2012 Toyota Camry: Pricing, News and Release Date
August 24th, 2011 by Armaan Almeida
Toyota has officially revealed the new 2012 Camry, with the 7th-generation family sedan set to hit showrooms next month. Opinions in our office are mixed. Some love it, others loathe it. But the bottom line is that if history is any indication, Toyota will sell a million of ‘em. And for good reason. The Camry strikes the tough-to-replicate balance of quality, value and reliability.
So, What’s New?
The new car features completely redesigned sheetmetal, a new 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, a host of new interior technology and the next-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive system for hybrid models.
Design-wise the car takes no big risks and is instantly recognizable as a Camry, though it does come off looking bolder and more memorable than the 2011 Camry model it replaces. Both fun and functional are the small fins placed at strategic locations like the side mirrors and taillights to create an aerodynamic bubble around the car, improving efficiency.
Trims & Pricing
According to Toyota’s official 2012 Camry news site, the Camry L will start at $21,995, while the Hybrid LE will start at $25,900. With the 2011 base model selling currently at $20,195, it is unknown at this point if a slightly stripped down model will slot in below the “L” at a lower price point.
Power and Fuel Economy
The brand-new 4-cylinder’s 35 highway mpg rating is enough to shame some subcompact models on the market. The Hybrid sees a significant jump in efficiency as well. Driving dynamics will be tuned for comfortable cruising rather than corner carving, though Autoblog testers were generally positive toward the car’s handling, calling it “fairly confident without too much flop or push.”
It’s no secret that Camry sales have slipped as the Nissan Altima and South Korean models have gained ground. Will the new 7th-generation model be enough to reassert a firm grip on the midsize sedan market? Time will tell…
2012 Toyota Camry Quick Facts
Base Price: $21,995 (Camry), $25,900 (Camry Hybrid)
Release Date: September 2011 (Hybrid in late-November 2011)
Engines: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (178 hp), 3.5-liter V6 (268 hp)
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel Economy: 25 city/35 highway mpg (4-cylinder), 21 city/30 highway mpg (V6), 43 city/39 highway mpg (hybrid)
