2020 Toyota Camry ups performance
The “secret” formula for building America’s best-selling passenger car hides in plain sight. It’s called the Toyota Camry, and it’s held that position for the past 17 years. The eighth-generation Camry, which introduced the most dramatic redesign in the model’s history, enters 2020 with its first-ever TRD performance model while also adding standard Android Auto compatibility to its roster of connectivity features.
The first-ever Camry TRD combines a track-tuned chassis and a 301-hp V-6 engine with knockout design that seems to taunt more expensive sport sedans. The new model exemplifies TRD’s holistic approach to performance development, which it has applied to all types of competition vehicles for 40 years. As a result, the Camry TRD is as sophisticated and comfortable in its road manners as it is quick and agile.
The new TRD joins Camry’s six other grades, which include L, LE, XLE, SE, SE Nightshade Edition and XSE. The sportier SE and XSE grades wear noticeably different body detailing than the L, LE and premium XLE grades, highlighted by a sculpted rocker panel, 19-inch black machined-finish alloy wheels (only available on XSE), a subtle rear spoiler lip, aggressive front bumper, and rear bumper with a lower diffuser. The TRD takes the design even further with aerodynamic enhancements and unique trim.
Design
The new-generation Camry introduced a more emotional design with a lowered but still roomy cabin and gaze-stealing coupe-like profile. It was the first of the company’s new-generation vehicles to emerge from Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), which represents a completely new strategy to the way the company designs, engineers, and packages its vehicles. Much more than a new body structure, TNGA brings together new approaches to engineering, design, production, and materials.
TNGA retains all of Toyota’s traditional values of outstanding build quality and safety while injecting a fun driving experience that plays on all the senses. For the Camry, the mechanical manifestation of that process is the TNGA-K platform, along with the Dynamic Force 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and Direct-Shift eight-speed automatic transmission (8AT).
Most critically, TNGA delivers on Toyota’s commitment to a high level of driver and passenger safety. Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) is a suite of cutting-edge active safety systems and standard on every Camry model.
Cabin
The Camry’s interior is a fusion of functionality, futuristic styling, and impeccable craftsmanship to look and feel more like a luxury sedan. The dash design gives the driver a sporty cockpit-type feel while treating both the driver and the front passenger to more expansive outward visibility. A key visual element of this driver-focused design concept is a sweeping yet elegant character line.
