2018 Toyota Camry

[-JD-]

Unveiled today at the Detroit Auto Show. I think its a great update considering how bland the Camry has been in the past, and hopefully the start of many great new updates across the Toyota lineup that are due in the next few years.

Updates include a new 8-speed transmissions for both the 4 and 6 cylinder engines, which have both been updated to improve power and fuel economy (although figures haven't been released at this point). The 2.5L 4 cylinder now having longer stroke and higher compression ratio, direct injection, a variable cooling system, and the latest version of the Toyota's VVT-iE system. The 6 cylinder has also been updated. The hybrid model has relocated the battery below the rear seats for improved handling, and also promises increased range.

It's gotten a bit wider with the roof and hood both being lowered for improved visibility. Toyota's also promised improved stiffness and a much more engaging driving experience. So much so that they've actually stated "drivers will notice the dramatic improvements within the first few seconds of driving."

The interior has been updated with a 10-inch heads up display, a 7-inch gauge display and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with the new Entune 3.0. They've also included standard safety features on all models that include forward collision warning with auto-brake and pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and auto-steering, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams.

Now, I'm certainly not the target customer for the Camry, but I think its a great update, especially when I look at the outgoing model. Hopefully a sign that Toyota is willing to take more risks with their styling and updates. Mechanically its also great to see the new architecture and things like multi-port direct injection, 40 percent thermal efficiency and the 8 speed transmission.


http://www.autoblog.com/2017/01/09/2018-toyota-camry-2017-detroit-auto-show/

http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2018-toyota-camry-photos-and-info-news

 

[LittleCaesar]

As long as Toyota doesn't put the wrong damn rings again in their 4cyl engine my mother will be lined up to buy another one. Her 2008 isn't anywhere on par with the quality that her 1992 and 2001 showed. Hopefully that has changed.

 

[Ron4RNevada]

The wife and I have really been happy with our 2001 XLE V6. Only replacements over the last 130,000 miles have been brakes, tires, fluids and lots of gas caps.

Maybe we can get at least 200,000 out of it.

I have no wish list for lots of dash displays, infotainment systems, eight speed trannies, auto stop, lane departure, etc....... The 2010 was perfect.

Same with my 2013 SR5 4Runner. It has bells and whistle I don't use now -

 

[Chim]

The 18 looks really good! Would love to get one as a daily and keep the miles off the runner.

 

[CookieRoe]

The photos I saw of it are impressive. I'd glad Toyota is being more "bold" about styling (unlike Lexus where it continues to harbor those ugly grilles). I like that they have stuck with NA engines and haven't gone the forced induction way, the way other manufactures have gone (Although the new LS500 has a twin turbo V6 which isn't sitting well with V8 crowd.....me included.........uurghh. At least it does 0-60 in 4.5sec and has about 400Hp, I'm sure in time we'll forgive Lexus/Toyota for that. HAVING That said, makes one think what is the future for the V8 if it's flagship just abandoned it...... hmmmmmmmmmmmm). ANYWAY, The interior has a 2010 RX350 look to it that doesn't agree with me. My father has one and to this day I don't like it (dash styling). Kudos to them!

My money would STILL buy the Accord hands down. LOL.

 

[Thai]

The photos I saw of it are impressive. I'd glad Toyota is being more "bold" about styling (unlike Lexus where it continues to harbor those ugly grilles). I like that they have stuck with NA engines and haven't gone the forced induction way, the way other manufactures have gone (Although the new LS500 has a twin turbo V6 which isn't sitting well with V8 crowd.....me included.........uurghh. At least it does 0-60 in 4.5sec and has about 400Hp, I'm sure in time we'll forgive Lexus/Toyota for that. HAVING That said, makes one think what is the future for the V8 if it's flagship just abandoned it...... hmmmmmmmmmmmm). ANYWAY, The interior has a 2010 RX350 look to it that doesn't agree with me. My father has one and to this day I don't like it (dash styling). Kudos to them!

My money would STILL buy the Accord hands down. LOL.

V8: fuel economy sucks, heavy up front (ruins the whole 50/50 weight thing), and less room for crash zone (with tougher crash tests in future). Yes, V8 is smooth and (in theory) more durable...but with technology and improvement in force induction (zero lag), small turbos are here to stay.

V8s will be reserved for big SUVs and trucks...but there are now more and more V6 diesels coming out (see Ford F150) that may make V8 irrelevant as well. Let us not forget hybrids are also now powering big SUVs and minivan (e.g. Pacifica).

I think V8 is on its way out.

As for Honda Accord...not sure what transmission they are using...but their ZF-sourced 9-speed automatic is pure shit. All ZF 9-speed auto is pure shit.

I am happy that Lexus/Toyota is sticking to Aisin for their trannies...8-speed and 10-speed automatics are from Aisin.

I see the new Odyssey moving away from ZF (in their upper trim), which is good...but then again, Honda has not designed a good transmission since...forever!

Honda VCM has been a mechanical headache! Honda/Acura owners actually going out of their way to disable it!

Honda/Acura needs to get their act together IMHO.

 

[hikenbike]

Camry needed an upgrade......but I don't know if this is it. I don't like the front grille but maybe it was that way for the auto show and will be more subdued and classic on the lot.

The Honda Accord is a sweet looking car these days so there is lots of catching up to do.

 

[-JD-]

V8: fuel economy sucks, heavy up front (ruins the whole 50/50 weight thing), and less room for crash zone (with tougher crash tests in future). Yes, V8 is smooth and (in theory) more durable...but with technology and improvement in force induction (zero lag), small turbos are here to stay.

V8s will be reserved for big SUVs and trucks...but there are now more and more V6 diesels coming out (see Ford F150) that may make V8 irrelevant as well. Let us not forget hybrids are also now powering big SUVs and minivan (e.g. Pacifica).

I think V8 is on its way out.

As for Honda Accord...not sure what transmission they are using...but their ZF-sourced 9-speed automatic is pure shit. All ZF 9-speed auto is pure shit.

I am happy that Lexus/Toyota is sticking to Aisin for their trannies...8-speed and 10-speed automatics are from Aisin.

I see the new Odyssey moving away from ZF (in their upper trim), which is good...but then again, Honda has not designed a good transmission since...forever!

Honda VCM has been a mechanical headache! Honda/Acura owners actually going out of their way to disable it!

Honda/Acura needs to get their act together IMHO.

I dont think I've ever heard anything good about that ZF 9-speed. :laugh:

From what I've read VCM has been causing a lot of issues for GM as well.

Having owned a modern diesel I doubt I would ever buy one again. The amount of emissions related equipment required on diesels these days scares me and most of them are quite pricey to repair/replace if needed. Toyota's also publicly stated that they don't see a business case for diesel in North America.

Everyone does seem to be moving towards turbo's but Toyota really seems to be dragging its heels in this regard. Most likely because they know that turbo charging could really hurt their reputation for QDR. I test drove the F150 with the ecoboost and while I liked the power and driving experience, the long term reliability would worry me.

I know the Tundra guys are really hoping to see an update at the Chicago auto show next month. Would be nice to see some fuel economy improvements for the V8, but if they start to move away from the V8 in that segment there will be some very disappointed Tundra owners.

 

[CookieRoe]

V8: fuel economy sucks, heavy up front (ruins the whole 50/50 weight thing), and less room for crash zone (with tougher crash tests in future). Yes, V8 is smooth and (in theory) more durable...but with technology and improvement in force induction (zero lag), small turbos are here to stay.

V8s will be reserved for big SUVs and trucks...but there are now more and more V6 diesels coming out (see Ford F150) that may make V8 irrelevant as well. Let us not forget hybrids are also now powering big SUVs and minivan (e.g. Pacifica).

I think V8 is on its way out.

As for Honda Accord...not sure what transmission they are using...but their ZF-sourced 9-speed automatic is pure shit. All ZF 9-speed auto is pure shit.

I am happy that Lexus/Toyota is sticking to Aisin for their trannies...8-speed and 10-speed automatics are from Aisin.

I see the new Odyssey moving away from ZF (in their upper trim), which is good...but then again, Honda has not designed a good transmission since...forever!

Honda VCM has been a mechanical headache! Honda/Acura owners actually going out of their way to disable it!

Honda/Acura needs to get their act together IMHO.

I agree with you on the transmissions. Most of them are not great. However, the rest of the vehicle (Accord) is rock solid. One "Toyota" characteristic that drives me insane is their 4 cylinder "buzziness". It feels and sounds like I'm driving a cheap crappy car, yet the damn thing lasts forever. Honda engines, on the other hand, have a sweet note to them when revved. My 2000 CRV (long gone) and my 2007 Civic had/have a "low end growl" to them that satisfies the car enthusiast in me. My Civic has 215K on the clock. I regularly change the ATF (every 30K miles) so that's probably why it hasn't imploded on me.

I also agree on the forced induction. It's here to stay until automakers completely electrify their fleets.

VDM? Doesn't your MDX have this? I thought they got the "wrinkles" out of it?

 

[Thai]

I agree with you on the transmissions. Most of them are not great. However, the rest of the vehicle (Accord) is rock solid. One "Toyota" characteristic that drives me insane is their 4 cylinder "buzziness". I feels and sounds like I'm driving a cheap crappy car, yet the damn thing lasts forever. Honda engines, on the other hand, have a sweet note to them when revved. My 2000 CRV (long gone) and my 2007 Civic have a "low end growl" to them that satisfies the car enthusiast in me. My Civic has 215K on the clock.

I also agree on the forced induction. It's here to stay until automakers completely electrify their fleets.

VDM? Doesn't your MDX have this? I thought they got the "wrinkles" out of it?

No doubt...Honda's 4-banger is great! Honda makes some of the best 4-cylinders....one area where they are far superior to Toyota.

VCM...so far, my MDX is running great. However, it does give me pause whenever it read Honda Ody forums and how hordes of owners are buying aftermarket parts to disable it! My MDX also has the 6-speed automatic instead of the newer MDX with the ZF 9-speed...so whew on that one!

The fact that Lexus LS now has V6 twin turbo should tell you where Toyota is heading.

 

[Thai]

I dont think I've ever heard anything good about that ZF 9-speed. :laugh:

From what I've read VCM has been causing a lot of issues for GM as well.

Having owned a modern diesel I doubt I would ever buy one again. The amount of emissions related equipment required on diesels these days scares me and most of them are quite pricey to repair/replace if needed. Toyota's also publicly stated that they don't see a business case for diesel in North America.

Everyone does seem to be moving towards turbo's but Toyota really seems to be dragging its heels in this regard. Most likely because they know that turbo charging could really hurt their reputation for QDR. I test drove the F150 with the ecoboost and while I liked the power and driving experience, the long term reliability would worry me.

I know the Tundra guys are really hoping to see an update at the Chicago auto show next month. Would be nice to see some fuel economy improvements for the V8, but if they start to move away from the V8 in that segment there will be some very disappointed Tundra owners.

Don't forget, VCM-type engines were first used by Mercedes decades ago...and was abandoned by Mercedes...i wonder why?!

But remember, not too long ago, not many of us would think that Toyota will pursue gasoline turbos because it was not on their road map...but 2 years ago, they introduce NX200t.

With stricter fuel economy requirements by CAFE, there is no hope for V8 in the future. Diesels may have their issues (e.g. Adblue additive, price etc), but there is little doubt on its pulling power, long-term durability, and fuel economy. 2018 F150 diesel is estimated to get just over 25 mpg COMBINED!! And maybe over 30mpg on the highway!! That type of fuel economy offsets the additive price (e.g. Adblue) and fuel prices.

Imagine a Tundra with diesel getting mileage BETTER than a Tacoma and matches a Camry 4-banger on the highway all the while able to pull 10,000+ lbs!!! :zoom:

It is not hard to imagine since F150 diesel (2018 model) may very well do that!!

Toyota would be dumb not to pursue diesel IMHO. (Don't forget that Jeep and Dodge already have V6 diesels up and running....)

 

[-JD-]

Don't forget, VCM-type engines were first used by Mercedes decades ago...and was abandoned by Mercedes...i wonder why?!

But remember, not too long ago, not many of us would think that Toyota will pursue gasoline turbos because it was not on their road map...but 2 years ago, they introduce NX200t.

With stricter fuel economy requirements by CAFE, there is no hope for V8 in the future. Diesels may have their issues (e.g. Adblue additive, price etc), but there is little doubt on its pulling power, long-term durability, and fuel economy. 2018 F150 diesel is estimated to get just over 25 mpg COMBINED!! And maybe over 30mpg on the highway!! That type of fuel economy offsets the additive price (e.g. Adblue) and fuel prices.

Imagine a Tundra with diesel getting mileage BETTER than a Tacoma and matches a Camry 4-banger on the highway all the while able to pull 10,000+ lbs!!! :zoom:

It is not hard to imagine since F150 diesel (2018 model) may very well do that!!

Toyota would be dumb not to pursue diesel IMHO. (Don't forget that Jeep and Dodge already have V6 diesels up and running....)

It will be interesting to see what Toyota does over the next few years. There was a long running rumour that they were going to put a Cummins motor in the Tundra. I think part of the issue is that Toyota doesn't sell any other diesel's in North America, meaning they would have to hire diesel qualified service people at all the dealerships across the continent. Combine that with the Tundra's small market share and the fact that only a percentage of those will be sold with a diesel and I can see why they say they don't see a business case for diesel.

Multiple cat converters, selective catalyst reducer, diesel exhaust fluid injection and diesel particulate filter all make for a complicated and expensive exhaust system. Not to mention its inherent tendency to clog up necessitating frequent 'regeneration' and long highway drives just to maintain the exhaust system.

There's a lot of speculation out there right now, and I've even read people suggesting they may opt to go the hybrid/electrification route, as this is something they specialize in. At first I thought this sounded ridiculous, but when you consider that the vast majority of trucks, especially in the half ton market, are mostly being driven unloaded and rarely used for towing I could see how they could make significant fuel economy gains with a hybrid powertrain. Given Toyota's relatively slow adoption of change I doubt we will see anything like this anytime soon but I dont think its that impossible as something we may see down the road sometime. The future should be interesting.

 

[Thai]

There's a lot of speculation out there right now, and I've even read people suggesting they may opt to go the hybrid/electrification route, as this is something they specialize in. At first I thought this sounded ridiculous, but when you consider that the vast majority of trucks, especially in the half ton market, are mostly being driven unloaded and rarely used for towing I could see how they could make significant fuel economy gains with a hybrid powertrain. Given Toyota's relatively slow adoption of change I doubt we will see anything like this anytime soon but I dont think its that impossible as something we may see down the road sometime. The future should be interesting.

Name me one hybrid that can tow more than 3500 lbs? I cannot think of one. Hybrid can never produce enough constant torque over a length of time that is required for towing. Battery tech has not advance that much!

 

[-JD-]

Name me one hybrid that can tow more than 3500 lbs? I cannot think of one. Hybrid can never produce enough constant torque over a length of time that is required for towing. Battery tech has not advance that much!

Chevrolet Tahoe or the GMC Yukon. But really I dont think thats what anyone was suggesting. Obviously it would still require a powerful engine to tow. Where the economy gains would be realized is when the vehicles aren't loaded (much of the time for most half ton pickups), highway cruising and stop and go traffic.

 

[CookieRoe]

Well, didn't think this would happen so fast.

https://apnews.com/f847a66da5f1499c...t-major-carmaker-to-forgo-traditional-engines

Every Volvo introduced after 2019 will be a hybrid or EV - Autoblog

 

[Thai]

Well, didn't think this would happen so fast.

https://apnews.com/f847a66da5f1499c...t-major-carmaker-to-forgo-traditional-engines

Every Volvo introduced after 2019 will be a hybrid or EV - Autoblog

Well, my next car may be a Tesla SUV...if i can afford one. With gas prices low, i do not have an urgent need to go hybrid or EV. But if a hybrid or EV is interesting (Tesla for example), then i may go for it.

 

[CookieRoe]

Well, my next car may be a Tesla SUV...if i can afford one. With gas prices low, i do not have an urgent need to go hybrid or EV. But if a hybrid or EV is interesting (Tesla for example), then i may go for it.

Did they ever figure out the door opening/closing software? I remember seeing they were having issues with it.

 

[Thai]

Did they ever figure out the door opening/closing software? I remember seeing they were having issues with it.

I have no idea. I barely know what Tesla is much less know about its issues!

But this Youtube video is pretty cool:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lItIyxGZUZQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Trixx]

The wife and I have really been happy with our 2001 XLE V6. Only replacements over the last 130,000 miles have been brakes, tires, fluids and lots of gas caps.

Maybe we can get at least 200,000 out of it.
-

Maybe we go a bit above and beyond in maintenance, but we bought our 99 Camry 3-4 years ago with 88k miles, and have replaced way more (it now has 126k)

We've replaced... Battery, front and rear struts, timing belt, rotors, pads, steering column part?, and a few other odds and ends (starter/alternator?)

It's never left us stranded, and we hope to get another 100k out of it, but I feel like we've replaced damn near every single "wear and tear" item imaginable.

Helps to keep the miles off the new 4Runner at least.

 

[smallfry]

I like this Camry over the images of the new Accord that was just released.