Toyota has upped its ante with the launch of the 2015 Camry facelift that was unveiled earlier today at the New York International Auto Show. The mid-cycle update on the Camry comes only three years after the current generation model went on sale in 2011 as a 2012 model. The Japanese manufacturer states that the comprehensive facelift saw all body panels changed on the sedan, apart from the roof. While Toyota chooses to call this one just a facelift, the term seems rather understated with the amount of changes on the sedan.
On the outset, the seventh generation 2015 Toyota Camry looks outrageously aggressive. The sedan is slightly longer than the pre-facelift model by 45 mm and features a widened track of 10 mm for a more dynamic stance. The styling takes cues from the Furia concept that formed the basis for the all-new Corolla sold in the US, while also taking cues from the Avalon model. The front features a sharper and bold design with the trapezoidal grille flanked with newly designed LED headlight units. The air intake is larger on the front, and gets the daytime running lights with integrated turn indicators at the sides.
The side profile sports pronounced lines running across the shoulder line giving a stronger appeal to the car. At the rear, the wraparound tail lights look absolutely pleasing, while the inverted U-shaped garnish adds to the appeal of the rear. The boot-lid gets tapered body lines with the integrated lip spoiler adding to the sporty stance of the car. Toyota has also worked on improving the ride quality and handling of the Camry with the chassis and body structure having been additionally bolstered with sport welding.
The 2015 Camry gets a retuned suspension setup insuring ‘a whole new level of responsiveness’ according to Toyota, while aiding to the improved handling is the new electric power steering unit for better feel. The brakes have also been revised with a two-stage booster to improve brake feel. Interior changes on the new Camry have been limited to reduced NVH levels courtesy of the improved window and door seals, while the carpet features 30 percent more insulating material. There is also the addition of chrome accents, a revised instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch touchscreen display. The centre console gets the optional wireless smartphone charging system, USB connectivity and 12V outlet. Making the car more aerodynamic are the newly designed ORVMs for better air flow, reducing wind noise.
The 2015 Toyota Camry facelift will be available with the same powertrain which includes the 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder engine producing 178 HP of power and 230 Nm of torque, while a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 268 HP of power and 336 Nm of torque is also available. Both the engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Camry hybrid on the other hand features the 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle engine with Hybrid Synergy Drive mated to an E-CVT transmission. There is also an XSE variant with a sports-tuned suspension and unique 18-inch alloy wheels on offer.
While most of you may think of the 2015 Camry facelift to be the perfect sports sedan in the Rs. 25+ lakh segment; the facelift model is restricted to the North American market. Other markets will continue to get the older Chrome induced, plush looking Camry that asks to be chauffer driven. The Camry will be competing against the all-new Hyundai Sonata, Honda Accord and the Volkswagen Passat in the North American market. The 2015 Toyota Camry will go on sale by the end of this year in the US, while the pricing will be announced closer to the time of launch.
