Toyota launches all-new Camry
It has been one of the most popular executive sedans in the country for years. Now it hopes to reach out to more people as it sheds some old skin and prepares for an entry in a new avatar. We are talking about the all new 2012 Toyota Camry which now comes with more bells and whistles. Ammar Alvi takes a look:
There are a lot of changes that you will see in the seventh generation 2012 Toyota Camry. More chrome, shiny new grille, new interiors and a lot more that is clearly visible on the new model. The Camry, first introduced in 2002 in India, was until now imported as a CBU from Japan but good news now is that the new model will be assembled at a separate assembly line within TKM’s second plant located in Bidadi, near Bangalore, in Karnataka.
There are a lot of new improvements in the interiors too, more glossy wooden inlays and panels, nice beige upholstery, electronically adjustable front seats, more optimum leg room and above all more upmarket feel which is something the brand is associated with. Additionally there are other features like Smart entry with start and stop button, 6 inch Touchscreen DVD player with USB,AUX, Bluetooth and Car Info, 2 Zone Automatic climate control, Rear AC vents, Optitron combimeter with Eco-indicator (lamp and bar type) and Illuminated entry system and diffused cabin illumination.
According to Hiroshi Nakagawa, Managing Director, “We are extremely happy to introduce the 7th generation, All New Camry. The vehicles are the latest addition to our fleet of domestically manufactured vehicles. This further reinforces the growing importance of TKM in Toyota’s global operations. The New Camry is currently being manufactured in 10 plants across the globe and TKM will be the 11th one. The local production of New Camry of global standards will mark an important milestone in the history of TKM.”
There is also refinement in the powertrain, the new vehicles are powered with an all powerful new gasoline engine, 2.5 liter Dual VVT-i, that generates maximum power of 181PS@ 6000rpm and highest torque of 231NM@ 4100 rpm. The new engine is teamed with a 6-speed automatic transmission with a sequential shift which means that there is now more power and refinement.
The car which will be now assembled in India will come at an introductory price of Rs 23.80 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) which makes it extremely competitive in the market. According to Mr. Sandeep Singh, Deputy Managing Director, “The globally renowned Camry is the flagship brand of Toyota and we are delighted to introduce the All New Camry in India. The All New Camry is aimed at offering enhanced design, sense of quality, spaciousness and comfort. We request all our customers to experience this luxury. The vehicles are on display in all our dealerships across India. Bookings are being accepted and deliveries undertaken.”
With local assembly and a new generation model, Toyota hopes to cash on the new Camry and expects to recreate the old legacy.