2018 Toyota Camry

Initially launched as a four-door version of the Celica in 1979, the Camry became a stand-alone nameplate in 1982. Since then, it has evolved into one of the most reliable and popular sedans on the market, especially in the U.S., where Toyota has delivered more than 200,000 units a year since 1988 and in excess of 350,000 examples since 1996. Currently the best-selling passenger car in North America, the Camry is set to drive into a new generation for the 2018 model year.

The next-gen Camry has been spotted testing on public roads since early 2016, but it took a few months for the sedan to lose some of its camouflage. Come November and Toyota ditched the black, thick wrap for a thinner camo that reveals some of the car’s new design lines. Fortunately, our paparazzi were at the right time and place when the new Camry was taken for a ride and we have several spy shots to place under the magnifying glass.

Styling-aside, the new-generation Camry will also get a new platform. The lighter underpinning could clear the path for new engines, increased performance, and better fuel economy. New technology is also on the table, alongside a revamped interior that should move the Camry upmarket for a bit. An official debut is expected at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show in January, while production should commence in second part of the year. Stay tuned for more details.Exterior

Although the test car is completely wrapped in camouflage save for the wheels, windows, and part of the headlamps and taillights, a few important details are visible through the wrap. Up front, it appears that Toyota went with an evolutionary styling that borrows some features from the Corolla, including the narrower, sharper headlamps, and the bumper grille. The latter is smaller than the outgoing model and gives the sedan a sportier stance. On the other hand, the deep side creases that house the daytime running lights are still there, albeit in a reshaped form.


Up front, it appears that Toyota went with an evolutionary styling that borrows some features from the Corolla.

Onto the sides, we can notice a more prominent character line just below the windows, which are also larger than before. The sedan also features slightly beefed-up side skirts and newly design wheels that are finished in black. The rear haunches are also more prominent, an effect that’s more evident due to the narrower trunk sections. There’s also a redesigned trunk lid spoiler and brand-new headlamps, which are slimmer and have a different cluster design with LED lights.

Interior

The interior is a complete mystery at this point, but based on what we’ve seen in recently unveiled Toyotas, the new Camry should benefit from a fresh, clean design, more upscale materials, and the company’s latest technology. While it might not be on the revolutionary side of things, the dashboard will get a new shell that will include revised A/C vents and a more ergonomic center stack. The reason why I think Toyota won’t meddle too much with the interior is because the Camry features one of the best layouts on the market.

 Toyota Camry
Note: Current Camry interior shown here.

But based on what we've seen in recent Toyotas, the new Camry should benefit from a fresh design and more upscale materials.

Beyond the revised dash and more modern instrument cluster, look for revised seats for increased comfort and lateral support, a wide center console with more storage room, and redesigned door panels. Materials should improve just about anywhere, from the plastic on the dash and panels to the cloth and leather offered on the seats. Much like any new-generation vehicle, the upcoming Camry should boast increased knee and shoulder room in the front and significantly more legroom in the back. Also expect lower-priced trims to bring better value by means of additional equipment.

Drivetrain

This where the Camry will get its most important upgrade. The next-generation sedan will ride on the company’s new TNGA underpinnings that made their production debut with the Prius. The modular platform, which will find its way into about half of Toyota’s vehicles by the end of the decade, will bring a significant weight reduction and make the Camry a much more dynamic car.

 Lexus NX
Note: Lexus NX drivetrain pictured here.

The venerable 3.5-liter V-6 will be phased out, most likely replaced by the turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder found in the Lexus NX.

More changes are expected to occur in the engine department. For starters, the venerable 3.5-liter V-6 will be phased out, most likely replaced by a revised version of the turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder found in the Lexus NX. The four-banger should be at least as powerful as the outgoing V-6, so expect it to crank out at least 270 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. In the NX, the turbo-four generates 235 horses and 258 pound-feet.

Below the turbo, the Camry will probably continue with the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter as a base engine. The unit will get an update that will probably push the output beyond the current 178 horsepower and 170 pound-feet, but not above the 200-horsepower mark. The next-gen should also get a hybrid version, but it remains to be seen whether this drivetrain will continue to use the 2.5-liter four-pot.

Lastly, there are rumors of a higher performance model with input from TRD, Toyota’s in-house tuning shop. This scenario is backed by the spy shots, which show a quad exhaust layout and sportier, black-painted wheels. A more powerful Camry would be a good idea now that Ford offers the 325-horsepower Fusion Sport.

Prices

 Toyota Camry
Pricing for the Camry will increase with the upgrade, but it will not rise much. With the outgoing model priced from $23,070, the next-generation sedan could start from around $24,000. A higher sticker could slow sales down and Toyota doesn’t want that.