We have to give mad props to Autoblog reader Ebm14 who found this
article on a Japanese website about the next Toyota Camry, complete with deets on the cars dimensions and
powertrain, as well as what appear to be official pics. If Google Translate can be trusted, we know the next Camry's
smoother sheetmetal will achieve a Cd value of .28, and while the Camry's length will not change at 189.2 inches, the
wheelbase has been extended 2.1 inches to 109.2 inches. The base engine will be a revised version of the current
sedan's 2.4L four-cylinder that's up to 167 hp from the current North American version's 154 hp. The article makes no
mention of a larger V6 offering.
The Camry recently passed the 10,000,000 unit sales mark and the sedan is good for a solid 400,000+ units/year in
North America. The official unveiling of the new model isn't expected until sometime in early 2006, so these pics are a
treat. Hopefully we're not violating an international trust by posting one of them, but who could resist? Follow the
Read link to the translated version of the original article to see the rest of the pics, of which there are many, and
good luck deciphering Google's hatchet job. If there are any actual Japanese speaking humans out there who read
Autoblog, I think we'd all appreciate a clue on what's being said.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
JG @ Dec 18th 2005 11:07PM
Looks much much nicer now. It also looks like a more aggresive version of Hyundai's new Sonata.
ventivent @ Dec 18th 2005 11:07PM
It looks a lot like the latest Toyota Avalon, in much the same way the upcoming RAV4 looks a lot like the Toyota Highlander.
Rick M @ Dec 18th 2005 11:07PM
Very underwhelming. Not up to the level of new designs of the Fusion, Saturn Aura, or even the current Altima. Not that it is awful, but the competition is improving rapidly and design will be playing a bigger role in the coming years.
doc reed @ Dec 18th 2005 11:07PM
I like it! I would like to see more angles, but the rear quarters seem almost Audi-ish. As is fitting, it appears to be a generation ahead of what's out there today, including the mazda/ford 6/fusion, Accord, GM whatever, etc.
I'd rather have an Accord, but I think this car will keep the Camry at #1 for some time to come.
SM @ Dec 18th 2005 11:07PM
#4 when you make a joke you should tell people at the end
someone might take you seriously
JM @ Dec 18th 2005 11:07PM
Nice but not great. Will still sell well though
Jay @ Dec 18th 2005 11:07PM
I know some people like this new Toyota look, but I'm just not a fan of the snout that Toyota's starting to use. It looks clumsy on the Avalon and it looks clumsy here. Same for the overemphasized rear bumper. It's like Toyota wants the car to have an aggressive look like on a Nissan, but still doesn't want to get too adventurous and alienate current Toyota customers, or take away from the striking Lexus designs they've started to come out with. I don't feel it's finding a successful middle ground.
Joseph Willemssen @ Dec 18th 2005 11:07PM
"If there are any actual Japanese speaking humans out there who read Autoblog, I think we’d all appreciate a clue on what’s being said."
Not today, Gracie.
Michael G.R. @ Dec 18th 2005 11:07PM
I dig the low drag coefficient. Hopefully it will have great fuel economy, and the hybrid version with a 4-cyl will sell really well.
Mark Clarkson @ Dec 18th 2005 11:07PM
It looks really cool! It seems that Toyota is really serious when it comes to launching new and efficient vehicles. They are even making "More Affordable Prius On The Way"!
Koba @ Dec 18th 2005 11:07PM
It's an improvement, the real question is, what features will it have. It looks a lot like the new Azera. The only area that I think Hyundai has the Camry, is with standard features, and I'm hoping Toyota ups the ante (as they have been known to do). Standard side airbags, VSC, etc. will all make this car a great seller. I presently believe the 06 Sonata kills both the 06 Camry and Accord as far as a complete package goes, I hope Toyota smashes the competition! Not that I have any personal favorite (ok, ok I lied, I'm a Honda man, I hope the Accord rapes this in 07), but when good brands turn up the heat, the consumer will only win.
Greg @ Dec 18th 2005 11:07PM
This looks exactly like the new Lexus IS
...which could be a good thing actually..
ST @ Dec 18th 2005 11:07PM
This is a HUGE improvement over the current Camry. Considering that most people buy the Camry for its reliability and build quality, adding some style can only add new customers to its stable. Looks like Camry will be assured #1 for the next few years.
333 @ Dec 18th 2005 11:07PM
summary from the site
189.6 inch length
71.6 inch width
109.2 wheelbase
62. front
61. rear
17.6 cubic feet trunk
2.4 litre 167hp uper intelligent 5 fast AT
333 @ Dec 18th 2005 11:07PM
189.6 inch length
71.6 inch width
109.2 wheelbase
57.9 height
71.7 width
62. front
61. rear
17.6 cubic feet trunk
2.4 litre 167hp uper intelligent 5 fast AT
and did i read 4WD?
Tim @ Dec 18th 2005 11:07PM
Yawn. Toyota hits it out of the park on the new Lexus designs... the IS drips sex and the LS is exciting for the first time since... ever. But this is their bread and butter? The proportions look wrong, the C-pillar looks cribbed from the Accord, and the middle of the car is a big lump of nothingness.
I've never been a fan of Toyota's "Design by Kenmore" philosophy, and this does nothing to change my mind.
BP @ Dec 18th 2005 11:07PM
The front end is Mazda6-ish, except it somehow looks ill-proportioned where the 6 is very good. Looking at the front 3/4 shot, from the b pillar back reminds me of the Maxima. I hate this car..................oops, actually dozed off looking at it.
Yaroukh @ Dec 18th 2005 11:07PM
quite boring (I like Avalon which might be boring for some too but it's ballanced, IMO this one is only boring)
Joel A @ Dec 18th 2005 11:07PM
NICE. High quality, comfortable, more than enough luxury, reasonably priced, and a hybrid option.
Hmmm. Is this the next car joining our Accord hybrid?
2Suave @ Dec 18th 2005 11:07PM
The Camry is a high-volume car and can't be too extreme. The '07 is an improvement over the previous Camry without being too bland nor racy. That car must appeal to a broad range of people and I think it does.
So long as Toyota's quality remains among the best, the Camry will be a success.
To the extent that the '07 Camry puts pressure on the Honda Accord which in in the 4th year of its 5 year cycle, deals on the Accord should be especially favorable. In any case, the new Camry will be a winner.