Camry DPL 2011: Driving performance

The new Toyota Camry has been engineered to combine exceptional flat ride comfort with a more engaging driving experience through superior handling stability, body control, agility and steering response.

A new 2.5 litre petrol engine and an uprated 3.5 litre V6 are now both mated to 6-speed automatic transmissions, combining improvements in performance with respective reductions in fuel consumption of 24% and 8%.

A new, computer-controlled, vehicle speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering (EPS) system combines accuracy and precise control at all vehicle speeds with improved fuel economy. The maximisation of installation rigidity and the reduction of play throughout the EPS system optimise initial turn-in response, agility and steering feel.

Numerous aerodynamic measures not only reduce cabin noise at high speed, but also maximise downforce to enhance straight line stability and ride composure. In combination with a reduction in vehicle mass and improved tyres with increased pressure, these measures award the new Camry a 10% reduction in rolling resistance over its predecessor at 50 km/h, with perceptible fuel economy benefits.

The shock absorber characteristics of the proven, front and rear independent MacPherson strut suspension systems have been adjusted to compensate for the new bodyshell's increased downforce with no loss of ride comfort. And front suspension mounting rigidity has been increased by some 20%, both improving handling stability and enhancing overall ride comfort.

Engines And Transmissions

The new Toyota Camry is offered with a choice of two petrol engines: a new, 181 DIN hp/133 kW, 2.5 litre 4-cylinder unit, and a more fuel-efficient version of the existing, 277 DIN hp/204 kW, 3.5 litre V6.

Now mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential paddle-shift override, the new 2.5 litre engine combines a 10% increase in power output and a 5% increase in maximum torque with a remarkable 24% reduction in fuel consumption, awarding it class-leading fuel economy.

Also mated to a modified 6-speed automatic transmission, the high performance 3.5 litre V6 maintains its existing power and torque output, yet fuel consumption has been reduced by some 8%.

New 2.5 Litre 4-cylinder Petrol Engine

The newly developed 4-cylinder, 2,494 cc, 16 valve DOHC petrol engine generates 133 kW/178 DIN hp at 6,000 rpm and a maximum 231 Nm of torque at 4,100 rpm. This constitutes an increase in power and torque of 10 kW and 7 Nm respectively over the outgoing 2.4 litre powertrain, resulting in a 1.5 second improvement in 0-100 km/h acceleration, from 10.5 to 9.0 seconds, and a top speed of 210 km/h.

Despite the increase in engine displacement, power and performance, the new 2.5 litre unit offers a marked improvement in fuel efficiency, lowering average consumption by 2.5 l/100 km to a class-leading 7.8 l/100 km.

Numerous new features introduced to this engine have boosted performance, maximised fuel efficiency and lowered emissions. They include a new, highly efficient intake port an improved, variable intake manifold Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) a Tumble Control Valves (TCV) system Dual VVT-I for both intake and exhaust camshafts the adoption of roller rocker arms low tension piston rings multi-point oil jets and a variable output oil pump.

The improved Acoustic Control Induction System, ACIS-III, increases engine power output in all ranges from low to high speed. It divides the intake manifold into two sections, with an intake air control valve in the bulkhead opening and closing to vary the effective length of the intake manifold in accordance with the engine speed and throttle valve angle. The chamber is lengthened at low engine speeds for enhanced torque, and shortened at high engine speeds to allow more airflow and consistent high performance.

The TCV system helps produce lower emissions by modifying intake airflow with a set of valves. The valves are closed when the engine is cold, tumbling the air and fuel in the intake path to thoroughly mix the combination and achieve the most complete combustion. When the engine temperature rises, optimum combustion occurs without the need to tumble the intake air. So the valves open to let the air flow smoothly, maximising engine performance.

The adoption of Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) to both intake and exhaust camshafts also significantly improves engine performance. Able to control intake and exhaust camshafts through angles of up to 40 and 35 degrees respectively, Dual VVT-i allows a greater intake/exhaust valve overlap, benefiting both low-end and top-end torque as well as contributing to a reduction in exhaust emissions and better cold-start performance.

The reduction of internal friction has been key to the fuel efficiency of the new 2.5 litre unit. Roller rocker arms have been adopted for the chain-driven valve system, the marked reduction in friction between the cam and sliding components helping enhance fuel efficiency. In addition, a concave camshaft profile increases valve lift to boost output. The system requires no valve clearance adjustment over the life of the vehicle. The adoption of a higher compression ratio, low tension piston rings, multi-point oil jets and a variable output oil pump have also improved fuel efficiency through the reduction of friction.

Finally, a new engine cover has been designed not only to reduce weight, but also effectively suppress engine noise, maintaining the Camry's long-standing reputation for cabin quietness.

Upgraded 3.5 Litre V6 Petrol Engine

Also benefiting from performance and fuel efficiency enhancing features such as ACIS and Dual VVT-i, the Euro V compliant, 3,456 cc V6 petrol engine generates 204 kW/ 277 DIN hp at 6,200 rpm and a maximum 346 Nm of torque at 4,700 rpm.

Though its power output remains the same, a combination of weight reduction in the new Camry, the improved efficiency of the 6-speed automatic transmission and a higher final drive gearing has improved both performance and fuel efficiency.

The unit's 0-100 km/h acceleration time has improved by 0.2 of a second to 7.1 seconds, and maximum speed is 210 km/h. Conversely, fuel consumption has reduced by 0.9 l/100 km, to 9.3 l/100 km.

New 6-Speed Automatic Transmissions

Both 2.5 and 3.5 litre engines are now mated, as standard, to a new 6-speed automatic transmissions with sequential, paddle-shift override. The compact, lightweight gearboxes offer a smooth shift, excellent drivability and outstanding quietness. A higher final drive gearing has improved both performance and fuel efficiency.

The automatic gearbox features an Artificial Intelligence (AI-SHIFT) control that automatically changes the gear shifting schedule according to road conditions and driving style. AI-SHIFT promotes a more comfortable yet responsive drive by avoiding unnecessary upshifting when travelling uphill, whilst automatically downshifting to provide optimum engine braking when travelling downhill.

Fuel economy has been perceptibly improved through expanded lock-up control and the adoption of flex-start control: The gearbox transmits engine torque by two methods —indirectly, via a fluid, and directly, with a mechanical connection via a lock-up clutch. Though inherently smooth, the fluid connection is inefficient in the transmission of engine torque. Therefore, the range of lock-up clutch usage has been expanded as much as possible in the new Camry, reducing engine output losses to improve fuel efficiency.

Flex-start control proactively engages the lock-up clutch when starting off, enhancing the efficiency of power transfer and lowering engine speed, again contributing to a reduction in fuel consumption, most notably under urban driving conditions.

The steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters may be used in either Normal (D) or Sport (S) drive modes. Use of the paddles with the gearlever in the 'D' position gives the driver manual override control of the gear box, which will then return to fully automatic mode if the paddles are no longer used for a given period of time.

With the lever in the 'S' position, the selected gear is indicated in the combination meter display and the gearbox will remain in manual override mode indefinitely, offering a more sporting driving experience. The response time to a shift instruction and the shift time itself have been made significantly faster, with elapsed time for both up- and downshifting reduced to almost half that of the current model. In addition, a throttle blipping control has been added to the downshift, which revs the engine for a smoother, more engaging driving experience.

Eco Driving Meter

To further increase the fuel efficiency benefits of the new Camry's improved engine and transmission line-up, a new ECO meter and driving display have been incorporated into the combination meter dials. The ECO indicator illuminates during fuel-efficient, economical driving.

The bars of the instantaneous fuel economy gauge are positioned next to the average fuel economy dial. This encourages the customer to drive more efficiently, by keeping the illuminated bars of the instantaneous fuel economy gauge higher than the needle of the average fuel economy gauge.

When the engine is turned off, the average fuel economy of the completed journey is highlighted on the multi-information display screen. If the driver has made full use of the new Camry's outstanding fuel efficiency, the word 'Excellent' will be displayed as a reward, encouraging further eco-conscious driving.

Electric Power Steering (EPS)

The new Camry is equipped with an all new computer-controlled, vehicle speed-sensitive electric system which combines accuracy and precise control at all vehicle speeds with improved fuel economy.

The EPS incorporates three new control logic systems: Hysteresis control for enhanced steering feel and stability yaw rate feedback control to stabilise vehicle response under excessive steering inputs and steering feedback control to optimise steering feel according to vehicle speed —providing light feedback at parking speeds and firmer feedback for safe, enjoyable driving at higher speeds.

Particular attention has been paid to column installation rigidity and the reduction of play throughout the EPS system, optimising initial turn-in response, agility and steering feel.

This advanced system uses electric power only when steering assistance is needed. As a result it is quieter and achieves higher fuel efficiency than conventional hydraulic power steering systems. Moreover, because it does not use hydraulic fluid, EPS does not generate waste oil, and is thus a more environmentally friendly system.

Aerodynamics

The new Toyota Camry benefits from numerous aerodynamic measures which not only reduce cabin noise at high speed, but also enhance straight line stability and ride composure.

The vehicle underbody features the extensive use of covers to areas with large cavities. This smoothes the flow of air under the new Camry to reduce turbulence, suppress perceptions of unstable floating and improve ride composure.

A newly designed front and new rear undercover both incorporate fins to channel the air under the vehicle. To the front, the fins enhance initial turn-in response when cornering and, to the rear, improve ride stability. They also serve to accelerate the velocity of airflow beneath the vehicle, creating more downforce to further enhance the new Camry's straight line ride characteristics.

Vertical front and rear aero corners add aerodynamic efficiency to the upper bodyshell. They smooth the flow of air over the front wheel arches and down the sides of the vehicle and away from the rear, combining with an integral boot-lip spoiler to minimise drag.

In addition, aero stabilising fins adopted from F1 technology are positioned on the body inside the door mirror locations. The fins create vortices which cause air to spiral along the cabin sides. These vortices exert pressure on both sides of the bodyshell, stabilising vehicle posture by inhibiting its natural tendency to sway at high speeds.