All-new design
Toyota's commitment to the environment is strengthened further by offering the #1 selling car in America [1] as a hybrid. The 2007 Camry has been redesigned from bumper to exhaust pipe, bringing new ideas and technology to the car's chassis, body, interior, accessories and drivetrain. Designers and engineers traded last year's somewhat conservative image for one that's more stylish and elegant, yet athletic and modern. Nevertheless, the designers preserved the Camry heritage of building on quality, dependability and reliability, while including a roomy interior, comfortable ride, low noise levels and class-leading value.
The 2007 Camry conveys a greater presence with its new modern design. This was achieved by giving the Camry a wider track and longer wheelbase, but has the same overall length as the previous model. The rear overhang has been reduced -- in the language of car design, "pushing the wheels closer to the corners." This gives the car better handling characteristics and provides more passenger comfort, especially in the rear seat. Even with its longer wheelbase, however, Camry now has a shorter tuning radius.
Winning at the gas pump
Design improvements in the new Camry are matched by better fuel economy ratings. In the conventionally powered models, EPA-estimated ratings range from 24 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway for the standard four-cylinder CE to 22/31 for those equipped with a V6 engine [2]. For the Camry Hybrid, the estimated EPA-rated fuel economy soars to 43 mpg city and 37 mpg highway [2]. For both the conventional and hybrid Camry models, substantial upgrades of Toyota's popular four-cylinder and V6 engines resulted in greater power with exceptional fuel economy and reduced noise and vibration.
To further boost fuel economy, special attention was paid to the vehicle's underbody with the use of wheel spats and underbelly pans. This design smooths the airflow around the tires and reduces the air resistance while in motion, resulting in a low 0.27 coefficient of aerodynamic drag.
Toyota's newest hybrid
Camry's optional Hybrid Synergy Drive® has both gas and electric power sources that effortlessly work together to produce a combined 192 horsepower -- more than Camry's current generation three-liter V6 engine. As with other Toyota hybrid-powered vehicles, the system varies power between gas and electric or both, as needed.
The Camry Hybrid has a 2.4 liter, four-cylinder 2AZ-FXE Atkinson-cycle engine, which generates 147 horsepower and is coupled to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. It also has two, specially developed electric motors that produce a combined 45 horsepower and an ultra-small inverter with a compact designed battery. Together, these elements deliver smooth, quiet power without the obvious shifting that goes with many conventional drive systems.
The Camry Hybrid is expected to be certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), one of just six vehicles in the United States to meet this strict standard at launch.
Where's the magic?
Like the two generations of Toyota Prius and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid that preceded it, the Camry Hybrid gains its spectacular efficiency from several sources. One is the Atkinson-cycle engine, in which a small sacrifice in compression ratio is swapped for a greater fuel expansion ratio, longer power stroke and less waste heat, resulting in greater fuel efficiency.
The system also gains efficiency from its permanent magnet synchronous motor, which develops 199 lb.-ft. of torque from zero to 1500 rpm; from a nickel-metal hydride battery that, via the power inverter, can produce up to 650 volts of power; and from a computer system that measures demand and applies power from the gas engine or electric motor or both, as needed.
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In addition, Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive takes advantage of regenerative braking, in which the continued rotation of the electric motor during braking, deceleration or coasting generates power that's stored in the battery. Some explain it this way: a conventionally powered car rolling down a hill still has its engine idling, still using gasoline. The Camry Hybrid (and all Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive vehicles rolling along in the next lane), not only has its engine shut down; its system is storing power to provide a boost for the return trip up the hill.
Safety and peace of mind
The Camry Hybrid was not only designed to help protect the environment, but also its passengers. All Camrys come standard with driver and passenger advanced airbags, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag. Stopping power is provided by front and rear disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) with Brake Assist. A new vehicle motion control system called Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management [3] (VDIM) integrates operation of the ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), and Electronic Power Steering (EPS) to help control loss of traction during a turn. When a series of sensors detect a loss of traction, the system uses a combination of individual wheel braking, throttle activation and steering assistance to help the driver keep the vehicle on track. The standard Tire Pressure Monitor System [4] has sensors that constantly monitor the tires in case of a sudden pressure loss. When the sensors detect critically low tire pressure, the driver will be alerted through an indicator light in the dashboard. The Camry Hybrid also comes standard with daytime running lights designed to increase your visibility to other motorists.
All 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid vehicles receive warranty coverage for 3-year/36,000-mile Basic, 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain and 5-year/unlimited-mileage Corrosion Perforation. And to add peace of mind to those worried about hybrid component reliability, a reassuring 8-year/100,000-mile Hybrid-related Component Coverage is provided. In states that adopt California emission requirements, the Hybrid-related Component Coverage for PZEV hybrid vehicles like the 2007 Camry Hybrid is for 15-years/150,000-miles, with the exception of the Hybrid battery, which is warranted for 10-years/150,000 miles [5].
Coming to dealers this spring
The 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid has a long list of standard features, including 16" alloy wheels; dual heated power outside mirrors; eight-way power driver's seat; power windows and doorlocks; auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass; a tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio, BluetoothTM hands-free calling, and climate controls; Homelink®; a 440-watt, eight-speaker digital audio system with premium AM/FM/six-disc CD changer with MP3/WMA playback capability; and Smart Key System with push button start. Additionally, the Camry Hybrid is equipped with an "ECO" button that's designed to reduce energy use by the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system and under certain conditions can help improve fuel economy.
The Camry Hybrid is being assembled in Japan and later this year, at Toyota's state-of-the-art facility in Georgetown, Kentucky. Making it Toyota's first hybrid model assembled in the United States. The all-new 2007 Camry arrives at dealer showrooms in March, with the Camry Hybrid to follow later this spring.
[1] Based on R. L. Polk & Co. total U.S. new passenger car registrations for CYE 2005.
[2] Actual mileage may vary.
[3] Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) is an electronic system designed to help the driver maintain vehicle control under adverse conditions. It is not a substitute for safe driving practices. Factors including speed, road conditions and driver steering input can all affect whether VDIM will be effective in preventing a loss of control. Please see your Owner's Manual for further details.
[4] Toyota's Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System alerts the driver when tire pressure is critically low. For optimal tire wear and performance, tire pressure should be checked regularly with a gauge; do not rely solely on the Monitor. See your Owner's Manual for details.
[5] See dealer for details on all warranty coverages.
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