The 2012 Camry employs an elegantly simple but modern form, emphasizing a
wider, lower stance than previous models. The design conveys an
"architectural statement" through crisp, precise character lines, while a
more strongly curved door cross-section and more defined rocker panel
molding (chrome accented on LE and XLE) give the Camry a more
expressive appearance.
2012 TOYOTA Camry Hybrid
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Toyota introduced the all-new,
seventh-generation Toyota Camry, America's best-selling car for nine
years running and 13 of the past 14 years. The 2012 Camry debuts a
bold, sophisticated new design with a more spacious interior, improved
driving dynamics and an even quieter ride than before. With class
leading safety, fuel economy and multi-media technology added in, the
end result is the best Toyota Camry ever made. Introduced in 1983, the
Toyota Camry would later establish the template for the modern midsize
sedan, setting benchmarks for Quality, Dependability and Reliability,
along with a comfortable, quiet ride. Since that time, Toyota has
sold more than 15 million Camry models worldwide.
"The all-new 2012 Camry blends an evolution of the car's values - such
as comfort, efficiency, reliability and safety - with a more appealing
design and engaging driving experience," said Bob Carter, Toyota
Division group vice president and general manager. "Competition in the
midsize sedan segment is the strongest it's ever been, and the all-new
Camry is designed to maintain its long-standing leadership while also
broadening its appeal."
The Toyota Camry again offers three powertrain choices, all of which
have been enhanced for 2012 to provide better fuel economy and more
responsive performance. All Camry models with the revised 2.5-liter
four-cylinder engine now offer 178 horsepower, an increase of nine hp,
and 170 lb.-ft. of peak torque. EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are
25 mpg city/35 highway, and the 28 mpg combined is two more than the
previous generation Camry. The 2.5-liter engine employs Dual VVT-i
(Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent), which controls valve timing
on both the intake and exhaust camshafts for optimal performance and
efficiency at all engine speeds. The Acoustic Control Induction System
(ACIS) helps optimize torque over a broad engine speed range.
Performance and Efficiency
The DOHC 3.5-liter V6, available in the SE and XLE grades, delivers 268
horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,700 rpm.
Enhancements to this engine boost its fuel economy to projected
EPA-estimated ratings of 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway, the best for any
current V6 midsize sedan.
The V6 uses chain-driven camshafts and Dual Variable Valve Timing with
intelligence (Dual VVT-i). To improve efficiency, the V6 features a
new, lower oil viscosity and an automatic transmission fluid warmer
that brings the transmission to operating temperature more quickly in
cold weather. Higher final drive-gear ratios also contribute to better
fuel economy in the new Toyota Camry models.
The gas-engine LE, XLE and SE models come equipped exclusively with a
six-speed automatic transmission that offers a sequential manual shift
mode using the console shifter. Intelligent control adapts shifting
strategy in response to driver input, with fast kick-down. In addition,
the Camry SE exclusively offers a "D range" sequential shifting, which
allows manual shifting with the new steering wheel paddle shifters
even when the console shifter is in the "D" mode. Also exclusive to
the Toyota Camry SE, the automatic transmission features faster shift
times when in "S" mode and downshift blipping control emphasizes a
sense of sportiness.
All-New Camry Hybrid Sets New Standard for Mid-size Hybrid Sedans
The all-new Camry Hybrid debuts a highly revised version of the brand's
Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, including a new 2.5-liter
four-cylinder engine. The 2012 Camry Hybrid LE, with EPA-estimated 43
mpg city/39 mpg highway/41 mpg combined, yields a more-than-30 percent
boost in fuel economy in the EPA city and combined driving cycles,
compared to the previous generation, thanks largely to the new hybrid
powertrain, but also due to lighter vehicle weight and optimized
aerodynamics.
Through its unique transaxle, the Hybrid Synergy Drive system combines
output from the four-cylinder engine with a small high-torque electric
motor. The system produces a combined 200 horsepower and varies power
between the gas engine and electric motor, or combines both, as
needed.
The new 2.5-liter engine, like the 2.4-liter it replaces, uses the
Atkinson cycle (delayed intake-valve closing for an expansion ratio
greater than compression ratio) to achieve maximum efficiency. The
Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system on the intake
camshaft enhances torque, which is greater than with the previous
engine. An electric water pump, a roller-rocker type valvetrain and a
variable-output oil pump help to reduce internal friction, boosting
economy.
A new water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system helps to
ensure the lowest possible emissions at all vehicle speeds and helps
increase fuel efficiency. By cooling and controlling exhaust gas
injected into each cylinder, the system eliminates the need to richen
the air-fuel mixture to control cylinder temperatures.
The 2012 Camry Hybrid meets AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology Partial-credit
Zero Emissions Vehicle) standards. New sound absorbing materials in
the engine compartment, along with more linear control over engine
speed, give the 2012 Camry Hybrid a more pleasing sound under
acceleration.
Because there are situations in which the gas engine in the Toyota Camry
Hybrid shuts off, air conditioning and power steering systems are
driven electrically. New efficiency measures in the Hybrid Synergy Drive
system include reducing internal losses in the transaxle, improving
motor-voltage control, and optimizing the regenerative braking. The
proven nickel-metal-hydride battery, located in the luggage compartment
behind the rear seats, now features enhanced air-cooling. Its more
compact size, along with moving the DC/DC converter to the engine
compartment, results in a trunk that is 2.1-cubic feet larger than in
the previous-generation Camry Hybrid.
Lighter overall vehicle weight also contributes to better performance
and fuel economy. Its 7.6-second zero-to-60 acceleration time places the
Camry Hybrid between the four-cylinder and V6 models. Lower rolling
resistance tires, available for the first time in 17-inch size, also
help boost fuel economy.
New for the 2012 Camry Hybrid, an EV Drive mode allows the driver to
operate the car on the electric motor alone for up to 1.6 miles at lower
speeds (below approximately 25 mph). The EV indicator illuminates
when the vehicle is being propelled solely by the electric motor.
As on the previous Toyota Camry Hybrid, ECO mode optimizes throttle
response and air conditioning output to prioritize maximum fuel economy.
A Hybrid-exclusive instrument cluster with Hybrid System Indicator
and fuel consumption indicator helps the driver to operate the car as
economically as possible.
Instantaneous fuel economy is shown with LEDs (light emitting diodes)
around the outside of the average fuel economy gauge. The car's
Multi-Information display graphically shows fuel economy in real time
and can also show energy flow, and cruising range information.
As before, applying the brake converts the motor to a generator that
captures the kinetic energy from the still-spinning vehicle wheels,
storing it in the hybrid battery pack. Putting the shifter into "B" uses
regenerative braking as a form of engine braking for enhanced control
on steep descents. New hill-start assist control helps prevent the
vehicle from rolling backward when starting off on an incline when the
brake pedal is released.
Exclusive exterior and interior design touches and badging differentiate
the 2012 Camry Hybrid from other Camry models. Inside,
Hybrid-exclusive trim is found on the instrument panel and door switch
bases, upper console panels and shift knob. The Camry Hybrid also
features its own exclusive seat fabric in ivory or light gray. An
exclusive leather and Ultrasuede is also available. A three-dial
Optitron gauge panel with chrome-accented outer rings provides a
luxurious appearance.
Grade Strategy
The all-new Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid will offer six different model
grades to choose from. Camry will be available in the entry-level L,
value-driven LE, premium XLE and sporty SE grades. The XLE and SE are
available with four-cylinder or V6 engines. The Camry Hybrid is
offered in LE and XLE grades.
Exterior Design
The 2012 Camry employs an elegantly simple but modern form, emphasizing a
wider, lower stance than previous models. The design conveys an
"architectural statement" through crisp, precise character lines, while a
more strongly curved door cross-section and more defined rocker panel
molding (chrome accented on LE and XLE) give the Camry a more
expressive appearance.
Headlights show a more dynamic shape, with a pronounced curvature of the
main-beam unit merging into the bumper cover. Fog lights are standard
on the XLE and SE grades. The rear lamp clusters wrap tightly into
the body sides, with their top sections extending into the trunk
panel.
The Camry LE and XLE feature additional exterior chrome trim, and the SE
grade debuts its own lower-body design and exclusive fine-mesh upper
grille section. The SE also features three-part lower grille section
housing fog lamps, along with black sport trim headlamp bezels. The
more prominent rocker panel moldings on the SE cleanly link to
integrated front and rear underbody spoilers, emphasizing width, and
the trunk lid carries an integrated spoiler.
Accentuating the new body design are four new colors. Two of the colors
(Attitude Black Metallic and Clearwater Blue) are all-new to Toyota in
the U.S. Attitude Black Metallic blends in a bright blue pigment for
an intriguing take on traditional jet black; Clearwater Blue
incorporates a silver metallic pigment to lend this hue a glassy,
water-like finish.
Interior Design
While featuring nearly the same external dimensions as the previous
generation, the 2012 Camry offers a more inviting and spacious interior.
A new dashboard design, modified seat locations, redesigned seats and
"lean" door, pillar and headliner trim all combine to add both real
space and greater perceptual spaciousness while also enhancing outward
visibility. Repositioning the driver's seat and the standard
tilt/telescoping steering wheel (tilt has increased 33 percent for
greater driver comfort) also aid forward visibility and enhance the
driver's positioning.
The accelerator pedal and front seats were moved forward, and the
rear-seat hip point was positioned rearward, increasing the couple
distance by 0.6-inch; together with reshaped front seatbacks help
increase rear-knee room by 1.8-inch. The redesigned center console and
front edge of the rear-seat cushion increase rear middle seat legroom
by two inches.
Not as obvious are the many areas where Toyota Camry designers reshaped
interior trim to increase the feeling of spaciousness, including the
A- and B-pillars, headliner over the rear seat and door trim. In most
vehicles, space is left between the structure and the trim to yield a
"clean" surface. Using a lean-car design approach, the trim more
closely follows the structure beneath it. The result is added space
that contributes much more to a feeling of comfort than the gains in
mere millimeters might suggest.
Three-dimensional construction and contrasting-material textures give
the new instrument panel a feeling of depth, while the shapes themselves
contribute to a more spacious cabin and improved forward sightlines.
The prominently curved center cluster appears to float over the
instrument panel, reducing its visual mass. Soft textures used on the
upper instrument panel, upper door trim, door armrests and center
console armrest contribute to greater comfort in the Camry. Stitching on
the instrument panel soft padding and matching stitching-look trim
elsewhere helps to create a sense of luxury. Aluminum-color and chrome
trim are used judiciously.
The Camry LE and XLE grades feature either ivory or gray seating color;
the Camry SE features unique upholstery in black-on-black or
black-on-gray. Newly designed front-seat frames, higher seatbacks and
longer seat cushions enhance comfort. The height adjustment on the
driver's seat offers nearly a half inch greater range than before (total
travel is 2.4 inches). The SE's sporty front seats provide thicker
side bolsters, and the exclusive three-spoke leather-wrapped steering
wheel offers paddle-shift control for the six-speed automatic
transmission.
For 2012, the Toyota Camry offers four seat-covering materials: fabric
in the LE and XLE; fabric with SofTex in the SE, standard leather trim
on the XLE V6 (optional in the XLE four-cylinder), and Ultrasuede®
with leather available for the SE and XLE Hybrid. Heated seats are
standard on the XLE V6 and are available for SE, XLE four-cylinder and
Hybrid with variable temperature control.
The new Camry provides the added functionality demanded by consumers
today, yet keeps its controls straightforward and intuitive to use.
Control knobs impart a high-precision feel when used. Special attention
was paid to function and comfort with the center console design. Soft
kneepads on both sides add comfort for the driver and passenger; the
front section offers a 12V accessory connector and an easy-to-access
USB/input jack port for connecting iPods and other media devices. A
sliding rear console door - rather than the more traditional flip-up
design - enables easier access from either front seat. Two steering
wheel designs, with integrated audio and Bluetooth® controls, are
featured: a four-spoke for LE; a leather-wrapped four-spoke for XLE; and
a sporty three-spoke, leather-wrapped wheel for the SE.
All grades now feature a standard 60/40 split folding rear seatback to
expand cargo capacity. The seats can be lowered by a remote release
from the trunk area. Rear-seat side airbags are standard across the
line, and an armrest with cup holders adds comfort and convenience.
Advanced Connectivity
Seamlessly integrated into the Camry are state-of-the-art electronics
and enhanced connectivity features. A Bluetooth wireless connection for
compatible hands-free phone calls is standard, now improved by an
available automatic phone book transfer function. Also standard is a USB
port that allows playing of music and video from portable audio
devices, using the vehicle sound system and available in-dash display
screen, including full iPod integration.
The standard audio system on LE, XLE and SE has a 6.1-inch screen and
six speakers. The screen also displays the energy monitor and fuel
consumption data, and functions as the monitor for the available
integrated back-up camera (SE and XLE only) and the Display Audio
System. The screen also offers a new value-driven navigation system and
serves as a portal for Entune, Toyota's innovative new multimedia
system. An available HD Radio system enables CD sound quality from
digital FM broadcasts, and has features that maximize analog and AM
broadcast sound quality. The system will include HD Radio with iTunes
tagging for future purchase and SiriusXM Satellite Radio™.
The top-of-the-line audio is equipped with a new seven-inch Premium HDD
Navigation system with Entune™ and JBL. This system offers a new
split-screen feature that allows for simultaneously displaying
navigation and audio information.
Toyota Camry also offers the new JBL GreenEdge™ audio system that
combines an eight-channel amplifier and door-mounted "acoustic lens"
speakers, to provide a high-quality sound. The GreenEdge amplifier
achieves a 66-percent reduction in overall mass and a 50-percent
enhancement in sound efficiency. The GreenEdge speakers produce a higher
output of sound with the same power or less consumption of
conventional models.
Entune Multimedia System
Camry will be one of the first Toyotas to offer the Entune multimedia
system. For the first time ever in a Toyota automobile, this new system
leverages the mobile smartphone to provide a richer in-vehicle
experience with fully integrated access to navigation, entertainment and
information services.
Toyota Entune debuts the first-ever support for engaging mobile apps,
such as Bing, OpenTable, and movietickets.com, along with accessing
useful travel-related services, such as live weather, traffic, fuel
information (location and price), stocks, and sports. Toyota Entune
brings the largest selection of music options available to a vehicle,
including iHeartRadio's 750+ stations, and Pandora's personalized music
service.
The audio systems combined with Entune feature a best-in-class, advanced
conversational voice recognition system that helps the driver to stay
focused on the road by eliminating the need to memorize thousands of
voice commands. The system will also allow for audio read-back and
replay capabilities for text messages, with the ability to respond by
pre-set "Quick Reply Messages" such as: "I'm driving and will reply
later."
A New Benchmark for Midsize Sedan Quietness
Long lauded as a benchmark for ride smoothness and quietness in the
midsize segment, the all-new Camry resets the standard by taking both
attributes to an even higher level of refinement. To reduce noise
throughout the entire cabin, focus was placed on suppressing noises that
stand out. As powertrains have become more refined and quieter, wind
noise and road noise have tended to become more noticeable to drivers
and passengers. A low noise reading (in decibels) does not always
equate to a subjectively quiet interior. Vehicle occupants' perception
of quietness also depends on the type and frequency of the sound.
It was determined where such noticeable sounds enter the cabin, and
additional insulation was placed in those areas. New sound absorbing
materials silence any noise that manages to penetrate the interior. In
particular, engineers focused on suppressing noises that are near the
frequencies of human speech to provide an environment that is more
comfortable for conversation.
Measures that focus on reducing wind noise include stronger door and
rocker area seals; optimized placement of sound insulating materials;
foam applied in the roof, pillars and door openings; acoustic glass used
for the V6 and Hybrid model's windshield; and special bracing of cowl
intake louvers.
The dashboard structure and assembly, one of the most complex areas in
modern cars, was thoroughly optimized to prevent noise intrusion. It
can also be a source of noise intrusion. The structure employs a new
cross member and center brace, along with sandwiched sheet steel to
suppress resonance and reduce vibration. With the sandwiched steel,
asphalt foam is used to absorb vibration energy while increasing sound
blocking effectiveness.
A dash outer silencer uses an air layer between the dash panel and sound
absorbing felt. An inner silencing layer uses soft and hard felts to
block a wide range of low-to-high frequencies. Damping-coating
thickness and application areas have been optimized for reduced
floor-panel vibration and noise penetration through the floor, and a
new type of carpet helps eliminates noise. Silencer panels installed
in the rear-wheel housings, and new sound-absorbing materials added to
the trunk's interior side trim further reduce road noise from the
tires and wheel housings.
Exceptional Handling and Ride
A more rigid body structure, revised front suspension, redesigned rear
suspension and aerodynamics all help to imbue the new Camry with
greater straight-line stability and crisper steering response, while
also enhancing overall ride comfort. Handling stability, more than
just conveying a sense of driving enjoyment, also greatly influences
the driver's feeling of security.
The 2012 Toyota Camry body structure uses a greater amount of high
tensile steel (440 Mpa or higher) than before and even stronger high
tensile strength sheet steel (590 Mpa or higher), resulting in a
stronger but lighter body than the previous model. A flared design on
the doors and fenders enables use of slimmer but stronger construction.
High tensile aluminum bumper supports are lighter yet stronger than
before. Newly developed plastic for the bumper covers and cowl louvers
reduces weight as well.
The stiffened cowl section increases suspension-area rigidity,
suppressing twist. The front-suspension towers are directly connected
through the cowl to increase rigidity, and the attachment method and
reinforcement braces have been strengthened. The all-new rear underbody
and rear subframe increase lateral force control and torsional
rigidity.
The McPherson-strut front suspension now uses inversely wound coil
springs that enhance straight-line stability. Shock-absorber damping and
stabilizer-bar thickness have been optimized as well. The rear
suspension retains the proven dual-link strut configuration of the
previous model but has been redesigned with new geometry (increased
toe-in during cornering and braking) and retuned components to enhance
cornering stability. Coil springs, bushings, stabilizer-bar and
shock-absorber damping have all been revised.
Rear-combination lamps and side-view mirrors on the 2012 Camry
incorporate aero stabilizing fins, inspired by Formula One racing
technology, that create air vortexes on the body sides to stabilize the
body and contribute to handling stability. Underbody aerodynamic
elements regulate airflow under the vehicle, also contributing to ride
smoothness.
The Camry SE model features specific suspension components and tuning,
including exclusive steering knuckles and lighter, stiffer lower front
control arms. The front and rear springs are exclusive to this model,
and the shock absorbers feature internal rebound springs for greater
cornering roll resistance. The rear suspension No. 1 control arm uses a
pillow-ball bushing to further enhance handling agility.
All new Camry models will be the first to feature Toyota's latest
electric power steering (EPS) control system, which will offer more
flexibility to steering-feel tuning. The system regulates power-assist
response based on vehicle speed, and for the first time steering-input
rate. The vehicle-speed sensing feature will provide light effort
during low speeds, changing to moderate effort during higher speeds.
The SE grade will feature a power-assist ratio that provides a more sporty feeling than the LE and XLE.
Also, electricity is only consumed when assist power is necessary,
helping to improve fuel economy. Electric power steering is also more
environment-friendly, as it does not require hydraulic fluid.
All Toyota Camry grades feature newly developed all-season tires
designed for an optimal balance of fuel economy, handling, quietness,
ride comfort and braking performance. The LE grade features standard
16-inch wheels; the SE comes standard with five-spoke 17-inch alloy
wheels and the V6 SE offers the first 18-inch alloy wheels on a Camry.
The latter feature is a unique twist-spoke design with 225/45R18
all-season tires. Camry SE models will also include tires that have more
grip. The Camry XLE comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels
featuring an elegant 10-spoke design.
Safety and Security
All 2012 Camry models are equipped with 10 standard airbags: dual-stage
advanced SRS front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side airbags,
side curtain airbags and a driver's and front passenger's knee airbag.
The front-passenger's knee airbag and rear-seat side airbags are new
to Toyota Camry.
The Camry's body structure is designed to help absorb collision-impact
forces and help minimize impact deformation to the passenger cabin.
High-strength steel is used for B-pillar and rocker-panel reinforcements
to help manage overall body deformation in the event of certain side
collisions. The seat frames also are designed to help absorb side
collision loads. The inner-hood structure and front-edge construction
are designed to help reduce pedestrian injuries in a collision.
Like all Toyota models, the Camry will feature Toyota's Star Safety
System™ standard, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC),
Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic
Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. It also features the
standard Smart Stop Technology brake-override system. An electronic tire
pressure monitoring system is standard equipment.
Another available safety system, Safety Connect, can access a call
center with a live operator who can dispatch police and emergency
vehicles. The system combines automatic collision notification and a
stolen vehicle locator feature, which can track the location of the
stolen vehicle via GPS and help guide police to recover it.
The new available Blind Spot Monitor uses sub-millimeter wave radar to
detect vehicles in the driver's blind spots. When the system detects a
vehicle in the adjacent lane, it alerts the driver using indicators on
the side mirrors. If the turn signal is on when the there is a
vehicle in the blind spot of the driver's intended lane, the indicator
on the corresponding mirror will flash. The driver can switch off the
system, if desired.
In vehicles equipped with one of the display audio systems and backup
camera, when the vehicle is shifted into Reverse, the audio display will
show the image of what the camera captures, along with an overlay of
positioning lines representing the parking space and distance to
obstacles.
