India-Bound 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid Revealed In Japan

Toyota has revealed the 8th generation Camry in Japan, more than four months after the US-spec model was unveiled. The JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) Camry is important for us in India too; the India-bound model, which should be launched by 2018, will closely resemble the JDM Camry.

What's New?

The JDM Toyota Camry is quite similar to the US-Spec model when looked at from the front and the side which is a new step taken by the company. Historically, Toyota has applied localised design/features to their cars depending on the market. The split-grille design with the beak-like upper unit and the wide 7-slat lower air-dam, projector headlamps with elements mimicking the air-damn, sculpted engine cover etc. are very similar to the US model. The only addition in the JDM model seems to be the fog lamps in the front bumper. 

From the side too, the JDM Camry looks like a carbon copy of the US-spec model. The wing-like ORVMs, multiple body lines, unique window line and even the alloy-wheel design is the same.

It's at the rear where the first signs of change become clearer; the US-spec Camry's aggressive faux air-outlets and four exhaust pipes are gone, the JDM Camry looks more upmarket than sporty. Customers in Japan can make the Camry look sportier with the help of body kits from Toyota.

Inside

The JDM Camry gives us the first look at what the cabin of the new car will look like for right-hand-drive markets like India. The design inside is as radical as the exterior; a noticeably curved element cutting through the centre console, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, piano-black centre console inserts with infotainment and climate control systems, brushed wood inserts on the dashboard and centre floor console etc are the highlights. 

Chassis and Powertrain(s)

Under the stylish skin (as compared to previous models of the car) the Camry is based on a new platform codenamed the GA-K. A variant of Toyota's New Global Architecture modular platform, the GA-K allows the company to mix-and-match engines and transmissions along with their placement with minimal effort. The new Camry is 4879mm long (+29mm), 1839mm wide (+14mm), 1445mm tall (-35mm) and has a wheelbase of 2824mm (+49mm).

The model showcased in Japan is the hybrid variant. Apart from the fact that the hybrid will be powered by a combination of a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol motor with the next generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS II) with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the specifications of the car have not been revealed. For India, Toyota is also expected to offer a petrol-only variant of the new Camry which should be powered by a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol motor paired to an automatic transmission.

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Stay tuned to ZigWheels for the latest information on the upcoming Toyota Camry