With the full implementation of Toyota's New Global Architecture (TNGA) in the new Camry, the car's designers and engineers had an opportunity to develop the eighth-generation model from scratch. So instead of resting on past laurels and taking the safe route of basing the new model on the same formula that has made past Camrys the best-selling mid size sedan in the world, Chief Engineer, Masato Katsumata, had other plans. He wanted to redefine the genre and create something that would stir people's souls, so he went about producing a sedan that not only embraced the Camry's traditional core components of performance and intelligence, but also added one more element to the mix: Experience.
A quick look at the specifications will reveal that the new Camry possesses all the attributes of a premium sports sedan, which includes a dashing exterior and interior design, a low center of gravity- where the passengers are positioned low on the body- a rigid body structure and responsive steering and suspension system, all well-balanced with the Camry's traditional strong suits of a comfortable interior and a smooth and quiet ride quality.
Even the Camry badging was given careful attention to signify this Camry is like none before it. The complex three-dimensional designs mimics the intricate surfaces outside and the attention to detail inside.
Katsumata wanted to retain these basic values that contributed to the model's past success so he turned to Project Chief Designer Akira Kubota to make sure that the passengers of the new Camry, Despite its sporty demeanor, felt that they were in a comfortable sedan the moment they step inside. And it's evident with one look that Kubota delivered and then some. The new Camry's cabin is a picture of efficiency and tase, defined by an elegant dashboard design and high-grade materials.
To enhance the new Camry's driving dynamics, Katsumata injected a hearty dose of excitement and emotion to its road-going dynamics, Katsumata injected a hearty does of excitement and emotion to its road-going manners. Thanks to the TNGA, which also includes a new Dynamic Force engine and Direct Shift-8AT (8-speed automatic transmission), the new Camry accelerates and corners like no other model before it. Credit here goes to Yoichi Mizuno, the Vehicle Performance Leader of the new Camry.
Katsumata insists that the new Camry was the result of everyone on his team, from the draft board to the assembly line, sharing the same vision and goals, which was to make the new model more exciting than ever before. He said: "Everyone on our development team was working toward the same goal in creating this car. I feel we have made a car that stirs the soul, by looking at it, touching its surfaces and riding in it. This is a car that people can drive for a very long time. Every time you step into the car a pleasant surprise awaits you, and you'll look forward to your next drive."
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