2018 Toyota Camry Gets Aggressive Overhaul

Toyota is challenging the perception of what its midsize sedan should be, ditching the Camry’s reputation for reliability in favor of something more riveting.

It starts with the design, with the 2018 Toyota Camry featuring a new look that is out to shed the car’s perception for pragmatism, replacing it with something that errs on the exciting side. Featuring a much sleeker profile than before, the Camry’s hood, shoulder line and roofline were lowered for improved aerodynamics and aesthetics. New accents help round out the revised exterior package, with the two sportier SE and XSE trims getting a host of distinctive details.

Of course, the Camry’s newfound attitude had to extend beyond its looks. Riding on the same new global architecture that underpins the new Prius hybrid, the Camry is being billed as more than just a pretty face, with a dynamic drive to match. The car’s wheelbase has been extended by two inches (51 mm), helping pull the wheels closer to the corners for what should be better responsiveness. The platform is also more rigid than before, improving all-around agility.

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Also new for 2018 is the trio of powertrain choices offered in the Camry, including new 3.5-liter V6 and 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engines, and a new hybrid system. Power numbers weren’t provided, but Toyota says the 2.5-liter was developed to make the most of the new platform. It will come paired to a newly developed eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The new hybrid powertrain builds off of the same 2.5-liter engine, and uses a continuously-variable transmission that features a Sport mode intended to emulate a six-speed sequential gearbox. Anticipated output for the hybrid, as well as the V6 engine, weren’t provided by Toyota.

Expect more info to hit the pages of AutoGuide.com as the Camry gets closer to launch.