TORRANCE, Calif. - The best-selling passenger car in America for eight years running and 12 of the past 13 years, the
2011 Toyota Camry
is available in Camry, LE, SE, XLE and Hybrid models. A sharp focus on
customer value is reflected in the addition of new
lower-rolling-resistance tires for the 2011 V6 model to increase EPA
fuel economy ratings to 20 MPG city / 29 MPG highway, up from 19/28 for
the 2010 V6 model; the four-cylinder Camry returns 22/32 MPG, and the
Camry Hybrid is rated at 31/35 (33 combined).
For the second
year in a row, the Toyota Camry is ranked #1 on the "American-Made
Index" as compiled by the editors at Cars.com. The 2010 Camry was rated
"The best mid-sized sedan" by Motor Trend. Forbes Magazine praised the
Camry Hybrid by including it in "2010's Best Cars for Commuters".
Performance and Efficiency
The
2011 Camry blends performance and economy in an ideal way for midsize
car customers. The DOHC 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which was new
for the 2010 model year, is standard on all models. This engine equipped
with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i) to
provide a wide torque band for responsive performance. The four produces
169 SAE horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 167 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4,100
rpm. In the sporty SE grade, the engine produces 179 hp / 171 lb.-ft.
for even better performance. The high-tech four enables Camry to return
an EPA estimated 22 mpg city / 32 mpg rating with the six-speed
automatic transmission and 22/33 with the six-speed manual.
The DOHC
3.5-liter V6, available in the LE, SE and XLE grades, delivers a
substantial performance boost with 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248
lb.-ft. peak torque at 4,700 rpm. The chain-driven camshafts employ Dual
Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i) which controls
valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts for optimal
performance and efficiency at all engine speeds.
The Camry
models come equipped exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission
that offers a sequential mode for manual shifting when desired (all AT
models have sequential shift). Intelligent control adapts shifting
strategy in response to driver input, with very fast kick-down and
noticeable response.
The
Camry Hybrid
model owes its outstanding efficiency to Hybrid Synergy Drive, which
produces a combined 187 horsepower and varies power between the gas
engine and electric motor, or combines both, as needed. The first part
of Hybrid Synergy Drive consists of a 147-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder
Atkinson-cycle engine coupled with an electronically controlled
planetary-gear continuously variable transmission.
The second part
combines a small, high-torque 40-hp electric motor, an ultra-small
inverter with a specially designed compact battery, and a transaxle to
seamlessly combine power from the electric motor and gasoline engine.
Because there are situations in which the gas engine in a Toyota hybrid
completely shuts off, air conditioning and power steering systems are
driven electrically.
In addition, an "ECO" button limits energy
consumption by the climate control system, and under certain conditions
can help improve fuel economy. Special attention paid to vehicle
underbody aerodynamics, including the use of wheel spats and underbelly
pans, helps yield a coefficient of drag of just 0.27, which contributes
to highway fuel economy.
The 2011 Camry Hybrid is certified as
an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), just
one of a handful of cars that meets this strict standard. It produces
over 70 percent less smog-forming emissions than the average new car.
Handling and Ride
The
2011 Camry offers responsive handling while providing the smooth, quiet
ride that sets a benchmark for the segment. Four-wheel independent
suspension is via MacPherson struts in front and a dual-link strut rear
configuration. Camry, LE, XLE and Hybrid models ride on standard 16-inch
wheels of either steel (Camry and LE) or aluminum (XLE and Hybrid) (FYI
- LE has an optional alloy option too), with the sporty SE model
featuring standard aluminum 17-inch wheels.
All
Camry
models are equipped with four-wheel disc brakes. Toyota designed the
Camry SE model to spice up the daily commute. Chassis modifications
specific to the SE include springs, shock absorbers and bushings with
firmer, sportier values than those used in other grades. The Camry SE
also has a lower ride height than other Camry models. Other
modifications increase the SE?s torsional rigidity, which contributes to
the model's sharper handling response.
Tuning the SE chassis
resulted in optimized underbody aerodynamics. Making the underbody as
flat as possible helps to smooth and speed the airflow under the car,
and engineers also specially tuned the balance between front and rear
downforce.
Safety and Security
The Camry's body structure is designed to absorb collision-impact forces
and help minimize impact deformation to the passenger cabin.
High-strength steel is used for B-pillar and rocker panel reinforcements
to help manage overall body deformation in the event of certain side
collisions. The seat frames also are designed to help absorb side
collision loads. Dual-stage advanced SRS front airbags, front
seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver's knee
airbag are standard on all
Camry models.
All 2011 Camry
models come equipped with a standard anti-lock brake system (ABS),
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The
Brake Assist feature is designed to determine if the driver is
attempting emergency braking. If the driver has not stepped firmly
enough on the brake pedal to engage the ABS, BA supplements the applied
braking power until the driver releases pedal pressure.
Standard
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC) regulates
engine output and brake application on individual wheels to help control
loss of traction in turns. Camry Hybrid is equipped with the Vehicle
Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system that helps manage vehicle
traction and stability through throttle control, brake application on
individual wheels, and even minor steering correction if circumstances
require.
Comfort and Convenience
Camry offers many storage
spaces around the front-passenger area, including console side pockets.
Storage options also include a large front console box equipped with an
accessory power socket and auxiliary audio jack; this box is big enough
to store nine CD jewel cases. Other storage areas include an accessory
box behind the shift lever containing another power socket, a
rear-console box with a card holder and a movable tray, and two large
cupholders adjacent to the shift lever.
The four-cylinder Camry
XLE and Camry Hybrid models are exclusively equipped with special seat
fabric designed to be gentle on the skin. The fabric is treated by the
Fraichir process, in which it is coated with a naturally occurring
component called Sericin that has been extracted and refined from
silkworm cocoons. This substance is soft to the touch and gentle on the
skin.
The Camry's standard equipment includes air conditioning
with micro dust and pollen filter; power windows with auto up/down and
jam protection for all four doors; power door locks; color-keyed power
side mirrors; cruise control; halogen headlamps with automatic on/off
feature; tilt and telescopic steering wheel; vehicle immobilizer, and a
six speaker 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary audio jack.
All Camry audio systems can play CDs with MP3 files. The Camry LE adds
an in-key remote keyless entry and eight-way-adjustable power driver's
seat.
The Camry XLE's list of standard features includes an
upgraded dual-zone automatic climate control system with steering-wheel
controls, plus Plasmacluster™ ionizer technology to help reduce airborne
mold spores, microbes, fungi, odors, germs and bacteria inside the
passenger cabin. Other XLE features include a premium 440-watt JBL audio
system with Bluetooth® technology that allows hands-free calling with
compatible phones; wood-style trim; power glass moonroof; reclining rear
seats; fog lamps; and aluminum wheels.
The V6 Camry XLE is
equipped with standard leather-trimmed seats. In the XLE grade, the rear
seatbacks can recline eight degrees from their standard position to
enhance passenger comfort. Rear-seat passengers also get dedicated
personal reading lamps on moonroof-equipped Camry models.
The
Camry Hybrid offers a standard equipment level similar to the XLE grade,
adding a standard Smart Key System featuring push button start. This
feature allows drivers to lock, unlock, or start the car by carrying the
Smart Key.
Options
Options for select Camry grades include a
power tilt/slide moonroof; heated front seats; voice-command DVD
navigation system; leather-trimmed seating; rear spoiler, and the Smart
Key system featuring push button start. The LE and SE grades are
available with an optional audio system featuring with a new USB port
for auxiliary music sources, Bluetooth®, integrated satellite radio,
single-CD and MP3 and streaming music capability.
When the
available voice-activated DVD navigation system is added to the Camry
(SE, XLE, Hybrid), it is integrated with the premium JBL audio unit and
includes a four-disc in-dash CD changer.