The Camry sedan has been a major seller for Toyota in the United States since 1997. Toyota’s signature sedan has been the top-selling car in the United States since 2002 and only yielded that spot once in 14 years. The Japanese automaker announced plans for the seventh generation of the Camry, which will be released during the 2013 model year. Toyota will produce a 2.5-liter Camry for budget-conscious consumers and a version with a 3.5-liter V6 engine for drivers in need of greater power. These conventional models will be joined by the Camry Hybrid LE with an estimated fuel economy of 41 miles per gallon (MPG).
Toyota tweaked the Camry drive system to squeeze better fuel economy and engine power out of the hybrid model. The previous Camry Hybrid achieved a combined EPA rating of 33 MPG with a city rating of 31 MPG. The 2012 Camry Hybrid LE has a combined EPA rating of 41 MPG and a city rating of 43 MPG. An improvement of 24% in overall fuel economy was possible with the use of lighter body panels and efficiencies found in the 149kW drive system. These improvements also added power to the Camry Hybrid LE with a 7% increase in engine power.
The nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery used in the Camry Hybrid LE has been improved for greater range and capacity. Toyota notes that the pack’s 34 modules located behind the rear seats have been downsized to create an extra three cubic feet of trunk storage. The Camry Hybrid LE features enhanced air cooling within the battery pack to maintain proper operating temperatures. Drivers are able to squeeze more out of the battery with Eco and EV Drive modes accessible from the cockpit. The Eco mode adjusts the transmission, engine and auxiliary systems to increase range. The EV Drive allows for all-electric operation for up to 1.6 miles at speeds less than 25 miles per hour.
The Toyota Camry Hybrid LE features a redesigned interior as well as the Entune multimedia system. Designers at Toyota moved the foot pedals forward, used ergonomics to adjust the driver’s seat and repositioned other seats for greater leg room. The Camry Hybrid LE also incorporates insulation at strategic locations throughout the vehicle to muffle road sounds and engine noises. The Entune multimedia system by Toyota supports mobile music, mapping and weather applications through the driver’s smart phone. This mixture of performance, comfort and connectivity shows Toyota’s commitment to keeping the Camry line at the top of the industry.
