2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Toyota Announces Prices For 2008 Camry And Camry Hybrid

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), Ú.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the 2008 Camry and Camry Hybrid.

America's best-selling car, and winner of Motor Trend's 2007 Car of the Year Award, continues to set global standards for comfort, performance and -- with the Camry Hybrid -- ultra-efficient fuel economy.

The gas version carries over unchanged for the 2008 model year with a price increase of $100 for each grade. The weighted average of the increase represents 0.4 percent across all grades. The base MSRP for the 2008 Camry sedan ranges from $18,570 for the four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission to $28,120 for the premium XLE grade with a V6 engine and sixspeed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)


The 2008 Camry Hybrid is a better value than ever as its price point has been lowered significantly, making Camry and Hybrid Synergy Drive technology available to more people. The Camry Hybrid is equipped with an array of standard features including a Smart Key system, dual-zone automatic climate control, Plasmacluster™ ionizer, sixteen-inch steel wheels, and AM/FM/single
CD audio system with six speakers.

Two new upgrade packages are available to those seeking more amenities. The upgrade packages are available with or without navigation. (posted on conceptcarz.com) Both packages offer sixteen-inch alloy wheels, JBL audio, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, electrochromic rearview mirror with compass, and HomeLink®.

Stand-alone options include power tilt/slide moonroof, leather-trimmed interior, driver and front passenger heated seats and heated outside mirrors. Camry Hybrid's base MSRP begins at $25,200, a decrease of $1,000 or - 3.8 percent versus the 2007 model.

Source - Toyota

How Hybrid Vehicles Work

Gas And Electric Combine For Incredible Mileage

'hybrid' to people not familiar with current trends in automotive technology and the first thoughts that come to mind might well be of some sort of genetically engineered corn that yields more bushels per acre. But in vehicular terms, hybrid refers to a powertrain that combines two different methods of propulsion, each augmenting the other in a way that enhances the strengths and minimizes the shortcomings of each.



The current automotive internal combustion piston engine has been developed to an impressively high state of refinement. It delivers power levels, meets emissions and fuel economy requirements, while satisfying customer demands for smoothness, quietness, reliability and cost that would have been considered unthinkable just a few years ago. Plus there's a basic problem that faces almost every vehicle on the road: Each of them has an engine that is, most of the time, larger than it needs to be.

A typical four-door sedan may have an engine rated at, say, 200 horsepower. That vehicle requires the full 200 horsepower very little of the time, normally only for quick passing maneuvers or while climbing steep hills. The vast majority of the time the engine is operating at a small fraction of its fully rated output. Once the sedan is accelerated up to freeway speed, as little as 20 or 30 horsepower may be needed to keep it moving. In fact, many drivers may seldom, if ever, call upon the full power output of the engines under their cars' hoods. What people really need is 200 horsepower every once in a while, maybe 100 horsepower from time to time, and about 30 or 40 horsepower most of the time. The fuel economy and emissions benefits of such a powertrain should be obvious.



In simple terms, the electric car doesn't have enough when it's needed; the conventional gasoline car has too much when it's not needed. The hybrid helps solve both those issues.

The road vehicle, because it has to deal with the widely varying speeds and conditions of traffic, has a more difficult duty cycle. Starts, stops, short trips, family vacations, stuck in traffic jams—all these create fuel economy and emissions problems. To deal with this, the typical automotive hybrid system is comprised of a relatively small gasoline engine, which drives either the wheels directly, or a generator, or both. There's also an electric motor, which drives the wheels, sometimes alone, or sometimes in concert with the engine. A battery pack supplies the electric motor, and a generator makes the electrical power to recharge the battery. Sophisticated electronic controls watch over all these parts. As software is to computers, it's the controls that make the whole package work in harmony.

Hybrid Synergy Drive
The most sophisticated production hybrid system is Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD). HSD is featured in the second-generation Toyota Prius, which launched in 2003 as a 2004 model year vehicle; the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which launched in 2005 as a 2006 model year vehicle, and the Camry Hybrid, which made its debut in 2006 as a 2007 model. Camry Hybrid also is the first Toyota hybrid assembled in the Únited States.

Hybrid Synergy Drive in the Prius and in the Camry Hybrid
With its Hybrid Synergy Drive, the Prius provides a case study of how these components work together. The Prius has a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine of 76 horsepower. With both the gas engine and electric motor, the Prius has a combined horsepower of 110. The gasoline engine is linked to the drive wheels and a generator directly via a unique transmission and, whenever it's running, it can also drive a generator that helps keep the battery charged. The generator supplies electrical power to the electric motor or charges the battery, as needed.

Most of the time when the Prius comes to a stop, the gasoline engine is shut down. This means no unnecessary idling or wasted fuel while stuck in traffic or at stop signs. When accelerating from rest at a normal pace, and up to mid-range speeds, the Prius is powered by the electric motor, which is fed by the battery. As the battery charge is depleted, the gasoline engine responds by powering the electric generator, which recharges the battery. Once up to speed and driving under normal conditions, the engine runs with its power split: part of this power goes to the generator, which in turn supplies the electric motor, and part drives the wheels. The distribution of these two power streams from the engine is continuously controlled to maintain the most efficient equilibrium. If the need arises for sudden acceleration, such as a highway passing maneuver or a quicker start from rest, both the gasoline engine and the electric motor drive the wheels.

During braking and other types of deceleration, kinetic energy normally lost is converted into electrical energy, which is then stored in the battery. The state of charge of the battery is constantly monitored, and whenever needed the generator is powered by the gasoline engine to provide the necessary charge.

The result is a vehicle powered by a gasoline engine, in that it's the engine that drives the wheels or drives the generator that supplies (either directly or through the battery) the electric motor. But the engine is only as big as it needs to be. It isn't even running all the time, and if sudden acceleration is called for, both the gasoline engine and electric motor share the load. The engine in hybrid vehicles like the Prius run exclusively on gasoline, while the electrical portion of the power system never needs to be plugged in for a charge. There's no cord and no waiting. You can fill up at any normal gas station anywhere.

The Camry Hybrid system differs slightly from Prius. Camry Hybrid's Hybrid Synergy Drive produces a combined 187 horsepower.

The first part of Hybrid Synergy Drive for Camry consists of a 147-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine coupled to an electronically controlled planetary-gear continuously-variable transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The second part combines a small, high-torque 40-hp electric motor, an ultra-small inverter with a specially designed compact battery, and a transaxle to seamlessly combine power from the electric motor and gasoline engine.

Because there are situations in which the gas engine in a Toyota hybrid completely shuts down, air conditioning and power steering systems are driven electrically. In addition, an 'ECO' button helps limit energy consumption by the climate control system and under certain conditions can help improve fuel economy.

Highlander Hybrid – A More Powerful Hybrid Synergy Drive
The Highlander Hybrid is powered by Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain specifically developed to meet the load-carrying requirements and performance expectations of mid-size sport-utility vehicle (SÚV) buyers. Its all-new high-speed electric motor operates at twice the speed and delivers more than twice the power as the motor used in the Prius, producing 167 horsepower alone. The gas and electric motors combined produce 270 peak horsepower. The Highlander Hybrid has a standard towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

There are three motor-generators employed in the 4WD-i Highlander Hybrid. Internally referred to as MG1, MG2 and MGR for the rear electric motor in the 4WD-i, each has a specific function and each does double duty as both drive motor and generator (although MG1 is a starter and provides no motive force). The engine-driven generator (MG1) can charge the battery pack, which powers other electric motors as needed, while the front electric-driver motor (MG2) and rear electric motor (MGR) can charge the battery pack through regenerative braking.

Power from the gas engine and MG2 is distributed to the drive wheels via a planetary gear-type continuously variable transmission, which eliminates specific gear ratios. Two planetary gear units are used in the system. The Power-Split unit divides the engine's drive force two ways: one to drive the wheels and the other to drive MG1 so it may function as a generator. The Motor Speed Reduction unit reduces the speed of MG2 and increases its drive torque, significantly boosting acceleration performance.

In addition to its motor-generator duties, the crucial MG1 adds two functions: one as a starter motor for the gas engine; and two, by regulating the amount of electrical power it generates (which varies its RPM), MG1 controls the output speed of the transaxle through the planetary gear set—without clutches or viscous couplings.

This is one of the key elements of the hybrid powertrain and the reason why Highlander Hybrid eliminates the 'shift shock' that can typically be felt as even the most refined modern automatic transmissions change gears.

The innovative electric 4WD-i system employs a separate 50-kW electric motor (MGR) at the rear that provides up to 96 lb.-ft. of additional drive torque as required. The system electronically varies front and rear torque distribution depending on driving conditions.

The Toyota hybrid technology also allows extended electric-mode operation during low speed or stop-and-go driving conditions. The permanent-magnet front electric drive motor (MG2) produces peak torque from zero-to-1,500 RPM, giving the Highlander Hybrid powerful and instantaneous response that will be especially felt and appreciated in low- and mid-speed performance and in merging and passing maneuvers.

Hybrid Synergy Drive Benefits
The real benefits, to both the owner and driver of Toyota's hybrid vehicles, are the utility and numbers. The Prius is roomy enough inside to meet the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) midsize category, while the Highlander Hybrid provides the versatility of a mid-size SÚV. The Prius accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 10 seconds, roughly equal to a four-cylinder gasoline-engine Toyota Camry. Highlander Hybrid 4WD models have an acceleration time of 7.3 seconds for 0 to 60 mph. Prius has a combined EPA mileage estimate of 46 mpg, giving it the best EPA rating of any vehicle sold in America today. Highlander Hybrid's combined city/highway estimated EPA fuel efficiency rating of 26 mpg is more than double that of most V8 powered SÚVs. Camry Hybrid's EPA-estimated ratings are 33 mpg city/34 mpg highway.

Both the Prius and Highlander Hybrid have been certified as SÚLEV, or Super Últra Low Emission Vehicle and the 2008 Camry Hybrid is certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV). A decade ago, these combinations were unimaginable

Source - Toyota

Toyota Camry Remains America's Best-Selling Passenger Car

Toyota introduced an all-new, sixth-generation Camry for 2007, and this model has retained its position of best-selling car in America. Camry is available in four-cylinder and V6 models, and as the Camry Hybrid equipped with Toyota's industry-leading Hybrid Synergy Drive.

The Camry stands out in a competitive segment with its distinctive, athletic exterior design. It is built on a 109.3 in. wheelbase to provide outstanding interior room: 101.4 cubic feet of passenger space, including 38.3 inches of rear legroom. Changes for 2008 include new darker wood trim in the XLE grade. Classic Silver Metallic was added to the array of exterior colors, while Titanium Metallic was discontinued.



Integral to Camry's value is its fuel efficiency, with EPA-estimated 33 mpg city/34 mpg highway ratings for the Camry Hybrid. Four-cylinder manual and automatic Camry models have city/highway fuel economy ratings of 21/31 mpg, and V6 Camry models have 19/28 mpg EPA estimated ratings.

Comprehensive Safety
The Camry's body structure is designed to absorb collision-impact forces and help minimize impact deformation to the passenger cabin. High-strength steel is used for B-pillar and rocker panel reinforcements to help manage overall body deformation in the event of a side collision. Inside the cabin, even the seat frames are designed to help absorb side collision loads.



All 2008 Camry models come equipped with a standard anti-lock brake system (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The Brake Assist feature is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking. If the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the anti-lock brake system (ABS), Brake Assist supplements the applied braking power until the driver releases pedal pressure.

Available as an option, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control regulates engine output and brake application on individual wheels to help control loss of traction in turns. Camry Hybrid is equipped with the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system that helps control vehicle traction and stability through throttle control, brake application on individual wheels, and even minor steering correction if circumstances require.

Smooth Ride, Responsive Handling
The 2008 Camry offers responsive handling while providing the smooth, quiet ride that has helped make this model so popular. Four-wheel independent suspension is via MacPherson struts in front and a dual-link strut rear suspension system. Camry, LE, XLE and Hybrid models ride on standard 16-inch wheels of either steel (Camry and LE) or aluminum (XLE and Hybrid), with the sporty SE model getting aluminum six-spoke, 17-inch wheels as standard. All Camry models are equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.

Toyota designed the Camry SE model to appeal to driving enthusiasts (or turn any sedan driver into a driving enthusiast). Chassis modifications beyond other Camry grades include springs, shock absorbers and bushings with firmer, sportier values than those used in other grades. Únderbody stabilizing braces and a V-shaped brace between the trunk and cabin help to increase torsional rigidity in the SE model.

Tuning the SE chassis went together with optimizing underbody aerodynamics. Making the underbody as flat as possible helps to smooth and speed the airflow under the car, and engineers also specially tuned the balance between front and rear downforce.

The Camry SE gets a distinctive look with a standard full body kit that positions the car 0.4-inches (10 mm) lower than other Camry grades, plus 17-inch aluminum wheels, a distinct black, honeycomb-style grille and smoked tint halogen headlamps. Inside, the Camry SE is distinguished by a unique sport-trimmed interior in dark charcoal or Ash gray with a leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel and blue-colored optitron gauges. Posted on conceptcarz.com

Smooth Four-Cylinder or Powerful V6
The Camry's standard 2.4-liter engine develops 158 SAE horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 161 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4,000 rpm and can be mated to a five-speed manual transmission or an electronically controlled five-speed automatic. (The PZEV-certified version offers 155 hp and 158 lb.-ft.) The DOHC 3.5L V6 available in the LE, SE and XLE grades delivers a substantial performance boost with 268 SAE horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4,700 rpm. The chain-driven camshafts employ Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i) for optimal performance and efficiency at all engine speeds.

The V6 Camry models come equipped exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission that offers a sequential mode for manual shifting when desired. Intelligent control adapts shifting strategy in response to driver input, with very fast kick-down response in particular.

Camry Hybrid
The Camry Hybrid provides excellent value and fuel economy. Its Hybrid Synergy Drive produces a combined 187 horsepower, and this system varies power between gas engine and electric motor, or combines both, as needed.

The first part of Hybrid Synergy Drive consists of a 147-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine coupled to an electronically controlled planetary-gear continuously-variable transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The second part combines a small, high-torque 40-hp electric motor, an ultra-small inverter with a specially designed compact battery, and a transaxle to seamlessly combine power from the electric motor and gasoline engine.

Because there are situations in which the gas engine in a Toyota hybrid completely shuts down, air conditioning and power steering systems are driven electrically. In addition, an 'ECO' button limits energy consumption by the climate control system and under certain conditions can help improve fuel economy.

Special attention paid to vehicle underbody aerodynamics, including the use of wheel spats and underbelly pans, helps yield a coefficient of drag (Cd) of just 0.27, which can benefit fuel economy. The 2008 Camry Hybrid is certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), just one of a handful of cars that meets this strict standard. It produces over 70 percent less smog-forming emissions than the average new car.

Innovative Comfort Touches
The Camry's roomy interior shows the attention to detail that has helped this model set such high standards for sedan comfort. Controls on the two-level dash and console are easy to see and use. Large instrument panel gauges are easy to see at a glance, and the odometer and trip meters are illuminated at all times to improve visibility. The audio/climate control panel features easy-to-use switches that are illuminated for easier use at night. A standard multi-information display provides the outside temperature, estimated range, average speed, average fuel consumption and a trip odometer.

With the 60/40 fold-down rear seats, Camry offers 15 cubic feet of luggage space (14.5 cu. ft. with the reclining rear seat in XLE or fixed rear seat in SE, and 10.6 cu. ft. in the Camry Hybrid). The trunk is equipped with a grocery hook, a utility box and a luggage net (on XLE) for added convenience.

The four-cylinder XLE model is exclusively equipped with special seat fabric designed to be gentle on the skin. The fabric is treated by the Fraichir™ process, in which it is coated with a naturally occurring component called Sericin that has been extracted from silkworm cocoons and refined. This substance contains a natural moisturizing component. The V6 Camry XLE is equipped with standard leather-trimmed seats.

A dual-zone automatic climate-control system that is standard on the Camry XLE and Hybrid models uses Plasmacluster™ ionizer technology to help reduce airborne mold spores, microbes, fungi, odors, germs and bacteria inside the passenger cabin.

In the XLE grade, the rear seatbacks can recline eight degrees from their standard position to enhance passenger comfort. Rear-seat passengers also get dedicated personal reading lamps on moonroof-equipped Camry models.

Camry offers many storage spaces around the front-passenger area, including console side-pockets. Storage options also include a large front console box equipped with an accessory power socket and an auxiliary audio jack; this box is big enough to store nine CD jewel cases. Other storage areas include an accessory box behind the shift lever containing another accessory power socket, a 354 cubic inch rear-console box with a card holder and a movable tray, and, adjacent to the shift lever, two large cupholders.

Camry Available in Four Grades
The Camry comes equipped as standard with air conditioning with micro dust and pollen filter; power windows and door locks; color-keyed power side mirrors; cruise control; halogen headlamps with automatic on/off feature; tilt and telescopic steering wheel; vehicle immobilizer, and a six speaker 160-watt digital AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary audio jack. All Camry audio systems can play CDs with MP3 files. The Camry LE adds an in-key remote keyless entry and eight-way-adjustable power driver's seat.

The XLE's list of standard features includes an upgraded dual-zone automatic climate control system with steering-wheel controls, Plasmacluster™ ionizer and rear vents; a premium 440-watt JBL audio system with Bluetooth® technology for hands-free calling with compatible phones; wood-style trim; power glass moonroof; reclining rear seats; fog lamps, and aluminum wheels.

The Camry Hybrid offers a standard equipment level similar to the XLE grade and adds a standard Smart Entry and Smart Start system. Push-button start allows drivers to lock, unlock, or start the car just by carrying the Smart Key.

The premium JBL system, standard in the Camry XLE and Hybrid, includes an AM/FM/six-disc in-dash CD changer with eight speakers and an eight-channel, 440-watt digital amplifier for low distortion and faithful reproduction of a wide range of musical types.

Options available on select Camry grades include a power tilt/slide moonroof; heated front seats; voice-command DVD navigation system; leather-trimmed seating; rear spoiler, and the Smart Entry and Smart Start system.

When the available voice-activated DVD navigation system is added to the Camry (SE, XLE, Hybrid), the premium JBL audio system integrates that system and comes with a four-disc in-dash CD changer.

Warranty
The 2008 Camry and Camry Hybrid are covered by Toyota's 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty that applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion perforation with no mileage limitation.

The Camry Hybrid also has an eight-year/100,000 mile warranty that covers the hybrid–related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module, and inverter with converter.

Source - Toyota