By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor
Now entering the mid-size market is the fourth generation Camry, redesigned to compete with the likes of the Ford Taurus, Honda Accord and Dodge Intrepid. America is the Camry's number one market, and 80-percent sold here are built in Georgetown, Kentucky. Toyota already had a great mix of features and price, so how are they to top the previous model? For this redesign, Toyota went to the customer for feedback; apparently they got plenty. The new Camry has major changes including the most notable: the more sporty and aerodynamic exterior.
There are new designations for the line up of Camry; the entry level model will now be known as CE, replacing DX; LE for mid-grade trim; and, XLE for the top of the line model. The SE grade has been dropped but look for a possible sport package next summer.
The two door model and the wagon have been dropped from the lineup but recent rumors suggest that a two door variant of the Camry will be made, possibly under the Lexus brand. The wagon was discontinued because it only made up 2.5% of all Camry sales and next summer Toyota will be introducing a Camry based minivan.
In direct response to the customer, Toyota moved the radio higher in the dash and the heating ventilation and air conditioning controls below. The HVAC controls now use rotary type controls that consumers prefer and are easier to use.
Changes abound inside the 1997 Camry. There is a new location for the front cupholders that will accommodate different size containers including juice boxes and 20 once bottles, an integrated overhead console that can be used for sunglass storage or be fitted with your garage door opener, and sun visors with extensions. Continuing, there is a coin box in the dash and a redesigned center console with integrated tissue box holder, and an additional 12 volt power outlet for convenience. Toyoya improved seat design for more comfort, and provided easier to use seat controls and built in rear seat child safety system. All these items improve on an already outstanding design.
Noise, vibration and harshness suppression was another item customers told Toyota they wanted improved. In response, Toyota added energy and sound absorbing materials such as asphalt sheeting, sandwich vibration damping panels and foam blocks throughout the car.
All 1997 Camry's come equipped with anti-lock brakes except for the base 4-cylinder CE where it can be ordered as a option. Last year, only 20 percent of Camry's built came with ABS. This year, Toyota expects that number to be 80 percent.
Beyond the dual airbags and anti-lock brakes, the new Camry exceeds all current and foreseeable U.S., European, and Japanese crash test criteria for passenger safety. The vehicle has been tested against the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's test for 40 mile-per-hour impact into an offset barrier, receiving the highest possible rating in all categories. Further safety enhancements include padded door pillars, roof and side rails a 1999 safety requirement. The middle-rear passenger now gets a 3-point shoulder belt.
Toyota has also added a second side impact beam to the doors to ensure that the A-Pillar doesn't collapse in a frontal accident. The engine transmission subframe is designed to break away and pass under the vehicle, avoiding intrusion into the passenger compartment. Even the rear seat back has been reinforced to stop items in the trunk from entering the passenger compartment. The Camry is the first front drive Toyota to offer traction control. Each of the front wheels operates independently of each other much like a limited-slip differential.
During our preliminary press preview drive, we found the new Camry to be everything Toyota claims. The cloth seats are comfortable and grippy. Controls on the dash and seat are easy to reach. The gauge package is exceptionally clear and uniquely concave. Where the old model was exceptionally boring, the new exterior design is fresh, sporty and gives the Camry character; something it was desperately in need.
During limited test drives, we drove the XLE with both automatic and manual transmission. The automatic is smooth and the Camry is definitely powerful. The manual transmission, while giving the Camry a definite sporty feel, is too far to the right: the emergency brake handle is in the way while shifting.
Preliminary mileage figures are 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway for the four-cylinder automatic and 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway for the V6 automatic. Prices should range from $21,000 for a CE to $28,000 for a well optioned XLE.
Toyota made key advancements in each of these areas:
-- Seven fewer parts in the front bumper, but improved safety. The new Camry bumpers are rated for 5 mph instead of 2.5 mph and are lighter in weight and lower in cost.
-- Front lights were redesigned reducing cost per unit, and total number of parts while increasing illumination.
-- The power antenna on the LE and XLE grades was replaced by an in-glass antenna, cutting costs, reducing wind noise, improving reliability and reducing theft.
-- Curb weight was reduced by 33 pounds, yet safety was not cut.
-- The coefficient of drag was reduced from .33 to .30 C.d.
-- Base 4 cylinder engine produces 133 hp, eight more than last year.
-- V6 output is up six horsepower to 194 with more torque: 209 ft-lb.
-- The glovebox was increased in size by 30-percent.
-- Wheelbase was increased by 2 inches, providing more rear seat leg room.