2007 Toyota Camry Preview

Now that I'm done rattling off features and engine figures, it's time for

The all-new Camry - can it carry the torch of best-selling car in the USA? (Photo: Toyota Canada)

the "what do I think about it" part. I think it's great. I think the new Camry looks much better than it used to, although I am not going to start drooling over it like I do over Lexus' IS in Crystal White Pearl. I doubt many flocked to Toyota showrooms because of the previous Camry's styling, but this one will bring in a few more image-driven buyers; although I don't think Toyota will be rattling anyone's cage because of design alone. However, considering the Camry is already the best-selling car in the USA (four years running and eight of the past nine years) and easily hits Canada's top 10, and has a reputation you could build a bank vault on, let alone a multinational bank, its newfound good looks and leading-edge technology can only grow sales, helping Camry pull farther away from the hungry midsize pack here in North America, no doubt the very prize Toyota has its eyes on.

Specifications:

• Body Type: 4-door midsize sedan
• Layout: front engine, front-wheel drive
• Engine: 158 hp, 161 lb-ft of torque, 2.4L, 16-valve, DOHC inline-4 with VVT-i
• Opt. Engine: 268 hp, 248 lb-ft of torque, 3.5L, 24-valve, V6 with dual VVT-i
• Opt. Hybrid: 147 hp, 137 lb.-ft. of torque, 2.4L 16-valve, DOHC I-4; 105 kW electric motor, 45, hp, 199 lb.-ft. of torque; combined approx. 192 hp
• Transmission: 5-speed manual (opt. 5-spd ECT-i auto; opt. 6-speed ECT-i auto with V6; CVT with Hybrid)
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc
• Curb Weight (estimated): 1490 - 1585 kg (3285-3495 lbs)
• Dimensions (L/W/H/Wheelbase): 4805 / 1821 / 1460 /  2776 mm (189.2 / 71.7 / 57.5 / 109.3 inches)
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Cargo Volume (estimated): 425 L (15.0 cu ft)
• Fuel Economy (estimated city/hwy): 9.4 / 6.9 L/100 km (2.4L I-4); 10.7 / 7.6 L/100 km (3.5L V6); 5.5 / 6.4 L/100 km (Hybrid)
• Warranty (mo/km): 36 / 60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
• Competitors: Chevrolet Malibu/Impala, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Ford Fusion/Five Hundred, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Magentis, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Altima, Volkswagen Passat, Volvo S60
• Web site: www.toyota.ca