Toyota Introduces 2008 Camry Models

Toyota Motor Sales USA now releases the 6th-generation 2008 model year of the Camry sedan, America's best selling car. For 2008, the car comes with numerous new features on the exterior and interior, as well as on the technical side. For the car's powertrain, Toyota offers 4-cylinder and V6 engine variants.

The 2008 Toyota Camry now boasts a distinctive and sporty exterior appearance highlighted by other exterior design cues. The car's wheelbase measures 109.3 inches, which in turn, offers 101.4 cubic feet of passenger space, including 38.3 inches of rear legroom. The 2008 Toyota Camry comes with several model trim levels including Camry XLE, Camry LE, and Camry SE, Camry Hybrid featuring the company's Hybrid Synergy Drive. All models feature four-wheel independent suspension is via MacPherson struts in front and a dual-link strut rear suspension system. Standard 16-inch wheels of either steel (Camry and LE) or aluminum (XLE and Hybrid) are offered. The Toyota Camry SE comes with a bunch of exterior enhancements including standard full body kit, 17-inch aluminum wheels, distinct black honeycomb-style grille, and smoked tint halogen headlamps.

Standard equipments on all 2008 Toyota Camry models include air conditioning with micro dust and pollen filter, power windows and door locks, color-keyed power side mirrors, cruise control, halogen headlamps with automatic on and off feature, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, vehicle immobilizer, and a six speaker 160-watt digital AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary audio jack.

Other interior and comfort features found on the 2008 Toyota Camry include two-level dash and console, 60/40 fold-down rear seats, 15 cubic feet of luggage space, special seat fabric (four-cylinder XLE model only), dual-zone automatic climate-control system, rear seatbacks, console side-pockets, front console box equipped with an accessory power socket and an auxiliary audio jack, 354 cubic inch rear-console box with a card holder and a movable tray, in-key remote keyless entry and eight-way-adjustable power driver's seat (Camry LE only), optional heated front seats, voice-command DVD navigation system, leather-trimmed seating, rear spoiler, and the Smart Entry and Smart Start system.

The well-equipped Camry XLE gets a wide range of exclusive standard features including an upgraded dual-zone automatic climate control system with steering-wheel controls, Plasmacluster ionizer and rear vents, a premium 440-watt JBL audio system with Bluetooth technology for hands-free calling with compatible phones and AM/FM/six-disc in-dash CD changer with eight speakers and an eight-channel, 440-watt digital amplifier, wood-style trim, power glass moonroof, reclining rear seats, fog lamps, and aluminum wheels. For the Camry Hybrid, additional standard equipment includes Smart Entry and Smart Start system, and push-button start.

Advanced active and passive safety equipments include body structure designed to absorb collision-impact forces, high-strength steel on the B-pillar and rocker panel reinforcements, dual-stage advanced SRS airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags, driver's knee airbag, and Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) seat design. In addition, technical safety feats include standard anti-lock brake system (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, optional Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control, and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system for the Camry Hybrid.

At the heart of the 2008 Toyota Camry sedan is a standard 2.4-liter engine that is capable of pumping out 158 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and pulls out 161 lb.-ft. amount of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. This standard power unit is coupled with a five-speed manual transmission or an electronically controlled five-speed automatic. For the LE, SE and XLE models, Toyota offers the more powerful DOHC 3.5L V6 engine that boost with 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4,700 rpm. The engine comes with chain-driven camshafts that employ Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i), providing optimum performance and fuel efficiency. A six-speed automatic transmission with a sequential mode for manual shifting completes the powertrain package for the LE, SE and XLE models.

Meanwhile, the 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid comes with a powertrain system that combines the Hybrid Synergy Drive with 2.4-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine. Power output is at 187 horsepower, coupled with an electronically controlled planetary-gear continuously variable transmission. The 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a full hybrid model, which means it can operate on gas fuel or a combination of gas power and electric motors. This allows the vehicle to achieve excellent fuel economy and low exhaust emission. The 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid is certified as an
Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV).

All of these features of the Toyota Camry contribute to beat other models in the segment like the BMW 330i with quality BMW 330i parts.