Toyota targets Eurosedans with all-new, upmarket Camry

Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMPC) unveiled at the Hotel Philippine Plaza last Monday the all-new 2006 Toyota Camry, the company’s flagship model that has been completely redesigned to elevate its position from medium-sized passenger car competing against the likes of the recently facelifted Honda Accord and new Mitsubishi Galant to a premium luxury sedan armed with all the weapons needed to challenge European luxury sedans.

The 2006 Camry features class-leading technology such as a 277-ps 3.5-liter Dual VVT-i V6 engine, cruise control, Push-Button Start and Smart Entry system, plus an abundance of state-of-the-art luxury features and amenities.

As a backgrounder. the first Camry debuted in 1980 and has since established itself as one of the two best-selling midsized sedans in the world. It is currently produced in eight countries and sold in more than 100 countries. The Camry has achieved cumulative global sales of more than 10 million units and continues to be Toyota’s flagship model in Asia.

The Camry made its debut in the Philippines in 1996, although it only started gaining market leadership when the substantially bigger and more luxurious next-generation version was launched in 2002. Its sales peaked in 2004 with almost 1,300 units sold.

By adopting a package that expands the wheelbase as well as the front and rear tracks while retaining the overall size of its predecessor, the Camry boasts a stance that expresses Euro-sedan-like strength and stability, not to mention a roomy and comfortable interior with extensive flat-surfaced legroom for the rear seat and ample cargo space. The new car has an overall dimension of 4,825mm (L) x 1,820mm (W) x 1,470mm (H).

The new Camry adopts a lightweight, highly rigid body that results in both a quiet cabin and superior aerodynamics, recording a drag coefficient of 0.29. And whereas the previous Camry’s 212-hp 3.0-liter V6 was outgunned by the 220-hp motor of the Nissan Cefiro and the 240-hp engine of the V6 Accord, the new range-topping Camry is now armed with a new 3.5-liter V6 DOHC, 24-valve Dual VVT-i engine which delivers a Porsche Boxster-beating output of 277 ps at 6,200 rpm and an SUV-like torque rating of 346 Nm at 4,700 rpm. The entry- and mid-level Camry variants come with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC VVT-i motor generating 167 ps at 6,000 rpm and 224 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm.

The drivetrain is further highlighted by a 6-speed manumatic transmission for top-of-the-line V6-powered Q variant and a 5-speed manumatic for the 2.4-liter V and G variants. This sequential manumatic mode lets the driver enjoy manual transmission responsiveness without a clutch pedal. Aggressive 215/55R tires on 17-inch alloy wheels are standard for the Q variant.

The 2006 Camry features ABS and Brake Assist coupled with new Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) technology. The VSC detects tire slippage and automatically helps stabilize the car when driving on slippery roads or in emergency situations when loss of control is imminent. Adaptive Front Lighting System enhances nighttime visibility by automatically regulating the headlamp beam pattern in response to steering input and driving conditions. Driver and passenger airbags are offered across all variants, with the addition of side airbags for the top-of-the-line 3.5Q model.

The Camry’s other features include HID headlamps, combined with the automatic-dynamic headlamp leveling device and auto light control system. This auto-leveling device adjusts the illumination depending on the forward and backward tilt of the car while in motion. Electric retractable outer mirrors are hydrophilic, incorporated with wide view and reverse link features, and is integrated with side turn signal lamps. Upon shifting into reverse, the mirror would adjust to show the rear tire area to facilitate safer reversing.

The Camry’s luxurious interior begins with the driver, whose steering wheel is made of leather with wood grain material and incorporates tilt and telescopic adjustments. To give the driver full control, the steering wheel incorporates audio, aircondition and multi-information display (MID) buttons. Information such as odometer/trip meter, outside temperature, average speed, cruising range, average fuel consumption and elapsed time are instantly displayed.

Once seated, the driver can easily start and stop the car’s engine with the push-button feature. The Smart Entry and Start System employs a Smart Key to lock and unlock the doors and a button to start the engine — even with the key on one’s pocket or purse.

The fully automatic air conditioner features independent temperature controls for the driver’s side and passenger’s side. It’s equipped with Plasma cluster Ions, an air-cleaning technology, that fills the cabin with refreshing air characterized by a balanced ratio of positive and negative ions to prevent absorption of mold, fungus, and dust.

The all-new 2006 Camry is offered in three variants: 3.5Q 6-speed automatic at P1,990,000; 2.4V at P1,646,000 and 2.4G at P1,431,000, both with 5-speed automatics. Available shades are white pearl, silver metallic, beige metallic, and black mica.