and 170 lb.-ft. of peak torque. EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are
25 mpg city/35 highway, and the 28 mpg combined is two more than the
previous generation Camry. The 2.5-liter engine employs Dual VVT-i (Dual
Variable Valve Timing-intelligent), which controls valve timing on both
the intake and exhaust camshafts for optimal performance and efficiency
at all engine speeds. The Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS)
helps optimize torque over a broad engine speed range.
Performance and Efficiency The
DOHC 3.5-liter V6, available in the SE and XLE grades, delivers 268
horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,700 rpm.
Enhancements to this engine boost its fuel economy to projected
EPA-estimated ratings of 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway, the best for any
current V6 midsize sedan.
The V6 uses chain-driven camshafts and
Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i). To improve
efficiency, the V6 features a new, lower oil viscosity and an automatic
transmission fluid warmer that brings the transmission to operating
temperature more quickly in cold weather. Higher final drive-gear ratios
also contribute to better fuel economy in the new Camry models.
The
gas-engine LE, XLE and SE models come equipped exclusively with a
six-speed automatic transmission that offers a sequential manual shift
mode using the console shifter. Intelligent control adapts shifting
strategy in response to driver input, with fast kick-down. In addition,
the Camry SE exclusively offers a "D range" sequential shifting, which
allows manual shifting with the new steering wheel paddle shifters even
when the console shifter is in the "D" mode. Also exclusive to the Camry
SE, the automatic transmission features faster shift times when in "S"
mode and downshift blipping control emphasizes a sense of sportiness.
All-New Camry Hybrid Sets New Standard for Mid-size Hybrid Sedans The
all-new Camry Hybrid debuts a highly revised version of the brand's
Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, including a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder
engine. The 2012 Camry Hybrid LE, with EPA-estimated 43 mpg city/39 mpg
highway/41 mpg combined, yields a more-than-30 percent boost in fuel
economy in the EPA city and combined driving cycles, compared to the
previous generation, thanks largely to the new hybrid powertrain, but
also due to lighter vehicle weight and optimized aerodynamics.
Through
its unique transaxle, the Hybrid Synergy Drive system combines output
from the four-cylinder engine with a small high-torque electric motor.
The system produces a combined 200 horsepower and varies power between
the gas engine and electric motor, or combines both, as needed.
The
new 2.5-liter engine, like the 2.4-liter it replaces, uses the Atkinson
cycle (delayed intake-valve closing for an expansion ratio greater than
compression ratio) to achieve maximum efficiency. The Variable Valve
Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system on the intake camshaft enhances
torque, which is greater than with the previous engine. An electric
water pump, a roller-rocker type valvetrain and a variable-output oil
pump help to reduce internal friction, boosting economy.
A new
water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system helps to ensure the
lowest possible emissions at all vehicle speeds and helps increase fuel
efficiency. By cooling and controlling exhaust gas injected into each
cylinder, the system eliminates the need to richen the air-fuel mixture
to control cylinder temperatures.
The 2012 Camry Hybrid meets
AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology Partial-credit Zero Emissions Vehicle)
standards. New sound absorbing materials in the engine compartment,
along with more linear control over engine speed, give the 2012 Camry
Hybrid a more pleasing sound under acceleration.
Because there
are situations in which the gas engine in the Camry Hybrid shuts off,
air conditioning and power steering systems are driven electrically. New
efficiency measures in the Hybrid Synergy Drive system include reducing
internal losses in the transaxle, improving motor-voltage control, and
optimizing the regenerative braking. The proven nickel-metal-hydride
battery, located in the luggage compartment behind the rear seats, now
features enhanced air-cooling. Its more compact size, along with moving
the DC/DC converter to the engine compartment, results in a trunk that
is 2.1-cubic feet larger than in the previous-generation Camry Hybrid.
Lighter
overall vehicle weight also contributes to better performance and fuel
economy. Its 7.6-second zero-to-60 acceleration time places the Camry
Hybrid between the four-cylinder and V6 models. Lower rolling resistance
tires, available for the first time in 17-inch size, also help boost
fuel economy.
New for the 2012 Camry Hybrid, an EV Drive mode
allows the driver to operate the car on the electric motor alone for up
to 1.6 miles at lower speeds (below approximately 25 mph). The EV
indicator illuminates when the vehicle is being propelled solely by the
electric motor.
As on the previous Camry Hybrid, ECO mode
optimizes throttle response and air conditioning output to prioritize
maximum fuel economy. A Hybrid-exclusive instrument cluster with Hybrid
System Indicator and fuel consumption indicator helps the driver to
operate the car as economically as possible.
Instantaneous fuel
economy is shown with LEDs (light emitting diodes) around the outside of
the average fuel economy gauge. The car's Multi-Information display
graphically shows fuel economy in real time and can also show energy
flow, and cruising range information.
As before, applying the
brake converts the motor to a generator that captures the kinetic energy
from the still-spinning vehicle wheels, storing it in the hybrid
battery pack. Putting the shifter into "B" uses regenerative braking as a
form of engine braking for enhanced control on steep descents. New
hill-start assist control helps prevent the vehicle from rolling
backward when starting off on an incline when the brake pedal is
released.
Exclusive exterior and interior design touches and
badging differentiate the 2012 Camry Hybrid from other Camry models.
Inside, Hybrid-exclusive trim is found on the instrument panel and door
switch bases, upper console panels and shift knob. The Camry Hybrid also
features its own exclusive seat fabric in ivory or light gray. An
exclusive leather and Ultrasuede is also available. A three-dial
Optitron gauge panel with chrome-accented outer rings provides a
luxurious appearance.
Grade Strategy The
all-new Camry and Camry Hybrid will offer six different model grades to
choose from. Camry will be available in the entry-level L, value-driven
LE, premium XLE and sporty SE grades. The XLE and SE are available with
four-cylinder or V6 engines. The Camry Hybrid is offered in LE and XLE
grades.
Exterior Design The
2012 Camry employs an elegantly simple but modern form, emphasizing a
wider, lower stance than previous models. The design conveys an
"architectural statement" through crisp, precise character lines, while a
more strongly curved door cross-section and more defined rocker panel
molding (chrome accented on LE and XLE) give the Camry a more expressive
appearance.
Headlights show a more dynamic shape, with a
pronounced curvature of the main-beam unit merging into the bumper
cover. Fog lights are standard on the XLE and SE grades. The rear lamp
clusters wrap tightly into the body sides, with their top sections
extending into the trunk panel.
The Camry LE and XLE feature
additional exterior chrome trim, and the SE grade debuts its own
lower-body design and exclusive fine-mesh upper grille section. The SE
also features three-part lower grille section housing fog lamps, along
with black sport trim headlamp bezels. The more prominent rocker panel
moldings on the SE cleanly link to integrated front and rear underbody
spoilers, emphasizing width, and the trunk lid carries an integrated
spoiler.
Accentuating the new body design are four new colors.
Two of the colors (Attitude Black Metallic and Clearwater Blue) are
all-new to Toyota in the U.S. Attitude Black Metallic blends in a bright
blue pigment for an intriguing take on traditional jet black;
Clearwater Blue incorporates a silver metallic pigment to lend this hue a
glassy, water-like finish.
Interior Design While
featuring nearly the same external dimensions as the previous
generation, the 2012 Camry offers a more inviting and spacious interior.
A new dashboard design, modified seat locations, redesigned seats and
"lean" door, pillar and headliner trim all combine to add both real
space and greater perceptual spaciousness while also enhancing outward
visibility. Repositioning the driver's seat and the standard
tilt/telescoping steering wheel (tilt has increased 33 percent for
greater driver comfort) also aid forward visibility and enhance the
driver's positioning.
The accelerator pedal and front seats were
moved forward, and the rear-seat hip point was positioned rearward,
increasing the couple distance by 0.6-inch; together with reshaped front
seatbacks help increase rear-knee room by 1.8-inch. The redesigned
center console and front edge of the rear-seat cushion increase rear
middle seat legroom by two inches.
Not as obvious are the many
areas where Camry designers reshaped interior trim to increase the
feeling of spaciousness, including the A- and B-pillars, headliner over
the rear seat and door trim. In most vehicles, space is left between the
structure and the trim to yield a "clean" surface. Using a lean-car
design approach, the trim more closely follows the structure beneath it.
The result is added space that contributes much more to a feeling of
comfort than the gains in mere millimeters might suggest.
Three-dimensional
construction and contrasting-material textures give the new instrument
panel a feeling of depth, while the shapes themselves contribute to a
more spacious cabin and improved forward sightlines. The prominently
curved center cluster appears to float over the instrument panel,
reducing its visual mass. Soft textures used on the upper instrument
panel, upper door trim, door armrests and center console armrest
contribute to greater comfort in the Camry. Stitching on the instrument
panel soft padding and matching stitching-look trim elsewhere helps to
create a sense of luxury. Aluminum-color and chrome trim are used
judiciously.
The Camry LE and XLE grades feature either ivory or
gray seating color; the Camry SE features unique upholstery in
black-on-black or black-on-gray. Newly designed front-seat frames,
higher seatbacks and longer seat cushions enhance comfort. The height
adjustment on the driver's seat offers nearly a half inch greater range
than before (total travel is 2.4 inches). The SE's sporty front seats
provide thicker side bolsters, and the exclusive three-spoke
leather-wrapped steering wheel offers paddle-shift control for the
six-speed automatic transmission.
For 2012, the Camry offers four
seat-covering materials: fabric in the LE and XLE; fabric with SofTex
in the SE, standard leather trim on the XLE V6 (optional in the XLE
four-cylinder), and Ultrasuede® with leather available for the SE and
XLE Hybrid. Heated seats are standard on the XLE V6 and are available
for SE, XLE four-cylinder and Hybrid with variable temperature control.
The
new Camry provides the added functionality demanded by consumers today,
yet keeps its controls straightforward and intuitive to use. Control
knobs impart a high-precision feel when used. Special attention was paid
to function and comfort with the center console design. Soft kneepads
on both sides add comfort for the driver and passenger; the front
section offers a 12V accessory connector and an easy-to-access USB/input
jack port for connecting iPods and other media devices. A sliding rear
console door -- rather than the more traditional flip-up design --
enables easier access from either front seat. Two steering wheel
designs, with integrated audio and Bluetooth® controls, are featured: a
four-spoke for LE; a leather-wrapped four-spoke for XLE; and a sporty
three-spoke, leather-wrapped wheel for the SE.
All grades now
feature a standard 60/40 split folding rear seatback to expand cargo
capacity. The seats can be lowered by a remote release from the trunk
area. Rear-seat side airbags are standard across the line, and an
armrest with cup holders adds comfort and convenience.
Advanced Connectivity Seamlessly
integrated into the Camry are state-of-the-art electronics and enhanced
connectivity features. A Bluetooth wireless connection for compatible
hands-free phone calls is standard, now improved by an available
automatic phone book transfer function. Also standard is a USB port that
allows playing of music and video from portable audio devices, using
the vehicle sound system and available in-dash display screen, including
full iPod integration.
The standard audio system on LE, XLE and
SE has a 6.1-inch screen and six speakers. The screen also displays the
energy monitor and fuel consumption data, and functions as the monitor
for the available integrated back-up camera (SE and XLE only) and the
Display Audio System. The screen also offers a new value-driven
navigation system and serves as a portal for Entune, Toyota's innovative
new multimedia system. An available HD Radio system enables CD sound
quality from digital FM broadcasts, and has features that maximize
analog and AM broadcast sound quality. The system will include HD Radio
with iTunes tagging for future purchase and SiriusXM Satellite Radio™.
The
top-of-the-line audio is equipped with a new seven-inch Premium HDD
Navigation system with Entune™ and JBL. This system offers a new
split-screen feature that allows for simultaneously displaying
navigation and audio information.
Camry also offers the new JBL
GreenEdge™ audio system that combines an eight-channel amplifier and
door-mounted "acoustic lens" speakers, to provide a high-quality sound.
The GreenEdge amplifier achieves a 66-percent reduction in overall mass
and a 50-percent enhancement in sound efficiency. The GreenEdge speakers
produce a higher output of sound with the same power or less
consumption of conventional models.
Entune Multimedia System Camry
will be one of the first Toyotas to offer the Entune multimedia system.
For the first time ever in a Toyota automobile, this new system
leverages the mobile smartphone to provide a richer in-vehicle
experience with fully integrated access to navigation, entertainment and
information services.
Toyota Entune debuts the first-ever
support for engaging mobile apps, such as Bing, OpenTable, and
movietickets.com, along with accessing useful travel-related services,
such as live weather, traffic, fuel information (location and price),
stocks, and sports. Toyota Entune brings the largest selection of music
options available to a vehicle, including iHeartRadio's 750+ stations,
and Pandora's personalized music service.
The audio systems
combined with Entune feature a best-in-class, advanced conversational
voice recognition system that helps the driver to stay focused on the
road by eliminating the need to memorize thousands of voice commands.
The system will also allow for audio read-back and replay capabilities
for text messages, with the ability to respond by pre-set "Quick Reply
Messages" such as: "I'm driving and will reply later."
A New Benchmark for Midsize Sedan Quietness Long
lauded as a benchmark for ride smoothness and quietness in the midsize
segment, the all-new Camry resets the standard by taking both attributes
to an even higher level of refinement. To reduce noise throughout the
entire cabin, focus was placed on suppressing noises that stand out. As
powertrains have become more refined and quieter, wind noise and road
noise have tended to become more noticeable to drivers and passengers. A
low noise reading (in decibels) does not always equate to a
subjectively quiet interior. Vehicle occupants' perception of quietness
also depends on the type and frequency of the sound.
It was
determined where such noticeable sounds enter the cabin, and additional
insulation was placed in those areas. New sound absorbing materials
silence any noise that manages to penetrate the interior. In particular,
engineers focused on suppressing noises that are near the frequencies
of human speech to provide an environment that is more comfortable for
conversation.
Measures that focus on reducing wind noise include
stronger door and rocker area seals; optimized placement of sound
insulating materials; foam applied in the roof, pillars and door
openings; acoustic glass used for the V6 and Hybrid model's windshield;
and special bracing of cowl intake louvers.
The dashboard
structure and assembly, one of the most complex areas in modern cars,
was thoroughly optimized to prevent noise intrusion. It can also be a
source of noise intrusion. The structure employs a new cross member and
center brace, along with sandwiched sheet steel to suppress resonance
and reduce vibration. With the sandwiched steel, asphalt foam is used to
absorb vibration energy while increasing sound blocking effectiveness.
A
dash outer silencer uses an air layer between the dash panel and sound
absorbing felt. An inner silencing layer uses soft and hard felts to
block a wide range of low-to-high frequencies. Damping-coating thickness
and application areas have been optimized for reduced floor-panel
vibration and noise penetration through the floor, and a new type of
carpet helps eliminates noise. Silencer panels installed in the
rear-wheel housings, and new sound-absorbing materials added to the
trunk's interior side trim further reduce road noise from the tires and
wheel housings.
Exceptional Handling and Ride A
more rigid body structure, revised front suspension, redesigned rear
suspension and aerodynamics all help to imbue the new Camry with greater
straight-line stability and crisper steering response, while also
enhancing overall ride comfort. Handling stability, more than just
conveying a sense of driving enjoyment, also greatly influences the
driver's feeling of security.
The 2012 Camry body structure uses a
greater amount of high tensile steel (440 Mpa or higher) than before
and even stronger high tensile strength sheet steel (590 Mpa or higher),
resulting in a stronger but lighter body than the previous model. A
flared design on the doors and fenders enables use of slimmer but
stronger construction. High tensile aluminum bumper supports are lighter
yet stronger than before. Newly developed plastic for the bumper covers
and cowl louvers reduces weight as well.
The stiffened cowl
section increases suspension-area rigidity, suppressing twist. The
front-suspension towers are directly connected through the cowl to
increase rigidity, and the attachment method and reinforcement braces
have been strengthened. The all-new rear underbody and rear subframe
increase lateral force control and torsional rigidity.
The
McPherson-strut front suspension now uses inversely wound coil springs
that enhance straight-line stability. Shock-absorber damping and
stabilizer-bar thickness have been optimized as well. The rear
suspension retains the proven dual-link strut configuration of the
previous model but has been redesigned with new geometry (increased
toe-in during cornering and braking) and retuned components to enhance
cornering stability. Coil springs, bushings, stabilizer-bar and
shock-absorber damping have all been revised.
Rear-combination
lamps and side-view mirrors on the 2012 Camry incorporate aero
stabilizing fins, inspired by Formula One racing technology, that create
air vortexes on the body sides to stabilize the body and contribute to
handling stability. Underbody aerodynamic elements regulate airflow
under the vehicle, also contributing to ride smoothness.
The
Camry SE model features specific suspension components and tuning,
including exclusive steering knuckles and lighter, stiffer lower front
control arms. The front and rear springs are exclusive to this model,
and the shock absorbers feature internal rebound springs for greater
cornering roll resistance. The rear suspension No. 1 control arm uses a
pillow-ball bushing to further enhance handling agility.
All new
Camry models will be the first to feature Toyota's latest electric power
steering (EPS) control system, which will offer more flexibility to
steering-feel tuning. The system regulates power-assist response based
on vehicle speed, and for the first time steering-input rate. The
vehicle-speed sensing feature will provide light effort during low
speeds, changing to moderate effort during higher speeds.
The SE grade will feature a power-assist ratio that provides a more sporty feeling than the LE and XLE.
Also,
electricity is only consumed when assist power is necessary, helping to
improve fuel economy. Electric power steering is also more
environment-friendly, as it does not require hydraulic fluid.
All
Camry grades feature newly developed all-season tires designed for an
optimal balance of fuel economy, handling, quietness, ride comfort and
braking performance. The LE grade features standard 16-inch wheels; the
SE comes standard with five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels and the V6 SE
offers the first 18-inch alloy wheels on a Camry. The latter feature is a
unique twist-spoke design with 225/45R18 all-season tires. Camry SE
models will also include tires that have more grip. The Camry XLE comes
standard with 17-inch alloy wheels featuring an elegant 10-spoke design.
Safety and Security All
2012 Camry models are equipped with 10 standard airbags: dual-stage
advanced SRS front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side airbags,
side curtain airbags and a driver's and front passenger's knee airbag.
The front-passenger's knee airbag and rear-seat side airbags are new to
Camry.
The Camry's body structure is designed to help absorb
collision-impact forces and help minimize impact deformation to the
passenger cabin. High-strength steel is used for B-pillar and
rocker-panel reinforcements to help manage overall body deformation in
the event of certain side collisions. The seat frames also are designed
to help absorb side collision loads. The inner-hood structure and
front-edge construction are designed to help reduce pedestrian injuries
in a collision.
Like all Toyota models, the Camry will feature
Toyota's Star Safety System™ standard, which includes Vehicle Stability
Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS),
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. It also
features the standard Smart Stop Technology brake-override system. An
electronic tire pressure monitoring system is standard equipment.
Another
available safety system, Safety Connect, can access a call center with a
live operator who can dispatch police and emergency vehicles. The
system combines automatic collision notification and a stolen vehicle
locator feature, which can track the location of the stolen vehicle via
GPS and help guide police to recover it.
The new available Blind
Spot Monitor uses sub-millimeter wave radar to detect vehicles in the
driver's blind spots. When the system detects a vehicle in the adjacent
lane, it alerts the driver using indicators on the side mirrors. If the
turn signal is on when the there is a vehicle in the blind spot of the
driver's intended lane, the indicator on the corresponding mirror will
flash. The driver can switch off the system, if desired.
In
vehicles equipped with one of the display audio systems and backup
camera, when the vehicle is shifted into Reverse, the audio display will
show the image of what the camera captures, along with an overlay of
positioning lines representing the parking space and distance to
obstacles.
Peace of Mind Warranty Protection Toyota's
36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all
components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional
60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against
corrosion with no mileage limitation. The hybrid-related components,
including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module
and inverter with converter, are covered for eight years/100,000 miles.
The
Camry will also come standard with Toyota Care, a complimentary plan
covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside
assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Please
use the contact form in the right column to let us know if you would
like a dealership representative to contact you about the 2012 Toyota
Camry or any other Toyota vehicle.
Camry Roadside Assistance Program The all-new 2012 Camry is loaded with numerous performance, comfort and convenience features including class-leading safety features, fuel economy and multimedia technology. And now it can boast of one more -- adding to Camry customers' peace of mind five years down the road.
Eligible 2012 Camrys and 2012 Camry Hybrids sold through January 3, 2012 will receive a total of five years of 24/7 complimentary roadside assistance from the date of purchase. This offer builds on the two years of complimentary roadside assistance that comes standard on all eligible new Toyota vehicles as part of Toyota Care. Therefore, the benefits of the offer are the same including battery jump starts, tire service, lockout protection and fuel delivery.
(Offer is in addition to current complimentary Toyota Care program and does not apply to 2011 model year or older new vehicles retailed during the offer period.)
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