Toyota officially reveals new Camry in Japan

Toyota has officially revealed the new Camry in Japan and there are no surprises since photos of it had already been leaked (earlier post). All versions to be sold in Japan will come with the hybrid powertrain, which uses a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine (2AR-FXE) with a combined max. output of 205 PS. The hybrid techlogy, along with the very low drag coefficient of 0.28, enable the new Camry to achieve a fuel economy of 26.5 km/L under the 10.15 cycle.

You can read the full press release (Japanese text) here.

Toyota introduces all-new USDM Camry

Toyota has just presented the all-new USDM Camry, perhaps its most important model is the US market. Toyota is so serious about the Camry that during its presentation, it announced that even the prices of all Camry versions will be lower, despite the fact that the new model is coming with more features on board.

The base model is powered by a 2.5-liter straight four engine producing 178hp. The specific motor can return an average fuel consumption of 28mpg. Other engines include a 3.5-liter V6 engine with an output of 268hp, as well as a hybrid powertrain is also available.

Latest scoop on all-new Toyota Camry Hybrid

Next-gen Toyota Camry coming in October

In early December, Mag-X reported (earlier post) that the next-gen Toyota Camry will be available as hybrid, at least in Japan, and a launch date in July 2011 was mentioned.

Now it's time for the latest info as published by Japanese Best Car, which confirms that it will be available as a hybrid only. Power will come from a 2.4L petrol engine with a power output of 150 ps and 19.1 kgm of torque. Those figures don't include the output of the electric motor. The fuel efficiency (10.15 mode) is expected to be 20.0 km/L and the launch date claimed is October 2011. The new Camry will measure 4,830 x 1,820 x 1,480 mm (length x width x height). Prices will range between ¥ 2,700,00 and ¥ 3,000,000.

Scoop: Next-gen Toyota Camry

The next-gen Toyota Camry will be available only as a hybrid in Japan (earlier post) and it is expected to be launched in July 2011. According to early info, the next-gen Camry will share its platform with the Toyota Avensis, although it is not clear whether it will use the platform of the current-gen Avensis, or the platform of the new Camry will used in the next-gen Avensis. I reckon that the latter scenario is more likely.

[Source: Mag-X via CarSensor]

Toyota officially outlines eco-car plans & battery research progress

Following the post about Toyota's "eco" future lineup, the company has now officially announced details of its plans for “eco-car” development and launches (confirming what has already been posted), as well as the progress in next-generation secondary-battery research.

1. Hybrid Vehicles: TMC plans to introduce 11 models by the end of 2012, consisting of all-new models and redesigned models.  Of the planned new models, one is a compact with fuel efficiency in excess of 40 km/L under the 10-15 Japanese test cycle.

2. Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles: By early 2012, TMC plans to begin sales of a “Prius”-based PHV, mainly in Japan, the United States and Europe.  Sales are targeted at more than 50,000 units annually, and the price for Japan is expected to be in the 3-million-yen range.

3. Electric Vehicles: In 2012, in addition to the U.S. market, an iQ-based EV will also be introduced in Japan and Europe.
• Launch preparations call for road trials in Japan, U.S., and Europe starting in 2011.
• Launch in China is also being considered, with road trials planned for 2011.

Separately, the “RAV4 EV” concept, which was developed jointly with Tesla Motors, will be on display until November 28 at the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, United States.

Toyota's "eco" future lineup

Toyota plans to introduce eleven (11) new hybrid models (one is the next-gen Camry - earlier post) by the end of 2012, consisting of all-new models and redesigned models.

By early 2012, Toyota plans to begin sales of a "Prius"-based PHV (mainly in Japan, USA & Europe.) Sales targeted at more than 50,000 per annum.

In 2012, in addition to the U.S. market, an iQ-based EV will also be introduced in Japan and Europe (earlier post).

Toyota, please don't mesh up with the FT-86....

[Source: Scott Brownlee - Head of PR and social media for Toyota and Lexus in the UK]

Next-gen JDM Toyota Camry to be hybrid only

The next-gen Toyota Camry will be launched next year in Japan and it will only be available as a hybrid. By doing that, Toyota hopes that sales of its mid-size sedan will be boosted.