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The 2008 Camry Hybrid: Toyota's 2007 AJAC Canadian Car of the Year


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SEE ALSO: Compare 2008 Toyota Models - Toyota Buyers Guide

TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2007; Toyota Canada today introduced the 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid - the perfect combination of clean, efficient and powerful. As with the 2007 model that captured the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada's top honour - the Canadian Car of the Year award - the 2008 Camry Hybrid once again delivers all the performance, style, quality and comfort that Canadians demand, with exceptionally low emissions and superb fuel efficiency.

"We are thrilled that Canadians have embraced the Camry Hybrid. The Camry Hybrid has accounted for almost 20% of all Canadian Camry line sales in the first 7 months of this year," remarked Tony Wearing, Managing Director of Toyota Canada Inc. "As Canadian drivers are discovering, the Camry Hybrid delivers more than just great fuel efficiency and a fraction of the tailpipe emissions of a conventional automobile. It's also big on performance thanks to smooth and powerful hybrid acceleration and Toyota's top of the line vehicle dynamics and control technologies."

For 2008, the Camry is available in one fully-equipped trim level that includes many standard convenience, comfort, luxury and safety features. These include:

	    -  A top of the line JBL Synthesis Audio System, featuring AM/FM
	       stereo/in-dash 6-disc CD changer/MP3/WMA player plus audio auxiliary
	       input jack, Bluetooth capability, eight speakers and steering wheel-
	       mounted audio system controls;
	    -  A full electric climate control system featuring auto air conditioning
	       with dual zone control, a cabin air filter with germ-reducing plasma
	       cluster, and rear seat heater ducts;
	    -  An eight-way power adjustable driver's seat;
	    -  A 60/40 split fold-down rear seat;
	    -  Power door locks with key lockout protection and Toyota's Smart Key
	       system with remote trunk release;
	    -  Power windows with driver's side auto down function and high solar
	       energy-absorbing glass;
	    -  Optitron electronic gauges, including an instantaneous fuel economy
	       meter, water temperature gauge, outside temperature gauge and dual
	       trip odometer plus a multi-function display;
	    -  Electrochromic rear view mirror with digital compass;
	    -  Dual exterior power remote heated mirrors;
	    -  Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob;
	    -  Silver accented interior trim;
	    -  Push-button start;
	    -  Cruise control;
	    -  Accessory power outlets with retained accessory power;
	    -  Unique Camry Hybrid grille, front and rear splash guards,
	       colour-matched bumpers, mirrors and door handles, and chrome tailpipe;
	    -  Projector style halogen headlamps and LED tail lamps;
	    -  Engine immobilizer;
	    -  Garage door opener

	    The Camry Hybrid is also available with a Premium Package, which adds a
number of comfort and convenience features, including:
	    -  Power adjustable front passenger's seat;
	    -  Leather seat surfaces;
	    -  Heated front seats;
	    -  Power moonroof;
	    -  Rear-seat reading lamps
	    

The 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid is on sale in Canada now. The Camry Hybrid carries a manufacturer's suggested retail price starting at $32,000.

2008 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID - PRODUCT DETAIL

The 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid is powered by Toyota's gasoline-electric
full hybrid system, Hybrid Synergy Drive. More than one million Toyota and
Lexus hybrid vehicles have been sold worldwide since its introduction in
1997.
For the 2008 Camry Hybrid, Toyota has adopted a 2.4-litre four-cylinder
engine
version of the Hybrid Synergy Drive system complete with dual overhead
cams,
16 valves, variable valve timing with intelligence and an electronic
throttle
control system with intelligence.

This is mated to a high-torque electric motor/generator and powerful storage battery to deliver the equivalent of up to 187 hp through a much greater speed range than an equivalent gasoline-only power source. For example, the electric motor is able to deliver maximum torque instantly - unlike a gasoline engine, which only delivers maximum torque at high engine rpms. The result is seamless, powerful acceleration at any speed, with just a touch of the throttle.

The Hybrid Synergy Drive system delivers up to 138 lb-ft of torque (at) 4,400 rpm, while still qualifying the Camry Hybrid as an emissions-friendly Tier 2 Bin 3 vehicle. In fact, the Camry Hybrid meets the world's most stringent emissions standards, including California's benchmark Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle regulations. The mid-size five-passenger 2008 Camry Hybrid also achieves a fuel-efficiency rating of 5.7L/100km in the city and on the highway - comparable to a sub-compact car.

Full control

The 2008 Camry Hybrid features a unique Power Split Device which operates as an Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission. Handling is enhanced through Toyota's state of the art control systems, including Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, Vehicle Stability Control, and Traction Control.

The 2008 Camry Hybrid features a Continuously Variable Transmission and front wheel drive. Handling is enhanced through Toyota's state of the art control systems, including Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, Vehicle Stability Control, and Traction Control.

Ride quality is assured with Macpherson gas struts, coil springs and stabilizer bars fitted to both front and rear suspension systems. The rear suspension is an independent, dual link design.

The Camry Hybrid benefits from ample stopping power thanks to power-assisted front and rear ventilated disc brakes, reinforced with a full suite of braking technologies including Toyota's Antilock Braking System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, and Brake Assist.

The 2008 Camry Hybrid rides on P215/60R16 all-season tires mounted on 16" aluminium alloy wheels with wheel locks.

Comfort and safety

Inside, the 2008 Camry Hybrid seats up to five passengers in comfort, style and safety. Standard safety systems include driver and front passenger airbags, front seat mounted side airbags, a driver's knee air bag, and front and rear head/side curtain airbags. Three-point lap and shoulder seatbelts are fitted in all five passenger positions, and include adjustable "B" pillar shoulder belt anchors as well as pre-tensioners and force limiters for the front seating positions. Younger occupants are protected with anchor points for child-restraint seats and child protector rear door locks.

Personalization

Customers may personalize their 2008 Camry Hybrid using the Vehicle Configurator on Toyota Canada's web site (www.toyota.ca) or in any Toyota Dealership across Canada.

Peace of mind

The 2008 Camry Hybrid is provided with Toyota's no deductible, no transfer fee, comprehensive warranty that covers the entire vehicle for three years/60,000 kilometres. Power train components are covered for five years/100,000 kilometres, while hybrid-specific components are covered for eight years/160,000 kilometres. Major emission control components are covered for eight years/130,000 kilometres and corrosion perforation for five years with unlimited distance.

Toyota also provides 24-hour Roadside Assistance for all models. Help is just a phone call away at 1-888-TOYOTA-8. Roadside emergency services include battery boost, lockout service, fuel delivery, tire change, winching, and even towing. Optional Extra Care Protection (ECP) is also available, which includes travel planning and trip interruption assistance, vehicle rental help, lubrication maintenance, and mechanical protection of 17 major mechanical component groups for up to six years/200,000 kilometres.