18 Feb 2008 03:37:44 | Matthew C. Keegan
Toyota has a couple of big things in store for the Camry when
the 2007 model year version of the car rolls out this coming
summer: a complete redesign and the availability of a hybrid
engine. Already the best selling car in America, the Camry is
destined to be overhauled and re-engineered. Let's take a look
at some of the changes scheduled for Toyota's venerable model.
New Styling Cues - Nobody has ever said that the Camry is
a knock out when it comes to style. Despite its pedestrian look,
the Camry has managed to capitalize on Toyota quality, price,
and engineering to present a car that is clearly a best seller.
Still, critics have routinely yawned at the Camry's looks, but
that will soon all change and dramtically at that. Borrowing
some styling cues from Toyota's Lexus line up of luxury cars,
the 2007 Camry is expected to delight motorists and critics
alike. Witness the recently made over Toyota Avalon: what was
once a bland, full sized car has now been transformed into a
sleek, luxurious sedan.
Time For A Hybrid - Toyota is riding the hybrid crest and
it will, therefore, introduce hybrid technology into the Camry
line up. Like all other Camry models, the hybrid version will
also be built in the US, making it the first Toyota hybrid to be
built outside of Japan. However, the battery and inverter will
be imported from Japan while the engine will be Kentucky built.
The Camry will join the Prius and the Highlander as the third
Toyota model to offer hybrid technology.
More Power - Expected to be in the same size range as the
current model, the Camry will keep its current four and six
cylinder engines, but both will be reworked enough to crank out
additional horsepower without compromising on fuel economy.
The Camry's chief competitor over the past decade has been the
Honda Accord. With a hybrid offering available and an improved
appearance in place, the Camry is likely to strengthen its hold
on the "top seller" category when the new model is released.
No one knows for sure if the "hybrid phase" is simply a fad or
something that will ultimately catch on. With government credits
still available and high gas prices at the pump, Americans
continue to look at hybrids as a viable alternative to thirsty
internal combustion engines. Toyota, for its part, continues to
capitalize on this trend and the Camry is the latest vehicle in
Toyota's expanding arsenal to successfully incorporate hybrid
technology.
About Author :
Matt Keegan is a writer as well as an automotive fan. For
the best
Toyota car and truck accessories, such as a Lund Tonneau
Cover, or for a K&N
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