Latest Info on the 2007 Toyota Camry

[Variance 0]

Link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=106974

IL Exclusive: Latest Info on the 2007 Toyota Camry
Date Posted 08-23-2005

TOKYO — Toyota is putting the finishing touches on the next-generation Camry sedan, which is to make its public debut in January at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, sources tell Inside Line.

More of the same formula — roominess and high quality — can be expected for this sixth-generation Camry, along with an American-made hybrid version. Unexpected is an "aggressive" look to replace the Camry's often criticized bland styling. Sources say the Camry borrows cues, including the aggressive front end, from Toyota's European-sold Avensis, combined with a sloping back and short deck.

The 2007 Camry rides on a new platform, sources say. Engines are improved versions of the current 2.4-liter four and 3.3-liter V6.

Toyota also has invested $10 million to expand its plant in Kentucky to make the new hybrid — Toyota's first ever U.S.-made hybrid. The facility will start building hybrids six months after regular 2007 Camry production begins. Capacity is set at 48,000 hybrids a year.

Toyota intends to maintain Camry's No. 1 spot in the U.S., where 424,803 were sold last year. Toyota is aiming at a half-million sales a year with the new version. The Camry has held the top spot for seven of the last eight years.

What this means to you: The buzz surrounding the next Camry suggests it has the makings of one of the most significant cars Toyota's ever built.

[Petra 0]

48,000 Hybrids a year sounds like a very conservative estimate. Besides, the plant is flexible; so long as they have a good supply of Hybrid parts, they can build as many as the market demands.

[Newbiewar 1]

darn I was hoping this was gonna say camry was going to be discontinued... ^_^

[Bluesman 0]

I was under the impression that the Camry would debut at the Tokyo motor show in October. Hmmm....

[VenSeattle 13]

48,000 Hybrids a year sounds like a very conservative estimate. Besides, the plant is flexible; so long as they have a good supply of Hybrid parts, they can build as many as the market demands.

[post="3752"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Yeah, but remember the Camry Hybrid is only the V6 version for now which puts the price tag close to if not higher than the $30k-$32k Honda Accord Hybrid. Not a very large market for $30k-$40k mid size, middle class, family sedans.

Now if it was a $40k Lexus ES400h... then they'd sell more but that hybrid would probably be priced similar to the near $50k RX400h... once again limiting its appeal.

[Guest gmrebirth]

Yeah, but remember the Camry Hybrid is only the V6 version for now which puts the price tag close to if not higher than the $30k-$32k Honda Accord Hybrid. Not a very large market for $30k-$40k mid size, middle class, family sedans.

Now if it was a $40k Lexus ES400h... then they'd sell more but that hybrid would probably be priced similar to the near $50k RX400h... once again limiting its appeal.

[post="5003"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Actually from all reports it appears the Camry 4 cylinder will get the hybrid system, because hybrids are getting some negative press and Toyota knows it, not to mention the other problems that Toyota faces with hybrids. It makes sense to make a Camry with Prius-level economy.

[VenSeattle 13]

That must be a recent change then... I know Toyota was receiving criticism for just planning to offer the V6 Hybrid. If they've decided to also offer the 4-cyl then that's a smart move. Another thing to note is that everyone speculated and (Toyota fans) bragged that the next Camry was going to get the Avalon's 3.5l V6... but it is starting to appear that the Camry will continue with an updated 3.3l as mentioned in the article. This isn't the first article to state this.