2018 Toyota Camry Development, Engine, Transmission, & Hybrid System – Video
The Camry development team aimed for a styling design concept that achieves strong harmony between refinement and a sensual athletic image, creating a new approach to the market. The result is a new signature design language that takes the car into a beautiful and futuristic new direction.
There were three primary design goals when penning the all-new Camry: a distinctive, low center of gravity that results in a firm wide stance; a practical-yet-emotionally styled cabin profile, and a sporty and upscale image both inside and out. These design goals have resulted in a new type of sedan that’s both exciting to look at and, more importantly drive, reestablishing itself as the new standard in the mid-size sedan category.
Providing high power output with smooth and highly refined operation, the Camry’s new 2.5-liter four-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine has outstanding combustion efficiency. This new powerplant incorporates an array of Toyota’s most advanced technologies including Dual VVT-i with VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing intelligent system by Electric motor), D-4S (Direct injection 4-stroke gasoline engine Superior version) direct injection and laser-clad valve seats for optimal power production, emissions performance and fuel efficiency. With its long-stroke and high compression ratio, multi-hole direct fuel injectors, variable cooling system and VVT-iE, this high-output powerplant takes the gasoline-powered internal combustion engine to an increased level of thermal efficiency.
The engine features VVT-iE on the intake side while utilizing VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) for the exhaust, a highly efficient compression ratio of 13:1 (14:1 for the hybrid version) for increased thermal efficiency and fuel efficiency and a bore and stroke measuring 3.44 inches and 4.07 inches, respectively; the stroke has been increased from the previous 3.86 inches to achieve the higher compression ratio.
Peak horsepower is estimated at 206 at 6,600 rpm (176 horsepower at 5,700 rpm in the hybrid configuration) with torque estimated at 186 lb.-ft. at 5,000 rpm (163 lb.-ft. at 3,600-5,200 rpm for the hybrid). Fuel economy is rated at an EPA-estimate of 29 mpg city/41 mpg highway/34 mpg combined), a 26 percent improvement for combined mpg over the previous model.
The innovative Dual VVT-i with VVT-iE variable valve timing system uses an electric motor instead of oil pressure to control variable valve timing, helping the system enhance fuel efficiency with cleaner exhaust emissions—even when operating in cold temperatures or at low RPMs.
Both the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine and the 3.5-liter V-6 are equipped with the new Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission that allows the driver to freely experience the direct and impressive acceleration capability of the engines, along with the satisfyingly crisp-yet-smooth, quick-shifting capability of a performance-oriented gearbox. What’s more, not only does this transmission deliver outstanding fuel economy, it also always operates within a calm and refined manner.
The unit’s gear ratios have been carefully selected for enhanced power delivery as well as optimal fuel efficiency, with the mid-range gears utilizing close ratios to improve passing power.
The new gearbox also includes a torque converter that offers a wider range of lock-up (when compared to the previous 6-speed automatic transmission) for a more direct driving feel while contributing to improved fuel efficiency through suppressed engine revving.
Other impressive features engineered into this 8-speed automatic transmission include new control logic, for more precise matching of engine torque, and smoother transitions when downshifting.
Like the new Camry’s conventional gasoline powertrain, the new Toyota Hybrid System (THS II) has been engineered to provide spirited performance and driving enjoyment—including new Sequential Shiftmatic technology that allows the driver to “shift” the continuously-variable transmission (CVT), mimicking a quick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission via paddle shifters (on SE grade) or with the console-mounted shift lever—while simultaneously achieving an optimal balance between high power output and exemplary energy efficiency.
The 2018 Camry Hybrid is available in three grades, LE, SE, and XLE. In addition to its enhanced handling and driving performance, the hybrid version of the new Camry achieves outstanding fuel efficiency with a best-in-class EPA-estimated mpg of 51 city/ 53 highway/52 combined on the LE grade, an impressive 30 percent increase for combined mpg, and 44 city/47 highway/46 combined on the SE and XLE, reflecting an increase of 21 percent for combined mpg.