Yup, this is the new 2018 Toyota Camry, unveiled at the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Toyota says that the eighth-generation Camry has gone through a total evolution – from a proven, dependable and safe car to one that also possesses a more exciting and emotional character, thanks to newfound sporty performance and style.
Let’s start with the eye-catching exterior styling. While North America’s Camry has possessed a sporty flavour (relative to the chrome-laden version the rest of the world including Malaysia gets) for some time now, this is a big step further in that direction.
There were three primary design goals when penning the all-new Camry: a distinctive, low centre of gravity that results in a firm wide stance; a practical-yet-emotionally styled cabin profile, and a sporty and upscale image both inside and out. Toyota says that these goals have resulted in a sedan that’s both exciting to look at and drive.
The 1.6-inch-lower hood flows down to a “Keen Look” face that’s dominated by a two-piece grille comprised of flowing thin and thick treatments. The hybrid model gets a blue tinged emblem.
The 2018 Camry has an obviously sleeker profile than the current car. By lowering the hip points of the occupants (nearly 1.0-inch in front and 1.2-inches at the rear), and therefore their seating positions, Toyota was able to reduce the car’s overall height by around an inch from the current model and incorporate a lower roofline, without sacrificing cabin space. Striking character lines around and along the body augment the aggressive front and rear fenders, giving the new Camry a surprisingly sporty look.
At the back, a distinct crease extends from the slim taillights down to the bumper, effectively “pushing” the wheels outward in appearance to create a wide appearance. There’s even a new Camry logo. The new “midsize” sedan is 4,859 mm long (+10 mm), 1,834 mm wide (+13 mm) and 1,440 mm high (-30 mm), with a wheelbase of 2,824 mm (+48 mm).
The American Camry will as usual be available in four grades: LE, XLE, SE and XSE. The sport trims are SE and XSE (you see the latter here as the red car), and they come with a sculpted rocker panel, new 19-inch black machined-finish alloys (XSE only), a rear spoiler lip and rear diffuser. Unique facial features include large side intakes flanking the lower bumper’s unique ‘Catamaran’ accents, a high and slim upper intake encompassing the Toyota badge and a mesh grille. A revised rear bumper with distinctive corner lines and smoked lamps are also highlighted.
The design team sought to make the new sporty Camry models “instantly recognisable and appear different from the other models from as far as 200 yards away.” On that count, I think they have succeeded, although it might be too much for some. What do you think?
If anything, the changes inside are even bigger. Sporty is again the key word here, and the driver sits in a ‘cockpit’ with gauges angled toward his or her direction. A key visual element of the new dash is a sweeping new character line that flows down from the instrument cluster and bisects the centre console waterfall.
Another unique approach is the mix of tones and hues throughout a space rather than a strict colour profile, which Toyota says is inspired by home furnishing. All cabin surfaces employ the highest grade of soft touch and premium materials, the company claims. The front seats are new, and they now provide maximum comfort with a newfound level of ease and engagement to match the new Camry’s elevated performance and athleticism, Toyota says.
The new Camry features Toyota’s latest Human Machine Interface (HMI) which relays info through three interlinked displays: a 10-inch colour head-up display, a seven-inch MID within the instrument cluster and an eight-inch audio/navigation display and AC control flush in the centre console. A new nine-speaker JBL premium audio system with Sound Staging (emulates a live concert venue), Low Frequency Sounds (made possible by a 10.1-inch subwoofer) and Clari-Fi (‘uncompresses’ music to help restore a track’s dynamic range) is available.
The new Camry is built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) that also underpins the Prius. By extending the wheelbase by two inches, as well as bringing down the roof and hood height, Toyota lowered the centre of gravity and created a wider and more composed vehicle. Everything is lowered – the driver’s seating position, heel point for more foot room and ease of movement, hood, cowl, and dashboard height. The range of steering adjustment has been increased.
Toyota says that the front occupants will experience unprecedented outward visibility, thanks to a more compact design for the instrument panel and a lowered beltline, plus repositioned A-pillars and side mirror sections.
Three new powertrains will be available. They include a 3.5 litre V6 with D-4S fuel injection, a 2.5 litre four-cylinder with a new eight-speed automatic, and a next-generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS II).
The all-new 2.5L Dynamic Force Engine’s higher power/torque and lower fuel consumption in total use range is achieved by rapid combustion due to higher tumble air flow. With its long-stroke and high compression ratio, multi-hole direct fuel injectors, variable cooling system and Toyota’s Variable Valve-Timing-intelligent Electric (VVT-iE), this powerplant boasts world-leading thermal efficiency of 40%, which is also claimed by Toyota for the Prius and Hyundai for the Ioniq Hybrid’s ICE.
Figures have yet to be released, but the 2.5L is anticipated to achieve best-in-class fuel economy. It’s drivetrain partner is the newly developed Direct Shift-8AT that provides direct-lock up from gears two through eight to eliminate power loss from the torque converter, executing shifts “like a high-performance automated manual gearbox.”
The new hybrid system has been engineered to work in concert with the 2.5L Dynamic Force Engine. The CVT auto features a new Sport Mode with simulated six-speed sequential shift (SE adds on paddle shifters). Sport also improves acceleration thanks to an electric power boost from the hybrid system. To help enhance handling, the hybrid’s battery pack has moved from the trunk to beneath the rear seats. The new Camry Hybrid is expected to achieve best-in-class FC, with Prius-like city/highway driving efficiency, Toyota claims.
Toyota is promising ‘sporty handling’ and ‘enhanced ride quality’ for the new Camry. Improved structural rigidity (new platform, increased use of ultra-high-tensile steel, application of a new molding tech), a new double-wishbone rear suspension system, and a new four-point engine mounting system (improves NVH performance) are contributing factors.
Toyota says that driving dynamics were always at the forefront of the engineering philosophy for the new Camry, and that they wanted dramatic improvements that drivers will notice within the first few seconds of driving.
“In order to create something that stirs people’s soul, we’ve laid out the concept of a new sedan that provides fun and excitement behind the wheel. In developing the next-generation Toyota Camry, we were able to start with a clean slate, which allowed us to create a true driver’s car,” said Camry chief engineer Masato Katsumata. Sounds like something Mazda would say…
Last but not least, safety. Toyota Safety Sense P is standard across the board and the suite bundles Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Automatic High Beams. Select models will also come with Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. All 2018 Camrys have 10 airbags and a reverse camera.
Made in Georgetown, Kentucky (an important point for the president-elect), the latest iteration of America’s best-selling car for 15 consecutive years will roll into US dealerships in late summer this year.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Toyota, pemimpin industri otomotif…efisien dan unggul.
America best selling car for 15 years. enough said.
Over styled. Under powered.
Hopefully when it comes here, crony UMW will give us global safety spec.
Only end 2016, because of ZERO sales, UMW had no choice but to give Malaysians more airbags and VSC in their Vios, Altis and Camry. For 15 yrs, the global Camry had 9 airbags and VSC but Malaysian Camry had no VSC and only 2 airbags.
Hopefully this Camry, UMW don’t cheat Malaysians and under spec the Camry
enough with your “global” nonsense, there is no “global” spec for Toyota Camry.
Show proof with your statement Camry had got 9 airbags and VSC for the past 15 years GLOBALLY. Thailand? Australia? Hong Kong? Middle East? Africa? South America?
Front headlight and backlight is so….yesterday already.
With the Ioniq launch, I just felt Japanese cars are simply like adding VSC on top of 1997 Toyota SEG.
They can simply just give you 2 airbags for new Camry debut. Then later facelift with 7 airbags just to call it ‘extra safety’. In between having new range like GX, EX just for putting up lipstick hard-selling.
Really, I suddenly just lost appetite on Japanese cars stingy offerings
Stunning and beautiful…another innovative product from toyota…for 15 consecutive years as the best selling sedan in the US…it will continue to dominate the segment for sure…kudos and bravo toyota…
I’ve told u many times! Toyota is the best in the world.Drive a Toyota and you will never regret.Why still people buying lower rank brand and be sad driving for years? Change your attitude.Look at this new Camry it will make nearest rival look an idiot driving a junk on the road.Stop buying unrecognised junks especially proton and Honda.Be on board with the best and the greatest,Toyota!
My six sense telling me Honda sales going slow now.More cancellation and quieter showrooms.I heard no noise now except air conditioning vent cooling down the unsold cars.
Still no turbo? No one is going to buy this. The trend now is downsizing and single or twin turbo which gives you sheer amount of torque at a low rpm. I rather buy a VW Passat. Why not you pay a visit to used car dealers today, let me know how many unsold Altis and Camry you see? Your six sense needs to be tuned. Honda cars are selling like hot cakes. Toyota is losing out here in Malaysia.
Americans still love big NA engines.
cause USA s road tax is cheaper than malaysia road tax. fuel aso cheaper than in malaysia
As a guy with 3 friends who own a passat, I will advise you NOT to get it, unless you have no intention to own it beyond the warranty period. The car breaks down frequently (every couple of months), requiring extensive repair work, costing above RM10K above each time. Thankfully, it’s all covered under warranty now, but imagine the overall cost otherwise.
I regret buying vw Passat. Now the car has passed warranty period and starts giving problems. The repair cost more than 2k each time and it is never ending
Turbo chargers are independent mechanism that increases the air intake for the engine. Its true T/C will lower the rpm for higher power but only for the first few years, if T/C fails than engines with smaller cc such as 1.5 or 2.0 have to compensate the higher load. Furthermore T/C increases the heating of the engine. Material fatigue be careful. NA better
man u sounded like a 10 yrs old…well cant blame a 10 yrs old kids mindset…cheers
Please take my money jepunis overlord… Usually korea cars have nice designs which makes them stand out but with this Camry, I think the Koreans should start to redesign something even nicer and edgier… else akan ketinggalan.
1ST *ABUSE* – An ultra bias mindset been plant inside Toyota Japan/Global Management. Superior Camry for US market, while the rest get the cheap lousy. 2ND *CLOWN* Unccountable Clown inside Toyota Japan/Global Manegement. TNGA created for global platform sharing thus parts sharing, then spent double R&D cost, parts molding & inventory management for 1single model.
With this 2018 Toyota Camry introduction, how is UMW Toyo going to push off the current Camry ?!
With a Good/sporty look & latest tech, it has already make the current Camry looks dated.
Dont worry, its UMW we are talking about here. They will definitely butcher the next Camry coming to this country with bad pricing, bad specs, bad value and bad marketing.
Two to three camrys ago, the young people ranting about the uncleness of the camry have now become uncles. So UMW will add wood trim all over, change black dash to beige and sporty leather seats to brown colour italian furniture style, change to uglier headlight design and drop all tech and safety features. There you go only RM210k OTR for entry level 2.0. Worth your pension money!
you think UMW is capable to do that or will Toyota even allow UMW to “design” their own Camry?
Currently we don’t follow US Camry design though.
Yes. You’re right. Ours is much less sporty and usually heavy with chrome everywhere. Not the right way to attract the younger buyer.
No need to ask how. Simple, they will add some body kits etc and not to forget add on TRD logo, hike price for rm5k, and still have people buy it. Don’t worry.
So the design of the grille was inspired by a ladies thong? When are the toyota designers going to stop the underwear themes lah…
Such a shame because the rear of the car looks good while I sm not convinced by the interior design. Its like i’ve seen it before…
Only you could link the grille to a “thong”; no one else. So instead of asking the designers to stop fantasizing about thongs, why don’t you stop being a pervert?
The interior looks familiar because it’s inspired by the likes of Avalon and Highlander.
Its ok boy, one day when you get a girlfriend or get married you will see it like the rest us normal guys.
the north american camry always look good. dont get too excited, wait for the Asianed version of the 2018 camry….
The American Camry always looked better than ours. Don’t understand why they must take the effort to restyle it for the Asian market.
Too true. Don’t be overly excited. The interior and exterior of the soon-to-arrive new Camry will most probably have the DNA of our current Camry, the ‘asianed’ version as said by klguy. The best that we can hope for is that the safety feature and performance of the upcoming Camry will be brought in by UMW, but don’t hope too high though, because it’s UMW after all.
UMWT better launch the new Camry asap if it wants to recapture some of the lost market share. Their current range of cars is pretty pathetic. And they can’t survive on selling the pick-up truck alone.
Macam macam ada …!!
Chances are, UMW will bring the 2.5 VVT-ie to M’sia. It looks way better & more sporty than the older Camry. In fact, it looks very up-market like his Lexus sibling.
The best part is this power plant boasts world-leading thermal efficiency of 40%, which is also claimed by Toyota for the Prius & Hyundai for the Ioniq Hybrid’s ICE.
Drive this car & U don’t have to feel guilty for destroying our mother earth for depleting the ozone layer.
when this model will launch in MY?
2019 or 2020..
haha
Even CH-R also yet to be launched here..
They don’t want to sell C-HR as cheap as HRV because it might kill of Vios & Altis.
So if sell expensive, probably LPPL as well since nobody can afford it.
They are silently cracking their head.
The car honestly looks modern specially with its futuristic pointy looking front and 8 blades below it. This alone most probably UMW will price the car at RM200++ K. The inside looks good with some space theme cabin and main glass looking terminal in the center(Why the inside pictures is in the dark?). The Camry is finally looking the part for since the last tissue box design. Its Honda turn to buck up its design.
Looks like a very decent effort by Toyota for the US version Camry. Toyota should adopt this version for the next-gen Camry for the Asian market. And judging by the recent trend, conservative-styled mainstream cars are on a downward spiral. The public demands better quality cars with more sporty flavour (e.g the meteoric rise of the current-gen Honda Civic & Mazda 3/6)..
american camry has always been different to the asian and japanese. this is to suit the taste of the market there even in the 90s. less chrome, more solid body colour parts like grille. only the first 2 camry models strong resemblance to the camry sold in malaysia but after that they bear noticeable differences.
Gillette Mark 7?
Wow looks good. But wait only available for US market booo…..
Nanti dah masuk malaysia semua wood trim. Kalau boleh UMW nak ukir logo toyota tu pun dengan kayu jati
Looking good indeed but by the time it gets here….UMW would reduce it to 2 airbags, take out the traction control, minimize the accessories and then charge you a premium for even the entry level variants….Toyota Corp in Japan…please wake up!
kita tunggu saja all new toyota aurion 2018. Karena camry di asean berbasis aurion
what’s the fugly line at the rear bumper joining to the rear lights?
guys is there any way to check the sales of camry in malaysia last year? curious how good the sales of camry hybrid…
High road tax and underpowered. Bring in turbo and I’m sold, otherwise, no, thanks, Toyota. You can’t make it by using NA engines anymore.
Wow the front grille is humongous it could swallow Sam Loo alive and there would be still some space for Kunta Kinte to slip through
Good interior and rear end but questionable front end design.
yeah, front is weird.
Huhu..like the centre console
It appears that the current Camry facelift & Altis facelift & even All-New-Innova fully booked for Chinese New Year. I guess I’ll wait for XV60 to come out in Q3 then :(
The car front design looks like it was designed 20 years ago. The back design not very good either.
Finally, can’t believe it took that long for Camry to start designing something beyond uncle. Interior finally having some flavour of a moden car, but exterior….. Umm IMHO, rather dated. Not fresh and differentiating enough. Mazda, Kias and Hyundai will say ‘been there, done that’. and IMO. he white version looks odd for a hatchback
UMW, please send this new Camry ASAP into Malaysia market. Can’t wait further for the delay.
anyone has any update on when this new Camry will be launched in Malaysia? thanks.
So any updates when UMW will release the new Camry? As with GST0 right now, it’ll definitely make an easy sales for them, would be silly to miss it out
Mitsubishi ASX : High fuel consumption
Honda CRV 2.0 NA : High fuel consumption
Honda CRV 1.5 Turbo : Mixing of lube oil and water problem ( major recall)
Honda Civic 1.5 T : Only stands for 3 years than slows down
Toyota Vios : Overpriced
Toyota camry 2.5 hybrid : Lower fuel consumption, Higher power, handling is very responsive.
Can i ask if u have body kit for camry 2018?