Toyota Announces Full Model Changes for Camry and Vista

Three-point seat belts are fitted for both front and rear passengers as standard equipment in all grades, and close attention has been given to making them easier to use. An adjustable shoulder belt anchor is standard on the front seat in all grades. Depending on the grade, a tension reducer for less strain on the passenger and buckle illumination for convenience at night have also been introduced. The rear seat belt retractor has been incorporated into the pillar trim or package-tray trim for a smarter appearance. For easier attachment, a belt guide has also been installed as a standard item on all hardtops.

An SRS (Supplementary Restraint System) air bag, a supplement to the seat belt to give greater protection in frontal collisions, is available as an option on all grades.

ABS, which prevents wheel locking during sudden braking or braking on slippery roads, is available as an option in some grades.

Safety has been further enhanced by fitting a full-screen wiper system for greater visibility both at high and low wiper speeds, raindrop-free ultrasonic door mirrors, and an LED high-mount stop lamp in the rear spoiler for improved visibility. Depending on the grade, these features are fitted either as standard or as optional extras.

Taking full advantage of the front-wheel-drive configuration, the maximum possible cabin space in a 2.0-liter class car has been created, together with a spacious trunk.

The rear anchors for the front seats are attached to the locker panel and to the center tunnel, for dramatically extended rear-seat leg room.

A liquid-filled compound engine mount and a liquid-filled strut mount (installed for the very first time in a rear suspension system) have been adopted. These mounts make full use of the properties of both rubber and liquid―the soft rubber, effective for noise reduction, is filled with a liquid which absorbs vibration. This has helped to significantly reduce the penetration of engine noise, road noise, and vibration into the cabin.

The steel floor has a coating of asphalt to absorb vibration, and the asphalt layer is bound in place with a heat-hardened resin layer. Vibration-damping steel sheet has been used in the dash panel and wheel housing for further reduction of vibration and noise.

The air conditioner, heater, and defroster have been greatly improved. Blower noise has been reduced by increasing the air vent area and by means of other techniques which reduce draft resistance.

In light of ergonomic considerations, the positions and shapes of the instrument panel, meters, and switches have been specially designed for ease of use.

The world's first anti-static and anti-soiling fabric seat material is fitted as standard on some models.

In addition, large arm rests and cup holders are provided for both front and rear seats, and a large glove box and front console have been introduced for greater storage space.

An exhaustive analysis of the cabin's acoustic characteristics, and integrated design of the acoustic environment―ranging from the material and shape of speakers to the vehicle body itself―has resulted in a seven-speaker, five-amplifier Camry/Vista Super Live Sound System.

The 3S-FE (1,998cc) second-generation high-efficiency twin-cam 16-valve engine is a new development that delivers high torque with low fuel consumption both at low and medium speed, and the engine also offers high output and quick response. It achieves a maximum torque of 140ps at 6,000rpm and the high output of 19.0kg-m at 4,400rpm. The manual-transmission four-wheel-drive models provide a maximum output of 135ps at 6,000rpm, a maximum torque of 18.5kg-m at 4,400rpm. These performance figures are attained without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

The 1VZ-FE, a 2.0-liter V6 engine, is fitted to the Camry Prominent. The Type 3S-GE―a sports-type twin-cam 2.0-liter engine, the 4S-FE―a 1.8-liter high-efficiency twin-cam engine, and the 2C-T―a 2.0-liter diesel turbo engine―all have enhanced performance and fuel economy.

The new strut-type suspension on all wheels offers outstanding maneuverability and stability, as well as good riding comfort.

Options include speed-responsive electronically controlled four-wheel steering (4WS) for sharp turns and straight-line stability, and a newly developed suspension-stroke sensitive TEMS (Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension) system, a suspension system that adjusts the damping force of shock absorbers according to the suspension stroke for a smooth ride. Further, the full-time four-wheel drive system offered on some grades provides better basic performance.

Thorough analysis of the body shell by computer simulation resulted in a lightweight and highly rigid body. The body shell joints have been strengthened and high-strength steel sheet is used for external body panels. Also, extensive use of adhesives in the body structure has further improved rigidity.