Despite my empathy for drivers behind me forced to suffer life in the slow lane, I found solace in the fuel economy gauge. Trying to drop my average fuel economy reading to the next tenth became a near obsession with me, and I obsess about nothing—well other than my lawn.
Hybrid technology—Camry style
Nothing changes mechanically with the Camry Hybrid for 2011. It continues to utilize “full” hybrid technology, which partners a 2.4-litre DOHC Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder gas engine with a battery-driven magnetic synchronous motor.
Combined, the pair produces a net output of 187 horsepower, which is fairly equivalent to a powerful 4-cylinder engine or a very modest V6 powerplant. The gas/electric energy is directed to the Camry’s front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). “Hybrid Synergy Drive”, is the label Toyota uses to market this sophisticated propulsion system.
Does sophistication lead to consternation?
Consumers are wisely wary of anything new and potentially complicated despite obvious benefit such products may bring. The hybrid automobile fits this category but it should no longer. Hybrids are proving themselves highly reliable and impressively refined—and none more so than Toyota’s 2011 Camry.
The Camry Hybrid spoils its occupants with an exceptionally quiet cabin, with or without the gas engine in operation. And the cocoon-like environment isn’t threatened by wind or road noises either—both are kept to luxury car standards.
If there’s a single aspect of driving the Camry Hybrid worth criticizing, it’s the less than perfectly linear operation of its regenerative braking system. This particular malady applies broadly to hybrids, not just Toyota’s execution.
Because the brake setup doubles as a regenerative charging system for the hybrid’s battery, the pedal can feel hyperactive to the touch. This is particularly noticeable as the vehicle nears cessation. It’s as if the brakes grab harder as the car slows, causing unintended head bobbing.
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| The Camry Hybrid spoils its occupants with an exceptionally quiet cabin. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Hybrid technology—Camry style
Nothing changes mechanically with the Camry Hybrid for 2011. It continues to utilize “full” hybrid technology, which partners a 2.4-litre DOHC Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder gas engine with a battery-driven magnetic synchronous motor.
Combined, the pair produces a net output of 187 horsepower, which is fairly equivalent to a powerful 4-cylinder engine or a very modest V6 powerplant. The gas/electric energy is directed to the Camry’s front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). “Hybrid Synergy Drive”, is the label Toyota uses to market this sophisticated propulsion system.
Does sophistication lead to consternation?
Consumers are wisely wary of anything new and potentially complicated despite obvious benefit such products may bring. The hybrid automobile fits this category but it should no longer. Hybrids are proving themselves highly reliable and impressively refined—and none more so than Toyota’s 2011 Camry.
The Camry Hybrid spoils its occupants with an exceptionally quiet cabin, with or without the gas engine in operation. And the cocoon-like environment isn’t threatened by wind or road noises either—both are kept to luxury car standards.
If there’s a single aspect of driving the Camry Hybrid worth criticizing, it’s the less than perfectly linear operation of its regenerative braking system. This particular malady applies broadly to hybrids, not just Toyota’s execution.
Because the brake setup doubles as a regenerative charging system for the hybrid’s battery, the pedal can feel hyperactive to the touch. This is particularly noticeable as the vehicle nears cessation. It’s as if the brakes grab harder as the car slows, causing unintended head bobbing.
 |
| Regrettably, they may also be surprised by the limited trunk capacity of this relatively large vehicle. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |