2018 Toyota Camry unveiled for the Japanese market

2018 Toyota Camry unveiled for the Japanese market

Just a few months after the new 2018 Toyota Camry made its debut at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), the company’s latest D-segment sedan has been revealed for the Japanese market. This time, the car sold in the Land of the Rising Sun takes after the US-market model, instead of our more chrome-laden version sold there in the previous generation.

Unlike in the United States, the Camry is expected to remain available in Hybrid form only, and with a more conservative design as opposed to the sportier version that will also be offered in the US. “More conservative” it may be, but it’s still a vastly more daring look to what came before, with a broad lower grille, strong haunches, deeper side surfacing and a more low-slung roofline.

Only a couple of changes can be seen in the transition from the North American market, with the Japanese-market model gaining front fog lights and losing the amber front and red rear side marker lamps. Inside, the bold cockpit look has been retained, complete with a character line that bisects the centre console.

2018 Toyota Camry unveiled for the Japanese market

No technical details have been revealed just yet, but the Japanese Camry should retain the US-market’s hybrid powertrain, consisting of a new 2.5 litre Dynamic Force engine – with direct injection and VVT-iE (for Electric) for higher outputs and reduced fuel consumption – along with an electric motor and a CVT. Toyota expects fuel economy to equal that of the Prius, which is rated at up to 40.8 km per litre on the JC08 cycle.

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 bonnet 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), cowl and dashboard height.

2018 Toyota Camry unveiled for the Japanese market

Toyota is also promising sporty handling and enhanced ride quality, with improvements including increased structural rigidity (new platform, increased use of ultra-high-tensile steel, application of a new molding technology), a new double wishbone rear suspension system and a new four-point engine mounting system that reduces noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

Again, don’t expect this particular version of the Camry to have much bearing on the one set to be sold here. Our Camry will be a distinctly different model sold in the rest of the world, the design of which was previewed by the Fengchao Fun concept at Auto Shanghai 2017 last month.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • arowana on May 22, 2017 at 5:22 pm

    uncle car.. re-engineered

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 24
    • Jimmy on May 22, 2017 at 10:12 pm

      Can’t help commenting.
      Is this elegance?
      Who are your target groups of customers?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 5
      • Camry 2.5 Hybrid good value RM175k.
        Lexus like comfort, smooth engine and bulletproof reliability. Fully tax price is RM315K

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
        • kereta_lembu on May 23, 2017 at 11:18 am

          Just imagine that….RM315k for a Camry without tax incentives. That price for a Camry is beyond logic

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • YB Kunta Kinte on May 22, 2017 at 5:24 pm

    Hopefully Toyota in Japan don’t practice double standards like what they did the past 20 years.

    For example, they allow Camry to be sold in Malaysia for past 20 years with only 2 airbags and no VSC. Only last year, all Camrys were given VSC.

    This is not right cause the same Camry in Japan and overseas had 10 airbags and VSC plus loads of many other safety features.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 8
  • The current Camry in Malaysia look like old uncle car. This is way much better with the sleek interior.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 25 Thumb down 8
  • So if vios lagi facelift must look like ultraman, then why must this look like kaiju? Will this kaiju land in MY later?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 4
  • Shud turboed the engine oredi

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 6
  • Paul Teng Pulut on May 22, 2017 at 5:45 pm

    If UMW actually brings in this USA Camry model to Malaysia then can consider. Because this model was developed in Toyota California, not Toyota Japan. There will be much more innovation and new updated gadgets, but knowing UMW… You all gonna get the Daihatsu Camry which will be released much later. Muahahahaha… The current Camry in Malaysia is the XV50 model. It is also known as the Daihatsu Altis and Toyota Aurion overseas. So Camry drivers here, you are actually driving a watered down car.. a second grade design specifically design for lower grade consumers in mostly in Asia.Look at previous Camry.Was it same as America? No right? It’s not even the real Camry that was meant for the actual D segment market of US, Europe, China and Australia.So in essence there is really nothing to compare when it come to D segment from Toyota. All other D segment competition is of the actual D segment model. Only Toyota, the best brand in Malaysia sells a ‘fake’Camry to you all.. Hahaha.. Look at other carmakers around you..Honda Accord,Mazda 6,Nissan Teana,Ford Mondeo,Peugeot 508,Kia Optima,Hyundai Sonata..all same design for the rest of the world.Only Toyota dare to discriminate people base on region and continent.Toyota treats Asian like we don’t deserves equal rights.Want me to compare Corolla too? Tacoma? We don’t deserve RAV 4 anymore.They gave us useless Rush and cost cutting Fortuner which is sharing platform with Hilux and Innova!

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 128 Thumb down 9
    • camtakpro on May 22, 2017 at 6:04 pm

      They have 360 cam for Vios, but Camry has none.

      Vios > Camry.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 2
    • safety 1st on May 22, 2017 at 6:34 pm

      it 2018 model and they are using big useless powerless 2.5 engine with cvt… and dont even want to reveal the power/torque figure of this car… other brand like kia and hyundai giving us the 2.0 turbo.. this toyota keep giving us the slow big engine with cvt.. go ahead buy this car, but please keep to your left lane and give way to kia and hyundai on the highway

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 36 Thumb down 4
      • Cross Blood on May 22, 2017 at 7:22 pm

        Accord front + Infiniti back…. What’s wrong with T?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 3
    • Mikey on May 22, 2017 at 6:51 pm

      So, U are saying UMW gives us 2nd grade Toyo isit?! If that is the case, better ask UMW 2 close shop & let someone more capable direct from Toyota run the operation.

      But cronies will say like that cannot la bro bcos if Toyo sell their BEST products, what will happen 2 P1 & P2??

      Our Gov won’t allow this 2 happen. john will not allow me 2 praise Toyo & john will be out of business too. Cannot la like that bcos i/we NEED john 2 entertain me/us at ALL Cost.

      I believe john have a very good reason 2 tell us – Why UMW/Gov want 2 sell us 2nd best Toyo. Be patient bcos john will appear, SOON. Hehehe. Cheers

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 16
    • jongos on May 22, 2017 at 8:07 pm

      thanks for the info about the Daihatsu Altis bro. Malaysia die hard Toyota fans buta2 kene tipu. hahahahaha. dapat 2nd grade Camry hahahahahaha. Now i can laugh at them. So lansi with their fake Camry hahahahaahaa

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 3
    • Don't any how comment on May 22, 2017 at 11:49 pm

      Have you driven a Us version of Camry ?
      China sold exactly the same version of Camry just like us

      Us version of Camry Nvh is much worst than our wei, they don’t even have optiron meter… Do some research before you comment lar please

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 4
    • Toy Yoda on May 22, 2017 at 11:49 pm

      On the contrary the Aurion is not a second grade Camry. In other markets they are actually bigger and better equipped than the Camry and with a bigger engine. Its just that unfortunately the current Aurion (Camry in Malaysia) is so ugly and dumpy looking and incidentally the Camry that was introduced at the same time was just as bad looking. Blame it on the Toyota designers. Hopefully the next generation Aurion will look much better, or maybe UMW could just bring in the actual Camry and not the Aurion the next time around.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
    • Michael on May 23, 2017 at 1:44 am

      No real value going forward if Toyota insist of selling lower spec version in Malaysia. Other makes are leading with active safety at reasonable price.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Hmm... Much Hmm... on May 23, 2017 at 7:58 am

      Perodua should build the Daihatsu Altis here and sell below RM100k. Since it’s Hybrid, can get tax incentives as well.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • Lcians on May 22, 2017 at 5:49 pm

    LOLLL KIA OPTIMA COPYCAT shame on you toyota

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 13
  • Anti Prabanathan Muntahsamy on May 22, 2017 at 5:53 pm

    Toyota really a follower these days.Look at the back side.Familiar? Somewhere copy from Ford.Toyota is the new Proton! Toyota models for Asia is a disgrace.Even paultan admitted and agreed this is not meant for Asia.I’m not telling fake news.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 26 Thumb down 3
  • Quantum leap improvements made by indomitable Toyota in handling and ride quality, noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
  • Prabanathan Muthusamy on May 22, 2017 at 6:01 pm

    I told you so! Toyota is superior.Look at this beauty.Far better than any of competition! Toyota is too big to fail.Toyota is God of all.Anyone not supporting Toyota is a cheapskate humanity!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 13
  • Abert on May 22, 2017 at 6:03 pm

    Mr.Akio
    BEFORE u launch it in Bolehland,kindly appoint another distributor to market the entire Toyota range of products or start TOYOTA MALAYSIA BHD like Honda malaysia.
    This way,we carlovers may stand a chance to get the full specs version at AFFORDABLE prices.
    If UMW is still the distributor,we will get TULANG SPECS at EXHORBITANT PRICES.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 0
  • totota on May 22, 2017 at 6:06 pm

    ok..well…Camry is wearing braces now

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • Gaviny on May 22, 2017 at 6:09 pm

    Polarizing design

    Either love or hate it

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • This next gen. Camry can be written off already since it is a merely the current Altis after injection of steroids !

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Farid Apandi on May 22, 2017 at 6:47 pm

    Depan macam BMW. Belakang macam Audi.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 5
  • If UMW brings this new Camry with this specific design, then what would all the uncles buy? The proton pondana is too much of an insult to even suggest.

    But knowing UMW, they will disappoint the malaysian market as usual, so don’t worry uncles se-malaysia OK?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 6
  • matt farrel on May 22, 2017 at 8:19 pm

    kind looks like the quattroporte from the rear

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
  • funkyMonkey on May 22, 2017 at 9:15 pm

    the chrome works/grille is gonna be Ah Beng’s wet dream…..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 3
    • Fenix on May 23, 2017 at 2:56 pm

      Ah Beng will put the grille photo as their smartphone wallpaper .

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Uncle on May 22, 2017 at 9:47 pm

    Umw toyota. Bring this to malaysia to improve sales.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • VAPER on May 22, 2017 at 10:06 pm

    Don’t worry… UMWT will make it uglier when it comes here. They will strip all the goodies and make it kosong car with premium price.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • Thought Toyota has realized their ugly-uncle-design of the current model led to their sales drop. But, absurdly, the new 2018 Camry also comes with an ugly-uncle-design! Funny, funny!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Kelvin on May 22, 2017 at 10:37 pm

    The front design is too much

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Toyota these days feel more premium than ever. Just look at the interior of Fortuner. It’s a step forward in the right direction.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • azrai on May 23, 2017 at 8:38 am

    So they decide to take Hyundai and badge it to Toyota?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • thepolygonal on May 23, 2017 at 9:00 am

    “Toyota expects fuel economy to equal that of the Prius, which is rated at up to 40.8 km per litre on the JC08 cycle.” makes me wonder what is the selling point of the Prius then.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • stasta on May 24, 2017 at 3:01 pm

      difficult to believe they have similar fuel consumption, considering camry is heavier and uses 2.5 liter engine instead of 1.8

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • K F Choy on May 23, 2017 at 9:41 am

    Big area of clear cluster of the combination taillamps look vulgar.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Semi-Value (Member) on May 23, 2017 at 10:56 am

    im not even mad…the Fengchao Fun concept looks even sharper

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Fenix on May 23, 2017 at 2:57 pm

    Toyota nowadays spend too much time overdesigning and overcomplicating the grille .

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • why the rear light look like one of the kimchi car?
    Hmm..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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