Toyota Japan Launches Completely Redesigned Camry

Tokyo, Japan, Jan 30, 2006 - (JCN Newswire) - TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today the nationwide sales launch in Japan of the completely redesigned Camry (Camry G "Dignis Edition"(*1)) through "Toyota Corolla" dealers.

The new Camry was developed with a theme of "creating a new global standard for mid-size sedans". While combining dynamic styling and a comfortable interior, this high-class front-wheel-drive sedan features driving performance that makes it fun to be behind the wheel. It also offers some of the highest levels of safety and environmental performance in its class(*2), as well as advanced equipment that provides comfort befitting a high-class vehicle.

The original Camry debuted in 1980 as the rear-wheel-drive Celica Camry. In 1982, it was positioned as a globally strategic vehicle when exports of it as a "high-class front-wheel-drive sedan" began. The Camry's status as a global model has since been thoroughly established, with the model now being produced in eight countries, including Japan, with it currently being available in more than 100 countries and regions and with it having achieved cumulative global sales of more than 10 million units(*3).

Vehicle Outline

Combining Dynamic Styling and a Comfortable Interior

Based on the Toyota-brand design philosophy of "Vibrant Clarity," the new Camry balances a sense of energy that speaks of its powerful driving performance and a refreshing interior space that evokes a sense of invigorating openness. By adopting a package that expands the wheelbase and front and rear tracks, the Camry boasts an exterior appearance that expresses strength and stability, as well as a roomy and comfortable interior with extensive flat-surfaced legroom for the rear seat and ample cargo space. The G "Dignis Edition" model features various interior and exterior equipment and finishes that create a true sense of class, such as a front grille with a chrome finish, exclusive side emblems, genuine leather seats and a four-spoke, leather-covered steering wheel and shift knob both in a wood-grain finish.

Performance that Allows One to Experience the Joy of Driving

The new Camry adopts a light-weight, high-rigidity body that seeks both a quiet cabin and superior aerodynamic properties, and utilizes an advanced chassis to achieve performance that makes it truly possible to experience the joy of driving. The major systems of the 2.4-liter engine, including the cylinder block and intake and exhaust systems, have been redesigned, resulting in increased power. The super-intelligent, five-speed automatic transmission, or 5 Super ECT, achieves sporty and smooth driving (new on two-wheel-drive models).

The key components of the front and rear suspensions have been redesigned and optimally tuned to provide brisk maneuvering and cruising stability, as well as a comfortable ride.

The four-wheel disk brakes feature large-disk rotors to create a secure sense of firmness and outstanding braking performance.

The World's Top Level of Safety and Environmental Performance in its Class

The new Camry adopts an advanced GOA (Global Outstanding Assessment) collision-safety body that has been further evolved by incorporating the concept of omni-directional compatibility. Particularly in the case of a side-impact collision, the multi-load-path body construction allows the entire body to efficiently absorb and dissipate impact energy. With this new structure, not only the side members, but also the roof, front seat frames and center cross member have been reinforced, compared to previous models, thus increasing the side strength to reduce the amount of cabin deformation.

In addition to front seat, dual-stage SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags, the new Camry features a driver's seat SRS knee airbag, front seat SRS side airbags and SRS curtain shield airbags that cover the front and rear seats as standard equipment on all vehicles in the series, pursuing high safety performance even further.

The front seat structures are based on the WIL (Whiplash-injury Lessening) concept and come with stronger seat frames and greater backrest give. They were designed based on analysis using THUMS (Total Human Model for Safety), incorporating a structural design that reduces stress on the neck during low-speed rear impact.

By using Toyota's original comprehensive environmental impact assessment system known as Eco-VAS (Eco-Vehicle Assessment System), environmental targets were set at the development stage and a life cycle assessment was conducted to allow the reduction of CO2 emissions and other atmospheric pollutants throughout all stages of the vehicle's life from production and use to disposal.

In addition to using materials with excellent recyclabiltiy, greater attention has been paid to the environment by, among other means, reducing the use of substances of environmental concern such as lead, mercury, cadmium and others.

While all vehicles in the series achieve emission levels 75% lower than the 2005 standards under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles, the four-wheel-drive models meet 2010 standards(*4) and the front-wheel-drive G "Dignis Edition" model even boasts fuel efficiency that is five percent greater than those standards (thus qualifying the four-wheel-drive models and the front-wheel-drive G "Dignis Edition" model for incentives under the Japanese government's Green Taxation System). A review of the materials, processing methods and adhesives used for interior parts resulted in a reduction in the amount of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) used, thereby also reducing the discomforting odors emitted from such compounds.

Advanced Equipment Creates Comfort Befitting a High-class Vehicle

The Smart Entry & Start System employs a Smart Key to lock and unlock the doors and a button to start the engine - all one needs is to have the vehicle key on one's person or nearby.

The fully automatic air conditioner features independent temperature controls for the driver's side and passenger's side, as well as a clean-air filter with a pollen-removal mode. Meanwhile, Plasmacluster Ions(*5), an air-cleaning technology, fills the cabin with refreshing air characterized by an ultimately balanced ratio of positive and negative ions.

The high-quality audio system reproduces rich bass tones and creates a sound space with an expansive feel.

The HDD (hard disc drive) navigation system features a seven-inch wide display screen and a 30GB high-capacity HDD, as well as a variety of multimedia functions and advanced navigation functions.

*1. "Dignis" is a derivative of "dignify" *2. Compared to vehicles of similar engine displacement *3. According to TMC calculations *4. Specified by the Japanese Law Concerning the Rational Use of Energy *5. "Plasmacluster Ions" is a registered trademark of Sharp Corporation.

About Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota Motor Corporation develops and manufactures vehicles, and is one of the largest car manufacturers in the world, offering a wide range of products from minivehicles to trucks. In addition to its core business, Toyota has a large business portfolio in financial services, including sales finance, vehicle insurance, and credit cards. It is also involved in telecommunications through a subsidiary that provides cellular services in Japan. Other diversified businesses include industrial equipment, prefabricated housing, and leisure boats. The company is headquartered in Aichi, Japan.