Toyota Camry 2012 first drive

Toyota's new generation Camry continues with a petrol and hybrid powertrain line-up, this time with a larger capacity 2.5-litre four cylinder engine (Atkinson cycle on hybrid) as the motivator for its front wheel drive. The arrival of a new Camry also heralds a new Aurion V6 which isn't too far away.Camry is a huge seller internationally and Toyota has a lot riding on the model. It has traditionally been a rather conservative four-door family sedan with broad acceptance, a formula that has been tweaked this time around to offer more emotional appeal thanks to the styling and also engine performance.

Camry has shed 35kg through the use of high strength steel and optimised design which also makes it stronger. Better aerodynamics and energy saving (fuel and emissions reduction) measures extend to low rolling resistance tyres and other hidden stuff like a variable output oil pump.

The engine has been in US Camry for a few years and is designated 2AR featuring low friction, roller camshaft rockers and dual variable valve timing to generate around 135kW/235Nm, possibly a little more in Aussie spec'. It misses out on direct fuel injection.
A new model called Atara in 2.5S, 2.5SX and 2.5SL replace Ateva, Sportivo and Grande while base Camry Altise starts the ball rolling. The “S” models feature a large touch screen rear view camera and other goodies. Radar driven blind spot warning is a likely starter as is high beam assist.
Though not yet tested locally, new Camry should get a five star crash rating thanks in part to its seven air bags and stability control system.
A "sporty" Camry family sedan? Well, almost. It's definitely more engaging to drive and stands out from the crowd, particularly from the rear view. Toyota has taken every aspect of the car and improved it - fuel economy, smoothness and quietness, safety, handling and ride stability and interior quality.
It has stronger acceleration, particularly the hybrid model with maximum torque from its electric engine delivered from the get-go. Illustrating the new found urgency of Camry's performance is the hybrid model's 0-100kmh sprint in 8.4 seconds. The conventional petrol takes around 10 seconds. A six-speed auto is fitted to the petrol 2.5 while the hybrid gets a CVT continuously variable transmission.
We were able to sample the new generation a couple of months ago in Arizona and came away more impressed than we expected, particularly with the hybrid which will be manufactured here alongside the petrol four.Exterior styling is a mix of evolution and revolution with the frontal area a refined version of the current model and the rear a totally new look. The side profile has an arcing coupe-like line to it and the car is quite handsome from all angles set off by side air intakes and well defined panel creases. The interior is where Toyota has made the biggest improvements lifting Camry from boring to striking with luxury European overtones to the dash and centre stack.It's a roomy sedan for five with a large boot, even on the hybrid model which has its battery pack mounted more towards the middle of the vehicle. Naturally, Toyota Australia is in the process of localising Camry with its own suspension and (electric) steering tune among other things.