Ah, a nice high-res gallery – surely one of the most under-rated joys in life. Today, we apply it to the Malaysian-market 2015 Toyota Camry facelift – we unite the middle-child 2.0G petrol and range-topping 2.5 Hybrid, for your ease of compare and contrast.
Pretty garang new face there, courtesy of the ‘Keen Look Identity’ and ‘Under Priority’ design philosophies. The 2.0G here is wearing the optional Aerokit, making it look a bit more planted than the 2.5 Hybrid, but the latter counters the former’s 215/60 R16 alloys with striking two-tone 215/55 R17 alloys.
The grille inserts are diamond-effect on the Hybrid and slatted on petrol variants, and the Hybrid sports blue Toyota logos – a Toyota hybrid hallmark. Round the back, you’ll find LED combination lamps bridged by a chrome strip, plus a reshaped rear bumper.
The 2.0G sees through self-levelling HID projector headlamps with DRLs; the Hybrid through twin-projector LED headlamps. The latter makes do with one tailpipe when the former has two, and due to the battery pack in the boot, the Hybrid holds 421 litres of cargo compared to the 2.0 litre variants’ 515 litres. For the same reason, the Hybrid doesn’t get the trunk-through feature available on the other two.
One car, two vastly-different hearts. In one corner is a new 6AR-FSE 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol engine with VVT-iW Otto/Atkinson cycles and D-4S direct/port injection, channelling 167 PS and 199 Nm of torque through a six-speed Super ECT auto.
In the other corner sits a 205 PS hybrid system comprising a 160 PS/213 Nm 2AR-FXE 2.5 litre VVT-i four-cylinder petrol engine, a 143 PS/270 Nm electric motor, an eCVT gearbox and a nickel-metal hydride battery.
Inside, the two cars share a re-designed, blue-backlit Optitron instrument panel with a colour multi-info display, new auto dual-zone climate controls, keyless entry and start, cruise control and eight-way power-adjustable leather seats. The 2.0G pictured here has the optional seven-inch DVD-AVN touch-screen, but the Hybrid has a lot more over the 2.0G.
Hybrid exclusives include wood grain on the top half of its steering wheel, Zebrawood grain trim (as opposed to the 2.0G’s Crotchwood), auto headlamps and wipers, plus a seven-inch touch-screen with navigation, Bluetooth, MirrorLink and reverse camera display.
Eco and EV modes, a 10-speaker JBL Green Edge Tech sound system, a Panasonic Nanoe air ioniser, Qi wireless charging, a collapsible front passenger headrest, a powered rear sun blind and pull-up rear side windows blinds are also to be had only on the Hybrid.
Finally, safety. The 2.0G has an edge over the 2.0E in that it has VSC, traction control, hill start assist and emergency stop signal, but it also has only two airbags. The Hybrid has all of that along with seven airbags and a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
For full prices, specs, equipment, options, colours and warranty details of all 2015 Toyota Camry variants in Malaysia – basically everything you need to know – visit CarBase.my. Also, we’ve taken the Camry 2.0G and 2.5 Hybrid for a quick spin – read our drive report here.
Or of course, you can let our man Gregory Sze take you around the car himself:
By now you should know all there is to know about the 2015 Toyota Camry, thanks to our exhaustive launch report and first impressions review. While the 2.0 litre model boasts a host of upgrades including a brand new engine and six-speed gearbox, it is in fact the 2.5 Hybrid that’s in the limelight.
As a result, the Camry 2.5 Hybrid wears a competitive RM174,900 price tag – really not bad considering its high equipment levels (including safety – seven airbags, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert), technology, power and efficiency. As such, UMW Toyota expects it to be the bigger seller in the new Camry range by a huge margin – out of the 9,000 Camry units it targets to shift before the year is up, 7,000 are expected to be the Hybrid.
But the full duty exemption enjoyed by CKD hybrids is set to expire after December 31, 2015, with Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed saying in January that there were no plans to extend the incentives. Still, UMW Toyota is negotiating for an extension, and according to president Datuk Ismet Suki, signs seem good so far.
“We have been in communication with the government and we are positive that the government will entertain our request seriously. The government understands the situation,” Ismet said at yesterday’s Camry launch, adding that without the hybrid incentives, or if the incentives end without extension, the Camry 2.5 Hybrid would probably cost around RM250k – a whole RM75k more than it does now.
The 2.5 Hybrid is the replacement for the 2.5V at the top of the previous Camry range, and Ismet revealed that there are no plans so far to introduce a non-hybrid 2.5 like the one we had before. With the hybrid incentives less than nine months away from expiration, could the decision be swinging in their favour?
UMW Toyota Motor has released official specifications of the updated 2015 Toyota Camry, which will be launched on April 2. A new engine, a new hybrid variant and added kit – let’s go through all of them, shall we?
First up, what’s under the bonnet. As mentioned previously, the Camry gets an all-new engine – a 6AR-FSE 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol engine with VVT-iW and D-4S direct and port injection. Producing 167 PS at 6,500 rpm and 199 Nm at 4,600 rpm (17 PS and 9 Nm from before), it finally ditches the old four-speed automatic transmission for a six-speed unit with Super-ECT.
The new mill is capable of running on both Otto and Atkinson cycles, the latter for better efficiency. As such, it achieves a combined ECE-rated fuel consumption figure of 7.3 litres per 100 km, down from 8.3 litres per 100 km previously.
Bigger news is the availability of a new 2.5 Hybrid model, which mates a 2AR-FXE 2.5 litre VVT-i four-cylinder petrol engine (160 PS at 5,700 rpm and 213 Nm at 4,500 rpm) with a 143 PS/270 Nm electric motor and a nickel-metal hydride battery. Combined, they produce a total system power output of 205 PS and deliver a combined fuel consumption of 5.2 litres per 100 km.
Click to enlarge.
Two trim levels are available for the 2.0 litre – the base 2.0E and the mid-level 2.0G, doing away with the recent 2.0G X variant. Both models now come with HID projector headlights with LED daytime running lights, dual exhaust outlets, keyless entry and push-button start, but otherwise equipment levels remain the same.
The 2.0E gets manually-adjustable fabric seats, a basic radio and CD/MP3 player with USB and iPod connectivity, six speakers, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents and an Optitron instrument cluster with a new full-colour multi-info display. Going up to the 2.0G nets you eight-way power-adjustable leather seats, cruise control and security and solar film for the windows.
Sitting at the top of the range, the 2.5 Hybrid replaces the old 2.5V and comes with automatic LED twin-projector headlights, automatic wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a new seven-inch touchscreen navigation system with Bluetooth connectivity and reverse camera, a 10-speaker JBL Green Edge Tech sound system, a Panasonic Nanoe air ioniser and Qi wireless charging. We don’t get the Thai-market car’s power-reclining rear seats and triple-zone climate control, though.
Click to enlarge the comparison tables.
Last but not least, we come to safety – the 2.5 Hybrid gets the full complement of seven airbags (including one for the driver’s knee), VSC, Hill Start Assist and a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), but misses out on pre-crash alert, lane departure warning and dynamic radar cruise control, all of which come on cars from across the northern border.
As before, the 2.0 litre models get two airbags – on par with the Honda Accord but behind the six-airbags-as-standard Nissan Teana. Disappointingly, the base 2.0E soldiers on without VSC, either. On the options list for the 2.0 litre models is an aerokit derived from the Thai-market Extremo variant, a seven-inch touchscreen DVD-AVN system with Bluetooth and a reverse camera, as well as security and solar film for the 2.0E.
All that remains to complete the puzzle are prices for all variants, which we’ll find out during the launch of the 2015 Toyota Camry in two days time.
You’re looking at the first pics of the 2015 Toyota Camry 2.0G, one of three variants of the locally-assembled refreshed Camry that will be launched later this week. The other two are the entry-level 2.0E and the Camry Hybrid 2.5HV. The latter, which we showed you a full gallery of last week, is the first hybrid Toyota to be assembled in Malaysia.
The CKD Camry 2.0 gets a new 2.0 litre VVT-iW D-4S engine. The direct-injection 6AR-FSE unit, making 167 PS at 6,500 rpm and 199 Nm of torque at 4,600 rpm, has separate twin injectors for both direct and port injection. It is mated to a six-speed torque converter “Super ECT” automatic gearbox with manual mode.
Equipment wise, it looks like the 2.0G will come with HID projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, twin-tailpipes and 16-inch multi-spoke wheels with 215/60 Bridgestone Turanza ER33 tyres, plus front and rear parking sensors. The bodykit seen here is optional.
Inside the black-themed interior, Camry 2.0G occupants get black perforated leather seats; wood trim on the dashboard, centre console, gear knob and door pulls; dual-zone auto air con; steering buttons; cruise control and keyless entry with push start button. There’s also a cool new Optitron instrument cluster with a full-colour multi-info display between the two dials. The DVD-AVN head unit seen here is optional.
The 2015 Toyota Camry will be launched on April 2, just three days away, but eager sales agents have already put up ads on car classifieds like oto.my and mudah.my with indicative pricing for the car.
We first saw the Camry Hybrid listed on oto.my for RM200k in January this year. The latest indicative pricing given seems to be about RM175k, which puts it head to head against the Honda Accord, which is priced at about RM174.8k OTR with insurance.
The new Camry Hybrid will be locally assembled to take advantage of duty exemptions in Malaysia. UMW Toyota says based on the production line set up at UMW Toyota’s Shah Alam plant, they will be able to make about 7,000 units before the duty exemptions expire at the end of this year.
We already know some of the Camry Hybrid’s equipment from our observation at the car’s line-off ceremony. We managed to spot a 10-speaker JBL sound system, Blind Spot Monitor, Qi wireless charger and a Nano-E air conditioning system in the interior. One of the ads on oto.my reveals the following new information – if the ad is accurate, it will also come with 7 airbags and Rear Cross Traffic alert.
There will be a “Camry Preview Night” on April 2 at the Sunway Convention Centre. It’s open for a public to sign up, but if you’re interested, better hurry because there are only 50 seats on a first come first serve basis. To RSVP, send an email to [email protected] with your full name (as per IC), mobile number, IC number, vehicle model and email address.
Upon receipt of the registration details, an email will be sent by UMWT to notify whether they have a seat for you, or not. Those who are successful will get a reservation code number by March 30, and an SMS reminder with the code will be sent to you a day before the event. Good luck!
GALLERY: Toyota Camry Hybrid CKD Line-Off Ceremony
The 2015 Toyota Camry will be launched next week, and you’re invited! UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has posted up the invite on its Facebook page, inviting the public to RSVP for limited slots in the “Camry Preview Night”, which will happen on April 2 at the Sunway Convention Centre.
If you’re interested, better hurry because there are only 50 seats for the public to be given out on a first come first serve basis. To RSVP, send an email to [email protected] with your full name (as per IC), mobile number, IC number, vehicle model and email address.
Upon receipt of the registration details, an email will be sent by UMWT to notify whether they have a seat for you, or not. Those who are successful will get a reservation code number by March 30, and an SMS reminder with the code will be sent to you a day before the event. Good luck!
Earlier this week, UMWT held a line-off ceremony to mark the start of production of the latest Camry, which will be available in three variants – Camry 2.0E and 2.0G petrol and the Camry Hybrid 2.5HV, the latter being the first Toyota hybrid to be assembled in Malaysia.
Already launched in Thailand, the Camry 2.0 will get a new 167 PS/199 Nm 2.0 litre VVT-iW D-4S engine and possibly a six-speed auto. The Camry Hybrid has a 2.5 litre Atkinson-cycle engine with 160 hp and 213 Nm. The 2AR-FXE joins forces with a 143 PS/270 Nm electric motor and an eCVT gearbox for a total output of 205 PS and a claimed consumption figure of 19.6 km per litre.
UMW Toyota Motor held a line-off ceremony to mark the start of production of the 2015 Toyota Camry at the Assembly Services Sdn Bhd plant in Shah Alam earlier today. Three variants will be produced here – the Camry 2.0E and 2.0G petrol and the Camry Hybrid 2.5HV, the latter being the first Toyota hybrid to be assembled in Malaysia (CKD).
Nearly RM180 million has been spent from 2010 to 2015 on the Camry CKD project, and as a result, the newly-set up line at the Shah Alam plant is capable of churning out 9,000 units of the Camry – 7,000 of which being the Hybrid variant – over the next nine months.
The nine-month mention is of interest – it points to December 2015, which is of course when the government’s tax breaks for CKD hybrids are set to expire. As of now, there are no plans yet to extend the incentive, so Toyota would want to ride this nine-month wave as much as it can while it awaits feedback from the government.
Already launched in Thailand, the 2015 Toyota Camry has been spotted in Malaysia several times – the Camry 2.0 will get a new 2.0 litre VVT-iW D-4S engine and possibly a six-speed auto. The new 6AR-FSE engine, manufactured in China for our market, has separate twin injectors for both direct and port injection, and makes 167 PS/199 Nm, compared to the current 2.0 VVT-i’s 150 PS/190 Nm. With the six-speed auto, a 13% fuel efficiency improvement is claimed too.
The Toyota Camry Hybrid has a 2.5 litre Atkinson-cycle VVTi four-cylinder petrol engine that develops 160 hp and 213 Nm of torque. The 2AR-FXE joins forces with a 143 PS/270 Nm electric motor and an eCVT gearbox for a total output of 205 PS and a claimed consumption figure of 19.6 km per litre. A hybrid battery warranty of eight years with unlimited mileage will be offered. This same eight year warranty will also apply to other new Toyota hybrid models on sale, but sadly not available for existing Toyota hybrids already on the road.
Local cars lose out, however, on triple-zone automatic air-conditioning – sticking with the current car’s dual-zone system, albeit with a new Panasonic Nanoe ioniser – and power-reclining rear seats, and there’s no indication for now of whether they will receive the Thai cars’ full suite of active and passive safety systems.
According to UMW Toyota president Datuk Ismet Suki, the updated Camry and Camry Hybrid are set to be launched on April 2, and both will be priced under RM200k. With reference to the upcoming Goods and Services Tax (GST), Ismet made no mention as to whether prices will go up or down, but he said that any savings will be passed on to the customer.
Several facelifted Toyota Camrys have been spotted on a highway in Malaysia – we thank reader Zamil Mat Sharif for sending these in. The refreshed D-segment sedan launched in Thailand recently, and in the above pic is a car with a bodykit that appears similar to the Thai-market Extremo variant’s. The spyshots show two different front grilles – an intricately-styled one and one with horizontal slats featuring a protruding chin.
Ads on oto.my suggest that Malaysia will get the latest 2.0 litre VVT-iW & D-4S engine – if this is so, it means the base Camry 2.0 could ditch the old four-speed auto for a newer six-speed gearbox, too.
The new 6AR-FSE engine has separate twin injectors for both direct and port injection, and makes 167 PS and 199 Nm of torque, compared to the current 2.0 VVT-i’s 150 PS and 190 Nm. Together with the six-speed auto, a fuel efficiency improvement of 13% is claimed too.
The hybrid is expected to be locally-assembled (CKD) to take advantage of tax breaks afforded by the government. Under the bonnet, a 2AR-FXE 2.5 litre Atkinson-cycle VVTi four-cylinder petrol engine with 160 hp and 213 Nm of torque is coupled to an electric motor (with 143 PS and 270 Nm) and eCVT – combined output is 205 PS with a fuel consumption figure of 19.6 km/l.
Price wise, things remain slightly murky as although a figure circa RM179k has been touted in ads, sources within UMW Toyota have confirmed that no price figure has been set in stone just yet. Only a matter of time before everything becomes official at this point.
A new ad of the 2015 Toyota Camry facelift on our sister car classifieds site oto.my now suggests that Malaysia will indeed get the latest 2.0 litre VVT-iW & D-4S engine. If proved accurate, that also means that the base Camry 2.0 will ditch the old four-speed auto for a newer six-speed transmission too!
The particular oto.my ad shows a picture of the new 6AR-FSE engine cover (below, left), complete with prominent green VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide) letterings. This naturally-aspirated D-4S unit gets separate twin injectors for both direct and port injection.
Just launched in Thailand, the advanced new motor makes 167 PS and 199 Nm of torque, which is a significant improvement over the current 2.0 VVT-i’s 150 PS and 190 Nm. Together with the six-speed automatic gearbox, a fuel efficiency improvement of 13% is claimed too.
Also quoted is a RM179,000 price for the upcoming Camry Hybrid (engine bay pictured above, right). Sources within UMW Toyota have told us that no price range has been set just yet, though, so do take the advertised figure with a pinch of salt. We’ll know more very soon when it all goes official.
The 2015 Toyota Camry facelift has been launched in Thailand, featuring upgraded looks and an all-new engine and gearbox combo. Yes, Toyota is pulling off a significant mid-life update for its D-segment sedan. Also introduced in the Thai range is a sporty-looking Camry Extremo variant. Now we’ve seen everything.
A total of six variants are offered there: 2.0G, 2.0G Extremo, 2.5G, 2.5HV CD, 2.5HV Navigator and 2.5HV Premium. The first two models get the biggest upgrade over the outgoing Camry, featuring the new 2.0 litre VVT-iW & D-4S engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission (in place of the old four-speeder).
The 6AR-FSE motor has a much higher compression ratio compared to the old 1AZ-FE (12.7:1 vs 9.8:1), along with new advancements such as VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide) and D-4S (separate twin injectors for both direct and port injection). Toyota’s VVT-iW tech first debuted on the Lexus NX 200t.
Output numbers are up from the current 150 PS and 190 Nm to 167 PS and 199 Nm. Together with the six-speed automatic gearbox, a fuel efficiency improvement of 13% is claimed. The rest of the range is unchanged, with the same 181 PS/231 Nm 2.5 litre engine and 160 PS/213 Nm 2.5 litre petrol plus 105 PS/270Nm hybrid combo options offered.
As for looks, the non-hybrid models match what we’ve seen from the global-market XV50 facelift that was first revealed in August last year, with a far more dynamic looking front end and a nice chrome bar running through the rear lights at the back. The hybrid variant, however, gets a unique front grille treatment that is different to the JDM Camry Hybrid.
The aforementioned Camry Extremo sports an aggressive set of all-around bodykit that includes a prominent rear diffuser, twin exhaust pipes and a bootlid spoiler. On top of that, the bespoke 17-inch two-tone wheels are connected to variant-specific performance dampers too, so don’t call this a mere dress-up package.
Inside, the updated Camry adds quite a few stand-out features, including full-LED headlamps with auto high beam, three-zone climate control, power-adjustable rear seats, a 10-speaker JBL audio system, Qi wireless charger, dynamic radar cruise control, blind-spot monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, lane departure warning, pre-crash alert and seven airbags.
Most of these features are exclusive to the range-topping 2.5HV Premium variant only, but the fact that they are even available on a Camry is nothing less than incredible. Prices in Thailand start from 1,319,000 baht (around RM148,500 at current exchange rates) for the base 2.0G, on to 1,899,000 baht (RM213,600) for the one with all the bells and whistles.
Last week, an ad of the Toyota Camry Hybrid appeared on oto.my, and the car featured was in facelift form. Now, these pics from reader Chong show a facelifted Camry racking up miles on the KESAS Highway, strengthening belief that the promised Camry Hybrid will make its Malaysian debut with a new face. Alongside the facelifted regular car, possibly.
UPDATE:The white car above, with LED headlamps and taped-up badges on the front wing, is most probably a Camry Hybrid, although this is the first time we’re seeing this intricate grille pattern. The JDM car has standard horizontal slats.
If the launch happens soon, it could even be an unlikely ASEAN debut, as this facelifted XV50 Camry is not yet available in Thailand and Indonesia, two large markets that are traditionally first in line for new products.
Powering the Camry Hybrid is a 160 PS/213 Nm 2AR-FXE 2.5 litre Atkinson-cycle VVTi four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a 143 PS/270 Nm electric motor and an eCVT – the same combo as on the Lexus ES 300h. Combined power output is 205 PS, resulting in a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 8.6 seconds, 1.1 seconds faster than a Camry 2.5V. Claimed fuel economy is 19.6 km/l.
The oto.my ad quoted a price of RM199,990, meaning that previous indications by UMW Toyota – that the car would be priced slightly higher than the top-spec RM181k Camry 2.5V – could be pretty much spot on.
A trawl through our sister classifieds site oto.my threw up a surprise in the form of a listing for the Toyota Camry Hybrid, indicating an imminent launch. The ad (which claims that the order books are open) quoted a price of RM199,990, meaning that the previous indications by UMW Toyota – that the car would be priced slightly higher than the top-spec RM181k Camry 2.5V – were pretty much bang on the money.
It appears that the Hybrid will arrive here as a facelifted model – although the pictures provided in the ad were solely closeups of the car, the shape of the twin-projector LED headlights, the slim-profile indicators underneath them and the updated instrument cluster with a colour multi-info display mark it out as a revamped unit. Does this mean that a facelift for the regular Camry is also coming soon?
The ad doesn’t have a spec list but from the photos included, we noticed a button to deactivate a Blind Spot Monitor as well as a Qi wireless charging pad next to the gear lever.
Powering the Camry Hybrid is a 160 PS/213 Nm 2AR-FXE 2.5 litre Atkinson-cycle VVTi four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a 143 PS/270 Nm electric motor and an eCVT – the same combo as on the Lexus ES 300h. Combined power output is 205 PS, resulting in a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 8.6 seconds (1.1 seconds faster than a Camry 2.5V) and a fuel consumption figure of 19.6 km per litre.
The Toyota Camry Hybrid facelift has been launched in Japan, shortly after the regular Camry facelift made its world debut at the 2014 Moscow Motor Show.
Visually, there’s not much separating the regular Camry from the Camry Hybrid, other than Hybrid Synergy Drive badging on the rear, a Hybrid badge on the front wings, and a blue glow on the Toyota logos.
The engine continues to be the 2.5 litre combustion engine version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive II system (the Prius uses a 1.8 litre combustion engine system), found also in Lexus cars such as the ES 300h.
The system’s 2AR-FXE 2.5 litre Atkinson cycle four cylinder can do 160 PS and 213 Nm on its own, but in the THS II system it’s coupled with an electric motor combo that can produce 143 PS and 270Nm of torque. The combined output that can be generated by both power sources via the torque split device is 205 PS.
In the facelift car, fuel economy has improved from 23.4 km/L (JC08 cycle) to 25.4 km/L, but this is only for the base model which has fuel economy strategies such as smaller 16 inch alloy wheels. The higher end variants use larger 17 inch wheels and keep the same 23.4 km/L economy rating.
The Camry Hybrid facelift gains the Camry facelift’s new instrument cluster as well, so the new colour multi-info display can display the Hybrid Synergy Drive system’s status in a more interesting way since it’s in colour, as opposed to a simple low resolution monochrome in the pre-facelift car.
According to our sources, the Camry Hybrid’s introduction in Malaysia as a CKD hybrid with tax exemption has been pushed to 2015, instead of the original target launch time of by the end of this year.
Thus, we might be getting the Camry Hybrid in facelift form instead of the pre-facelift model that we’ve already seen at JPJ and driving around public roads with a registered number plate. UMW Toyota previously indicated a price tag of close to RM200k.
New 2.0 litre engine with VVT-iW, D-4S and EGR, mated to six-speed Multi-mode auto
The 1,998 cc, Euro 5-compliant engine features VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide). VVT-iW debuted on the Lexus NX 200t‘s direct-injected 2.0 litre turbo 8AR-FTS engine, enabling it to run in both Otto and modified-Atkinson cycles.
At low loads, the VVT-iW-equipped engine is capable of switching to a modified-Atkinson cycle to boost fuel economy. At higher revs, the engine can return to the Otto cycle for enhanced power delivery and performance. VVT-iW features standard VVT-i on the exhaust valves and VVT-iW on the intake side. The latter features a mid-position camshaft lock mechanism which retards the continuously variable valve timing.
For the new Camry, combined with a new six-speed Multi-mode automatic gearbox (bye bye four-speed auto!), Toyota claims a fuel economy of 7.2 litres per 100 km – a 13% reduction over the outgoing 2.0 litre engine. The new Multi-mode six-speeder is electronically controlled, and features Flex Lock-up Control, AI-Shift Control and an Eco indicator. All three engines – 2.0, 2.5 and 3.5 V6 – will utilise this gearbox.
With a 12.8:1 compression ratio, the new 2.0 litre engine develops 150 PS at 5,600-6,500 rpm and 199 Nm of torque at 4,600 rpm (outgoing 2.0 litre: 150 PS at 6,000 rpm, 190 Nm at 4,000 rpm). As a result, the new Camry sprints to 100 km/h from rest in 10.4 seconds before hitting a 210 km/h top speed (pre-facelift XV50 2.0 with four-speed auto: 12.5 seconds, 187 km/h).
There’s D-4S too, which means separate twin injectors for both direct and port injection. Depending on engine speed, there’s high-pressure direct injection into the cylinder and conventional intake port injection, or direct cylinder injection only. Hence, intake air and fuel are mixed evenly at all engine speed ranges, increasing throttle response, power and torque over a wide range of engine speeds without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
The engine is also fitted with a water-cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, combining an EGR cooler with an electronically-controlled EGR valve to give optimum control of the EGR gas flow volume for equal distribution to each cylinder, enhancing fuel economy.
Other improvements include optimised shapes of the cylinder head intake port and piston (creating tumble flow for better combustion), enhanced cooling for the cylinder block, cylinder head and piston oil jet, plus an optimised taper squish shape to improve anti-knock performance.
An offset crankshaft reduces the piston thrust load to lower friction losses. Allied to enhanced cylinder bore roundness, a resin coating to the piston skirts and lower tension piston rings reduce friction losses from the rotating parts. The adoption of roller rocker arms and a low friction timing chain further reduce valvetrain friction losses.
New preload differential on front axle, retuned suspension and steering
The new Toyota Camry is fitted with a preload differential on the front axle – its first application in conjunction with an automatic transmission. A plate spring located between the side gear and side gear washer within the differential adds preload by generating frictional force in the sliding parts under light loads or low rotational speed differences.
This provides torque to limit the differential motion between the right and left driven wheels. Under mid to high loads that exceed the plate spring pressure, system operation is identical to an open differential. The result? Improved vehicle control and straight-line stability.
Also, Toyota says the suspension’s damper characteristics have been fine-tuned to improve ride comfort, and the speed-sensitive electric power steering has been tuned for more accuracy and control. Reducing NVH is the presence of more insulation material within the front doors and underneath the carpet.
Exterior: “Under Priority” design philosophy, 25 mm longer
Distinct from the US-market Toyota Camry facelift, the global-market car gets a new face with added aggro, comprising a slim front grille with a big chrome slab on top, plus a huge trapezoidal lower intake with integrated, deeply-recessed fog lamps.
The new, slimmer headlamp clusters combine a high-beam reflector, low-beam projector, turn indicator and integral LED DRLs. A chrome strip wraps around the lower intake to underscore the fog lamps, which are bridged by a front spoiler. Aft of the fog lamps sit sharply-sculpted intakes which help to cool the brakes and engine bay.
A slight increase in front and rear overhangs means the global-market XV50 Toyota Camry facelift is 25 mm longer than before. There’s a new 17-inch alloy design. Round the back, there’re new LED combination lamps bridged by a chrome strip, and a reshaped rear bumper.
At the low extremities of the rear bumper are reflector inserts. Seven body colours will be available, of which two are new – Grey Mica metallic and Dark Blue Mica metallic.
Interior: New steering wheel, instrument panel, illumination and colour schemes
Apart from a new three-spoke steering wheel, the 2015 Toyota Camry features a redesigned instrument panel with blue backlighting, with a 4.2-inch TFT display sitting between the Optitron rev counter and speedometer. The TFT can show navigation, driving stats, warning messages, plus phone and audio presets, amongst others.
The centre stack houses either a 6.1- or 7.0-inch full-colour screen, and the climate controls beneath it have been “completely redesigned with improved switchgear functionality and tactility.”
The gear lever base is now finished in dark grey, the A-pillars in a new fabric and the dashboard, centre console and door panels in a new Crotch wood finish. Moreover, driver and front passenger footwells gain blue illumination.
New colour schemes are also available – Black with fabric or perforated leather upholstery, and a new Flaxen finish with full leather upholstery.
Wireless charging, tri-zone air-con, rear armrest with control panel, JBL sound, active safety systems and up to nine airbags
There’s also tri-zone air-con with nanoe technology, so driver, front passenger and rear passengers can enjoy independent temperature control. A new Memory Pack gives you memory settings for the driver’s seat, steering column and wing mirrors.
The rear centre armrest features a control panel, like something out of a Lexus. Here, you can control heating and reclining of the rear seats, adjust rear air-con temperature and control audio. A powered rear blind is operable via switches in the front and rear of the cabin. Of course, the rear doors feature pull-up side blinds.
Also on are Toyota’s Touch 2 and Touch 2 with Go Plus infotainment systems. In addition to CD, MP3, Bluetooth and USB compatibility, and a reverse camera display, Touch 2 now has MirrorLink, so you can connect your smartphone and operate it entirely from the touch-screen.
Touch 2 with Go Plus adds navigation and a range of connected services including Toyota Real Time Traffic, Google Street View and Local Search. For the audiophiles, there’s a 10-speaker JBL Matrix Premium Sound System.
Active and passive safety features include TRC, VSC, whiplash-mitigating front seats and up to nine airbags. There’s also a Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Auto High Beam.
So, how many of all of these lovely new features will Malaysia get? =)
The global-market XV50 Toyota Camry facelift has been unveiled at the Moscow motor show, following a teaser earlier in the month.
The popular D-segment sedan gets a face with added aggro, comprising a slim front grille with a big chrome bar on top, LED-infused headlamps, plus a huge trapezoidal lower intake with integrated fog lamps.
Bolder than our current car but still less so than the US-market Camry facelift, the new car also features a reshaped rear bumper and a chrome strip bridging the tail lamps. There are also new-design alloys.
Inside, there’s a new backlit instrument panel with a 4.2-inch colour TFT display between the dials, an updated steering wheel with three spokes and a restyled centre console with a new 6.1- or 7.0-inch screen. The meter panel now has a two-dial layout as opposed to the pre-facelift car’s three-dials.
As for what’s under the hood – the 181 hp 2.5 litre four-cylinder and 249 hp 3.5 litre V6 engines carry over, along with the six-speed auto box. No word on the Camry Hybrid yet.
In Russia, the base 2.0 litre engine has been updated with a version that has 150 PS mated to a six-speed auto, as opposed to the pre-facelift car’s four-speed auto. We’re not sure if the ASEAN market will get this new engine and gearbox combo.
