• Plasmacluster ionizer technology for cleaner air inside the cabin.
• Hybrid engine high on fuel efficiency.
• No manual transmission with V6 engine.
• Plenty of transmission options.
• Accurate handling with Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management System.
• Choice of 4 cylinder, V6, and hybrid engines.
• Electronic controlled throttle, brake, and steering.
Overview
Top selling US car is now hybrid
Catering to the need of the mass buyers in the US, Toyota, which is one of the best car makers, has launched its Camry Hybrid version. The Camry Hybrid has an ultra smooth performance, high fuel efficiency, and simple driving pleasure.
The Toyota Camry competes for best-selling car honors in the US. A tremendous success as a midsize family sedan, the Camry is technologically advanced, stylish, and reliable. Revisions for the 2007 is evident in every corner, updates include a roomy interior, additional luxury-oriented features, an available 268 hp V6 engine mated with a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, and a gasoline-electric hybrid model that earns EPA fuel economy estimates of 40/38 mpg (city/highway). This engine gets power from a 147 hp In-line 4 engine in addition to a 45 hp electric motor with an ultra-small inverter, a compact battery, and a transaxle. The power of the electric motor is used in combination with the gasoline engine or individually.
It is not only the exteriors and the interiors which get a makeover; the engine, transmission, and handling receive changes as well. The Camry is launched in five trims: CE, LE, SE, XLE, and Hybrid. The Camry comes with a basic vehicle warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles.
It competes with the Chevrolet Impala LS, the Ford Fusion, and the Honda Accord. The competitors for the Camry Hybrid are the Honda Accord Hybrid and the Honda Civic Hybrid. Honda Civic Hybrid is better in terms of fuel efficiency but Camry Hybrid’s shifting of power from gasoline to electric is better.
All the Camry trims, except the Hybrid, get a standard 2.4-liter DOHC In-line four-cylinder VVT-i engine that generates 158 horsepower (hp) and 161 pound-feet (lb-ft.) of torque. The CE, LE, and SE trims are mated with a standard 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive and the premium XLE trim is coupled with a 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence. These transmissions provide an estimated EPA of 24 mpg in the city and 33 to 34 mpg on the highway.
A heady 3.5-liter V6 engine is optional to the LE, SE, and XLE trims. The V6 engine churns out 286 hp and 248 lb-ft. of torque. It is mated to a standard 6-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive with intelligence that also offers manual-shift capability. Compared to its sister variants, the V6 gives an estimated EPA of 22/31 mpg (city/highway).
The Hybrid trim gets a standard 2.4-liter DOHC In-line four-cylinder VVT-i engine that generates 147 hp and 138 lb-ft. of torque. It is combined to an electric motor and a traction battery that pump out 45 hp. This Hybrid system can churn out a net power of 187 hp. With this combination the engine makes an estimated EPA of 40/38 mpg (city/highway).
Walk-around
Camry is now more attractive
The 2007 Camry presents a smooth, sculpted appearance, with flared wheel arches. The distinct crease line on the hood leads to the grille to give its hood a prominent appearance. The headlights and the bumper have been redesigned in the front. A V-shaped grille has replaced the reverse semicircular grille.
The extended edge of the door panels look like rocker panels. There are some changes in the rear too. The deep crease separate the huge bumper into two parts and the taillamp is also redesigned like the Honda Accord. Standard wheels now measure 16 inches rather than 15 inches and the Camry SE have 17-inch aluminum wheels and summer Performance tires (All-season tires are optional).
The CE trim comes with P215/60R16 All-season tires, dual color-keyed power adjustable exterior rearview mirrors, power windows with driver side one-touch down, rear window defroster, dual sunvisors, intermittent windshield wipers, front and rear color-keyed bumpers, and front air dam.
Comfort, Controls & Convenience
Elegant cabin
Toyota is known for its quality and Camry is another feather in Toyota’s cap. The compact dash has been redesigned with the centre stack extending down till the shifter. The navigation system is placed on the centre stack and a 3-spoke replaces the 4-spoke steering wheel with added controls on it. The steering gets a telescoping function.
Added features on the XLE and Camry Hybrid is a ventilation system that uses "Plasmacluster” ionizer technology that helps reduce airborne mold spores, microbes, fungi, odors, germs, and bacteria inside the passenger cabin.
Wood-like material is used inside the door panels and in the cabin to make it look elegant. The top XLE model’s backrests recline 8 degrees more than the others.
Cruise control is standard on all the trims and the SE and XLE come with leather seating options. The SE and XLE also have the option of heated front seats, which is part of a package for the Hybrid trim. Multi-adjustable power driver’s seat with adjustable seatback and lumbar support is standard on all trims except the CE. A voice activated navigation system is also an option on the SE, XLE, and Hybrid trims.
Driving Impressions
Hybrid’s combined functioning is laudable
The riding pleasure of the 2007 Camry is much refined and its handling is sportier this year.
The Vehicle Stability Control in coordination with the ABS and the EBD systems adjusts throttle and braking to curb oversteer and understeer.
Power delivered by the combination of the four-cylinder engine and the electric motor in the Hybrid is nearly the same as the V6.
Camry Hybrid’s acceleration, brakes, and clutch operations are performed by wires and not through the conventional method. This drive-by-wire method replaces the hydraulic assembly connecting the pedal to the throttle and brakes. It also reduces the weight and space in the engine compartment considerably. The Hybrid’s battery recharges through the generators that run against the disc or the drum when the brakes are slammed.
Safety
Plenty of standard safety features
The Camry earns “good” rating in the IIHS frontal-offset testing.
All the Camry trims get standard four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution. They also get airbags including dual-stage frontal bags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, side curtain-type airbags and a driver's knee airbag.
Optional safety features include Traction Control and Electronic Stability System on all trims.
