A Look At The 2002 Camray

To millions of Americans, the word "Camry" conveys a strong and immediate image. More than quality and reliability, and more than practicality and value, the Toyota Camry has become the very definition of the American passenger car. For four years running, it has earned the title of "best-selling passenger car in America," by responding to the rational, sensible needs of consumers seeking the benchmark in quality, reliability and value.

Now entering its fifth generation, the 2002 Toyota Camry moves from sensible -- to sensual. It will ride on its first all-new platform in 10 years. It will be roomier, quieter and more powerful. It will offer crisper handling and improved ride comfort. It will offer more safety features. It will be improved and refined in virtually every metric of comparison. And like no Camry before it, it will be a mass-market car with a niche-market feel.

Its styling, inside and out, will be bolder, smarter, more upscale and more refined. And with three distinctly different model-grades based more on buyer tastes, than on buyer wallets, the 2002 Toyota Camry will be..."a car just for me"... to a broader range of owners.

DEVELOPMENT TARGETS

"There is a saying, that ‘the more things change, the more things stay the same.’ This saying captures how Toyota approached the development of the fifth-generation Camry," said Kosaku Yamada, Camry chief engineer, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC).

"Over the years, Camry has become a definitive term for what a family sedan should be," added Yamada. "There is a ‘Camry-ness’ that is familiar and reassuring. It is a product equity that has been cultivated and built-upon over the last decade. And it has been the key to Camry’s success as the top-selling car in America."

For the new Camry to hold its position at the top, the vehicle underwent significant improvements in almost every measurable area. To accomplish this, six development priorities were targeted. These priorities included: * Stronger, bolder styling that will arouse the senses of a broader range of consumers. * Larger interior packaging, offering an immediate sense of more roominess, openness, and functional use of space. * A new level of quiet and comfort provided by best-in-class aerodynamics and major improvements in noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). * Balanced dynamic performance, combining improvements in ride comfort and handling, acceleration and braking, steering response and steering impact damping. * Advanced safety features. * And finally, a new standard of value, including an across-the-board specification and performance upgrade, a wider array of popular and more upscale options, and increased overall quality.

To meet these six priorities, Camry required a new, more sophisticated platform. Wider and taller, with a wheelbase that is two inches longer, Camry will offer a more spacious, open interior, and a significantly raised H-point for ease of entry. The interior offers one-and-one-half more inches of rear legroom from the previous model and its coefficient of drag has been reduced from .30 to .284.

The exterior front will deliver a three-dimensional image with an aggressive grille and sharp cut headlamps. The cabin and doors feature sleek character lines, connected to a rear integrated bumper that is complemented with attractive jewel-like tail lamps. A new SE grade was designed to offer a distinctly sportier style by integrating a sport grille, black headlamp masking, fog lamps, a rear spoiler, and unique black pearl badging with chrome logos.

Camry will be powered by an all-new twin-cam 16-valve 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing (VVT-i). The new engine generates 157 horsepower at 5,600 RPM, an improvement of 21 horsepower over the previous four-cylinder engine, and 162 lbs./ft. of torque at 4,000 RPM. Fuel economy is also improved with preliminary EPA city/highway gas mileage of 23/32 mpg with the four-speed automatic transmission and 24/33 mpg with the five-speed manual. In addition to the added power, the new engine is EPA-certified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV).

Camry will also offer a four-cam 3.0-liter V6 that produces 192 horsepower at 5,300 RPM and 209 lbs./ft. of torque at 4,400 RPM. Preliminary EPA city/highway gas mileage for the V6 with the four-speed automatic transmission is 20/28 mpg. The V6 is also EPA-certified ULEV.

Transferring power to the front wheels in both engines is an all-new smooth shifting electronically controlled four-speed automatic overdrive transmission with intelligence (4ECT-i). A five-speed manual overdrive transmission is available with four-cylinder LE and SE models. Preliminary zero-to-60 performance for the V6 is 8.3 seconds, an improvement by nearly half a second. Zero-to-60 performance for the new four-cylinder engine is improved by over one second with the manual transmission clocked at 9.1 seconds, 9.9 for the automatic.

All V6, and SE and XLE four-cylinder models will be equipped with four-wheel disc brakes, while the four-cylinder LE model offers discs in the front and drums in the rear.

The chassis is controlled by power-assist rack and pinion steering. All LE models come standard with 205/65R15 tires. The XLE and SE models will ride on standard 215/60R16 tires. All models offer optional aluminum alloy wheels.

The front suspension is equipped with MacPherson struts that feature noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction through the use of springs and shocks with separate upper bearing points on the inner fender which reduces the noise to the body shell. Additionally, anti-roll bar end-links are coupled to the strut housings, rather than the lower control arm, for increased control of body roll without excessive ride harshness. The rear suspension is equipped with Chapman struts, with very long lower control arms to minimize camber change during body roll.

For a firmer ride, enhanced steering, and more nimble handling, the sportier SE grade receives higher spring rates, stabilizer bar, and shock damping rates, a low-flow power steering pump and a front strut bar to reinforce the upper shock mounts for a more stable geometry.

Camry’s new body structure features a new engine mount layout that provides increased rigidity around the sub-frame mounting points of the engine bay. The new layout provides increased accuracy of suspension geometry and reduced NVH transmitted into the cabin from the motor mounts. The new motor mount layout is used on both the four-cylinder and V6 engine.

Further NVH reduction and improved body rigidity is accomplished through the use of structural adhesives and spot welding in strategic locations. In addition, foam is utilized in the A, B, and C pillars to reduce wind noise. Additional body structures to reduce NVH include cowl stiffeners and asphalt sheeting, curved panels in the floor, and stiffeners across the rear parcel tray, under the rear seats and in the spare tire well.

NEW GRADE STRATEGY "By moving away from a linear, price-based strategy to a triangular, taste-based strategy, there will be wider grade diversity," said Don Esmond, senior vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. "This will broaden appeal for Camry, and attract younger buyers, while never losing our focus on returning Camry owners."

The entry-level CE is replaced by the LE, which remains the core volume model at about a mix of 45 percent. With a higher level of standard equipment than the previous generation, the LE grade delivers the comfort, convenience and value so important to core buyers, and repeat owners.

The mix percentage of the XLE model will increase to about 35 percent, primarily due to a lower cost-up point relative to LE. XLE will provide added elegance and refinement, with distinctively upscale amenities at a significantly better value than last year’s XLE.

Finally, the new SE grade combines a distinctive sportier style, with chassis tuning that delivers a firmer ride, enhanced steering, and nimble handling. The SE model will comprise about 20 percent of the mix and it will be positioned at a price point slightly above the high-volume LE.

Listening to the demands of today’s consumer, Camry sets new standards in both comfort and convenience. The larger wheelbase allowed Toyota engineers the opportunity to create a more spacious and inviting cabin. The newly styled front seats now offer greater lumbar support and a greater range of seating positions for added comfort while the rear features 60/40 fold-down seats for storage of larger items such as skis, and L-shaped headrests that provide added rear visibility for the driver. Fabric upholstery is offered in LE and XLE grades with an aggressive fabric design in the SE grade. For an added dose of luxury, leather trim is available in all XLE grades and the SE V6.

For added security and convenience, a high performance fold out in-dash DVD navigation system is available on XLE and SE grades. The GPS system features a multiple language LCD touch-screen display panel and voice navigation that is fully integrated with Camry’s body of electronics.

With a map-scrolling speed of 600 dots per second, and a route calculation time of 5.0 seconds, the Camry navigation system is the faster than all of its competitors in the U.S. market. Additional features include a dual map screen display, multiple route options whereby three routes (quick, short, and alternative) are calculated for different driving conditions, route previews, areas to avoid, and pictograms of selected intersections with routes highlighted. The driver can also specify a route that allows or avoids road types such as freeways, toll roads, and ferries.

Three different audio systems are available on the Camry. The LE and SE grades are standard-equipped with a deluxe three-in-one AM/FM/Cassette/CD audio system with six speakers. The XLE grade is standard-equipped with a JBL premium three-in-one audio system with eight speakers in six locations (optional on LE and SE grades). An optional JBL premium three-in-one audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer is available on all grades.

A multi-information display, located just above the audio system, features a seatbelt warning light, clock and temperature gauge on LE and SE grades. The XLE display features current and cumulative fuel economy, remaining driving range, average speed, elapsed time, and driving time. The driver selects the display items with easy-access switches on the steering wheel center pad.

A newly designed instrumentation panel integrates the fuel and temperature gauges into the speedometer and tachometer, delivering a three-dimensional, high-tech look. A silver metal background on the IP of the SE grade conveys a more aggressive attitude.

Convenience is enhanced with a multitude of storage compartments and cup holders strategically located in the front center console and rear armrest. Additionally, all Camry’s are equipped with standard intermittent windshield wipers that now feature a new washer nozzle that provides a broad, more uniform spray pattern without temporarily obscuring the driver’s vision.

All Camry models feature a vast array of standard amenities. Standard equipment on the LE grade includes: * electronic air conditioning with air filtration * programmable power automatic door locks * power windows with auto-down driver window and retained-power features * four-spoke tilt steering wheel * daytime running lights with off mode * dual color-keyed power outside mirrors * cruise control * center console with bi-level storage box * rear window defogger * sunglasses holder * front map lights * outside temperature gauge * 60/40 split-folding rear seat * full-size spare tire * vanity mirrors * and a coin pocket

Additional standard features on the XLE grade include: * power driver and passenger seat * color-keyed heated outside mirrors * wood grain style interior trim * auto up/down driver window with pinch protection * automatic climate control air conditioning and rear-seat vents * center console-mounted rear heater ducts * multi-information display and steering-wheel mounted controls * chrome inside door handles * engine immobilizer and alarm system * HomeLinkâ garage door opener * auto-dimming mirror with compass * and dual illuminated vanity mirrors * chrome side molding

Standard on the XLE and optional on the LE and SE grades are: * rear sunshade * keyless entry * cargo net

Additional standard equipment on the sportier SE grade includes: * fog lights * black-out sport grille * unique sport fabric trim * chrome exhaust outlet * rear spoiler * black headlamp masking * black pearl badging with chrome logos * leather-wrapped shift lever * three-spoke leather steering wheel * brushed chrome interior trim * 16-inch sport tires and unique suspension tuning * and sport gauges

In addition to the long list of standard features, Camry offers many available features for all trim levels with value-oriented accessory packages. Additional options include a power tilt and slide moonroof on all models, and heated front driver and passenger seats (XLE and SE V6 models only).

ADVANCED SAFETY The all-new Camry utilizes the latest technology for its many safety features. Available on all Camry models for 2002 are front and rear passenger side curtain-shield SRS airbags. Coupled with the front seat-mounted SRS side impact airbags, the side curtain shield airbag system is designed to help protect the head of front- and rear-seat occupants and the torso of front-seat occupants in side impacts. The single side curtain-shield system inflators, located below each C pillar, and the individual seat-mounted inflators are triggered separately, from the left and right sides, based on impact sensors located in the base of the B pillar. The system is designed to help prevent direct contact with the body pillars and side glass in the event of a side impact.

All Camry models come equipped with SRS front driver and passenger airbags. Airbag deployment is now controlled in multiple stages based strictly on the severity of the impact measured by front impact sensors.

The driver side airbag is controlled in a three-stage manner based on impact severity and the position of the driver seat. A seat position sensor judges the size of the occupant based on the seat position. The driver-side airbag will deploy at a faster rate (high stage) or slower rate (low stage) for medium and large size occupants, depending on impact severity. The driver-side airbag will deploy at low stage, or extra-low stage for smaller occupants, depending on impact severity.

Front-passenger airbag deployment is controlled in two stages based on the severity of the impact measured by front impact sensors. This provides either a "faster" or a "slower" deployment as deemed appropriate.

For added comfort, convenience and safety, the 2002 Camry will feature new power adjustable floor pedals later in the model year. The brake and accelerator pedals now adjust forward and back automatically at the touch of a button located on the lower left instrument panel. This allows smaller drivers to comfortably position their seats relative to the steering wheel while their feet maintain sufficient reach to the floor pedals.

Frontal, offset-frontal, and side impact protection has been enhanced with the installation of pre-cut steel panels of varying thickness. The panels are designed to create crumple zones that buckle to absorb impacts, while helping to minimize deformation of the passenger compartment. A reinforced upper cabin frame, reinforced rocker support of all four window pillars, as well as side impact door beams, help to maintain cabin integrity during a collision.

Inside, lower limb protection has been enhanced with the adoption of an anti-intrusion brake pedal that moves inward during impact, and a crushable foot rest that deforms during impact, providing more cabin space for feet and legs.

Two new safety features include a child restraint anchorage system consisting of two lower anchor brackets and two strap anchors, and a glow in the dark internal trunk release handle to prevent children from becoming locked in the trunk. Other Camry safety features include a head impact protection structure, child protector rear door locks and three-point seatbelts for all front and rear seat positions.

All Camry V6 models offer available Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) with Brake Assist and traction control. VSC utilizes the braking system to help the driver maintain control in adverse driving conditions. The system’s traction control feature helps reduce tire slippage during acceleration. The Brake Assist feature detects emergency braking and applies supplemental line pressure to help maximize the effectiveness of the Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS).

Four-wheel ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) is standard on XLE four-cylinder and all V6 models, and optional on LE and SE four-cylinder grades. While ABS helps prevent the wheels from locking during severe braking conditions, EBD detects the differences in front- and rear-wheel speeds and dispenses the proper braking force to all four wheels.

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY "Our target was to build a better, higher-quality Camry for a customer who would not spend a premium," said Chief Engineer Yamada. "The ultimate retail price of a car is based on many factors. Costs related to manufacturing, material content and labor, all come into play. One key element is how much you spend on engineering and development. The more significant the cost reductions in development, the more significant the content-and-quality that could be built into every Camry."

Toyota engineers were able to drastically reduce development costs on a vehicle that was new-from-the-ground-up by re-inventing the development process. This was accomplished by radically restructuring development methods, integrating new development tools, streamlining the production process, and further "Americanizing" Camry’s content.

The all-new Camry’s development is the product of an equal partnership between Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) engineering in Japan and Toyota Technical Center (TTC) in Ann Arbor, Mich. It is also the product of extraordinary input from Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK) and an extended lineup of North American suppliers.

"Automotive development programs are functionally vertical in that they are a progressive hand-off of information, from top to bottom, from one group to the next," said Dana Hargitt, Toyota Technical Center (TTC) Camry project leader. "Blue prints are drawn. Prototype parts and tooling are made. Vehicles are built and tested, designs changed, tooling modified, and the process repeated as necessary. The process is slow and expensive. And up until this project, it was standard operating procedure at Toyota."

The development strategy for the new Camry was to create a horizontal process that addressed three key areas: * Simultaneous engineering * Advanced development tools * And, "buildability" improvements on the assembly line.

Simultaneous engineering is a team activity, where all disciplines are pulled forward at the beginning, or drawing stage, of the development process. All aspects of vehicle development are analyzed at once. Priorities are set and decisions are made as a group. The guiding goal was to eliminate all engineering changes after the production drawings were released, a "Zero EC" target. This philosophy forced all team members to complete their homework early, and give all input for consideration during the drawing phase before a single prototype tool was cut.

"By front-loading the combined experience and knowledge of the entire development team, we produced what Mr. Yamada calls the ‘excellent drawings,’" said Hargitt. "The process gave us a clearer, cleaner, more accurate blueprint of how the vehicle would emerge from the assembly line. It was a picture that would require fewer changes, save time and reduce costs."

The shift from a vertical to a horizontal process was made possible through recent advancements in digital technology. New digital tools enabled Toyota engineers to design, fabricate, and assemble every component of the new Camry prior to the production of a single part. Through the digital design of parts, changes were made quickly and at a fraction of the cost.

Streamlining the production process or making the Camry easier to build was the final piece of the development puzzle. The logic is simple. A car that is easier, safer and more enjoyable to build will be higher in quality and ultimately less expensive to produce.

Part of this final process was achieved through data gathered directly from assembly line team members at TMMK. Additionally, pilot line workers from TMMK were brought to the TTC lab in Plymouth, Mich. to assemble the first Camry prototypes statically, but in the precise sequence of tasks that would be used on the assembly line. While the line workers assembled the vehicle, TTC engineers were able to confirm such things as fit conditions, clearances, and even styling. This was the first time Toyota had ever analyzed, modified, and confirmed assembly line buildability in this depth, away from the assembly line.

Limited Warranty Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.

Color and Trim Colors available for Camry are Super White, Lunar Mist Metallic, Black Walnut Pearl, Salsa Red Pearl, Desert Sand Mica, Black, Aspen Green Pearl, Stratosphere Mica, Phantom Gray Pearl, and Catalina Blue Metallic. Exterior colors are tastefully coordinated with Stone, Dark Charcoal, Taupe, and Charcoal/Taupe interior colors in fabric or leather-trim.