Toyota Corporate Communicator Irv Miller contrasted the 1999 market with current conditions favoring low emissions and high economy while also throwing a bone to fuel-cell advocates, saying "an expanded retail-friendly CNG infrastructure could be seen as a model for future hydrogen infrastructure." Plus, lazy Americans wouldn't have to learn a new term for "filling up the gas tank." Press release below.

TOYOTA TO DISPLAY CNG-POWERED CAMRY-HYBRID CONCEPT AT 2008 LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 24, 2008 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced here today at its Sustainable Mobility Seminar that it will display a compressed natural gas (CNG) Camry Hybrid concept vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

"With the combination of plentiful long-term supplies in North America, improved and more efficient recovery methods, favorable pricing and clean-burn/low emissions characteristics, CNG has become a prime energy-source for the future," said Irv Miller, group vice president, TMS Corporate Communications. "With this concept, we are confirming our interest in pursuing CNG within our broad and comprehensive R&D scope."

In 1999 Toyota marketed a CNG-powered four-cylinder Camry to fleet customers in California. However, in an era of relatively cheap gasoline, customers were not attracted to a vehicle that required special refueling techniques and a limited refueling infrastructure and the program was discontinued a year later. Currently, there are only about 1,000 CNG refueling stations nationwide, with less than half open to the public.

The benefits of CNG are currently being amplified by rapidly changing market conditions and an increase in consumer environmental awareness. At the same time its drawbacks are being mitigated by a growing awareness that advanced technologies will require investment in appropriate infrastructure. The U.S. CNG pipeline system is an approximately 1.8 million mile network and expanding.

"Natural gas," adds Miller, "and an expanded retail-friendly CNG infrastructure could be seen as a model for future hydrogen infrastructure."

[Toyota]

But first some stats on the Toyota Camry Hybrid. For starters, it's a "dual-mode" hybrid utilizing the same Toyota-branded Hybrid Synergy Drive found in the Toyota Prius. The trim level of the Camry Hybrid is relatively up-featured, including LED taillights, a DVD-based navigational system and most of the features found on the top-of-the-line Camry XLE. Though the Camry was originally advertised with a higher mileage, new EPA standards bring the over-reaching hybrid down to a city and highway rating in the low-to-mid 30 mpg range. Despite the lower rating, the Camry Hybrid is still the sales king for those who want a hybrid, aren't concerned about highway mileage, and want something that looks more normal than a Prius. However, there are alternatives to the super number one best automaker from the land of the rising sun.
City: 33 mpg
Highway: 34 mpg
Combined: 34 mpg
MSRP: $26,150

2009 Honda Civic GX CNG

The Honda Civic GX CNG is an interesting study in alternative fuel sources, their advantages and what-the-hell T. Boone Pickens is talking about. The GX looks just like any other Honda Civic, but runs on compressed natural gas typically added from a home fueling station. This Civic is inferior to the Camry in terms of city or combined mileage, but slightly bests the Toyota sedan on the highway. The Civic GX also has a lower cost of ownership (it needs minimal services), has a significantly smaller carbon footprint and costs about the same. The technology is still in development, though, so less than 1,000 vehicles are typically produced each year.
City: 24 mpg
Highway: 36 mpg
Combined: 28 mpg
Advantage Over Camry: Highway
MSRP: $25,090

2009 Kia Rio (Auto)

The Kia is among the smallest, cheapest new cars for sale in the United States, coming in at more than half the price of the Toyota Camry Hybrid and more than 1,000 pounds lighter. Powered by a 110-horsepower fourbanger tied to a CVT transmission, the little Kia is slightly better than the Camry on the highway, though much worse in the city. While much cheaper, the Rio offers few of the features and almost none of the prestige, comfort, desirability or practicality of the Camry. Even with limited availability for Toyota, the 2008 Rio only bested the Camry Hybrid's sales by 134 cars.
City: 26 mpg
Highway: 35 mpg
Combined: 30 mpg
Advantage Over Camry: Highway
MSRP: $12,145

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt LS Coupe XFE

Essentially a 2009 Chevy Cobalt with a few light tweaks, the Cobalt XFE is modified ever so slightly to improve fuel economy — and prove that an American car can make the grade without a hybrid drive. Adjustments are mostly under the hood where the engineers tweaked the intake and exhaust valve lift duration, swapped the transmission gear ratios for lower operating revs, and put on some low-rolling-resistance tires. The result may only be 1 mpg over the previous year, but that's a step in the right direction. Like the other cars that take the lighter approach, the biggest gains are found at highway speeds.
City: 25 mpg
Highway: 37 mpg
Combined: 30 mpg
Advantage Over Camry: Highway
MSRP: $15,225

2009 Mini Cooper (Manual)

Fans of the Mini Cooper have always been able to boast about all the fun they have driving their itsy-bitsy British bimmer — so much fun that they forget to mention that it gets stellar gas mileage. Though not as useful as a Camry as a family vehicle, the Mini is at least a few hundred times more fun and gets a combined mileage just 2 mpg short of the big hybrid. There are no tricks here. The Mini is just a well-engineered, sufficiently-powered small car offered with a sixth gear.
City: 28 mpg
Highway: 37 mpg
Combined: 32 mpg
Advantage Over Camry: Highway
MSRP: $19,200

2009 Toyota Yaris (Manual)

All of the 2009 Yaris models equipped with the manual transmission get the same EPA mileage, so you're not necessarily stuck with a little three-door hatch if that's your route towards mileage. The five-door S hatch comes equipped with rear-window wipers, fog lights, MP3/CD player w/ iPod interface and other nice features, though you'll have to tack on $3,000 to the base price. Though it can't quite compete with the Camry in city driving, this tiny Toyota does better on the highway and is close on the combined cycle.
City: 29 mpg
Highway: 36
Combined: 32 mpg
Advantage Over Camry: Highway
MSRP: $12,205

2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid

We found the 2008 Mariner Hybrid to be a fairly decent ride with only a few flaws, many of which were addressed with the 2009 refresh. The Mariner Hybrid, and it's twin brother Escape Hybrid, is most similar to the Camry in that it offers power, luxury and good gas mileage in a single package — an SUV package at that. Though slightly off the Camry's total, this is one of the few vehicles that bests the Toyota in the city.
City: 34 mpg
Highway: 31 mpg
Combined: 32 mpg
Advantage Over Camry: City
MSRP: $29,750

2009 Volkswagen Jetta & Jetta SportWagen TDI (Manual)

Both the Volkswagen Jetta TDI and its wagon sibling the SportWagen are within the Camry's price range and offer the utility, relative luxury and foreign car appeal of the Toyota. Unlike the Camry, the Jettas are both eligible for a tax credit. In the ongoing diesel-versus-hybrid debate the TDI twins step up with a comparable combined cycle and a substantially higher highway experience, a reflection of the efficiency and power of the diesel engine. And there's no risk of running short because of battery supplies.
City: 30 mpg
Highway: 41 mpg
Combined: 34 mpg
Advantage Over Camry: Highway
MSRP: $21,990/$23,590

2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid

Nissan is still technically selling the Altima Hybrid, a car that is a direct competitor with the Camry, but sales have lagged far behind nearly all of its competitors. Why? It may have something to do with battery supply, but it also may have something to do with the reason why people are choosing the regular Camry over the regular Altima: age. The Altima, though refreshed, is a rather tired design that lacks the same appeal and luxury of the Toyota. It trumps the better-selling green sedan in the city, but no one seems to care.
City: 35 mpg
Highway: 33 mpg
Combined: 34 mpg
Advantage Over Camry: City
MSRP: $26,650

2009 Honda Civic Hybrid

It should come as no surprise that the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid, currently the third-best selling hybrid car behind the Camry, bests the Camry in all areas of fuel economy by a large margin. It's smaller. It's lighter. The Prius is more of a competitor to this hybrid than the Camry, though Toyota has done a good job of making their larger hybrid price competitive with the Civic sedan.
City: 40
Highway: 45
Combined: 42 mpg
Advantage Over Camry: City, Highway, Combined
MSRP: $23,550

2009 Toyota Prius

The king. The reigning champ. The green boss. You can't touch the Prius and neither can the Camry Hybrid — at least not in mileage. Though all of these buyers are likely eco-minded, some hybrid huggers just don't like the Prius, don't want a hatchback or maybe just think the larger hybrid sedan is a perfect foil.
City: 48 mpg
Highway: 45 mpg
Combined: 46 mpg
Advantage: City, Highway, Combined
MSRP: $22,000

[Hybrid Sales Data: HybridCars.com. Fuel Economy Data: FuelEconomy.gov]

1st – 29 Kielbasa Kids Racing

2nd – 11 Team Eliminators

3rd – 1 Schumacher Taxi Service 1

4th – 21 Team Pro-crass-Duh-Nation

5th – 07 Team Go Green

Originally, Lexus's plan was to develop a new SC based on the LF-A, but softened-up a bit for the colostomy-bag crowd at which the current model is targeted. However, sales of the so-ugly-it-hurts $67,120 hardtop convertible dropped 40% during the first half of 2008, necessitating a total rethink. We guess the market for a 288 HP 16-mpg city, non-performance luxury convertible isn't as big as was once thought. [via Inside Line]

If you're looking to get the most bang for your hybrid buck, it's best to avoid the Honda Civic hybrid, Toyota Prius and Toyota Camry hybrid—the tax credit on the latter two have already been reduced to zero. There's a good number of eligible hybrids, but at the rate people are snatching up these vehicles, don't expect the full tax credit to last. [LA Times]

(Image via XKCD)

Many of you are probably thinking you'd go with a Mercedes-Benz turbodiesel for your bacon-grease-powered machine, and others would suggest a big ol' Detroit truck. Nuh-uh... those thangs ain't available in Hell! Besides, they're boring, and you're a trendsetting stylemaster- that's why you need this 1983 Peugeot 505 Turbodiesel! Now, before you go clutching your head in both hands and moaning about French cars and their totally undeserved rep for reliability problems and part-obtainment woes, just take a look at this car. See how nice it looks? Why, the interior looks great, and the body is straight (well, the parts we can see in the photos, anyway). Any car this well-preserved is probably in tip-top mechanical condition, and a diesel with 177,000 miles is just getting started! And man, just $1500? Sold! So, you rig up a heated tank in the back to keep the bacon grease liquid, add some big filters, and tell Big Oil to kiss your Peugeot-drivin' ass!

Have any Americans ever seen, or even heard of a turbodiesel Toyota Camry? No? Well there ya go- simply by peeling 1500 frogskins off your roll, you could have this 1985 Camry Turbodiesel, thus becoming the only person in your time zone to have one. And the mid-80s Camrys actually have some character, unlike the soporific appliances they became later, so you won't suffer from Camry Ennui as you roar past all the stranded dinosaur-juice machines with your tank full of hemp oil (and your head full of another hemp product). The good news about this car is that everything other than engine-related stuff is easy to find in the junkyard (and Toyota quality as well). The bad news is... well, where the hell you gonna find Toyota diesel engine parts? Yes, Europeans, you got plenty of 'em over there... but this car's in California! The seller says the timing belt needs replacing, the injector timing is bad, and the turbo might be bad (probable translation: engine is on its last legs). But hey, nobody needs to know about it if you go swap in a Mercedes turbodiesel engine, do they? That should be, oh, about a one-weekend project, right?

Gawker Media polls require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser.

The Bonus Question of the Day (BQOTD for those who track such things) was, "What would drive on a date with Jezebel's Slut Machine?" Today's winner said:

Being a dragon, I [am] much more interested in which car SHE'S driving.

Models with improved reliability

BMW 7 Series

BMW X3

Cadillac STS (V6)

Chrysler 300 (V8)

Dodge Charger

Ford Explorer (V6)

Ford F-150

Ford Mustang

Jaguar S-Type

Jeep Commander

Kia Sportage

Mazda RX-8

Porsche 911

Saab 9-3

VW Jetta (5-cylinder)

Volvo S40 (non-turbo)

Models with declining reliability

BMW 6 Series

Chevrolet Suburban

Chevrolet Tahoe

Chrysler 300 (V6)

Dodge Ram 1500

GMC Yukon

GMC Yukon XL

Hyundai Entourage

Kia Amanti

Kia Sedona

Lexus GS (V6, AWD)

Pontiac G6

Toyota Camry (V6)

Toyota Tundra (V8, 4WD)

VW Passat (V6)

[via Freep]

Saturn Offers Aura Side-By-Side-By-Side Test Drive

Vehicle shoppers invited to drive Camry, Accord at Saturn stores in effort to attract Aura buyers

Detroit - Saturn is hoping that, when consumers are considering the purchase of a new Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, they take a test drive - at a Saturn retailer.

Starting today, consumers who visit a Saturn store can drive the new 2007 Aura mid-size sedan, the 2007 North American Car of the Year, alongside popularly-equipped versions of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry as part of its new "Side-by-Side-by-Side Test Drive" program.

"We are confident that the Saturn Aura compares favorably to the Accord and Camry," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. "When people shop for midsize sedans, those two vehicles are popular choices, so we want to make it very easy for consumers to add the Aura to their consideration list."

The Side-by-Side-by-Side Test Drive program will run at participating Saturn retailers across the United States from June 11 - July 31, 2007. This program, which is available to consumers based on retailer participation, is being supported with a national marketing and advertising campaign. The television spot can be viewed, starting today, at www.Saturn.com.

Side-by-Side-by-Side Test Drive is the latest effort from Saturn to provide the best vehicle purchase and ownership experience for the automotive customer. Earlier this year, Saturn began offering the At-Home Test Drive program, through which shoppers can request a vehicle to be brought to their home, workplace or other location by their local retailer for a convenient test drive. Customer assistance specialists are also now available for "24/7 Live Chat" on Saturn.com, making it easier for consumers to get information on Saturn products and services quickly from a real person at any time.

About Saturn:

General Motors' Saturn brand markets vehicles in the U.S. and Canada through a network of about 500 retailers, with a focus on providing innovative products with solid value and excellent customer service. In 2006, Saturn undertook a major revitalization of its portfolio with four new vehicles: the Sky roadster, the Aura midsize sedan, the Vue Green Line hybrid and the larger Outlook crossover. Saturn continues its aggressive growth plans in 2007, with the all-new 2008 Vue compact crossover (now available) and the new 2008 Astra small car (Fall 2007).

About General Motors:

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 280,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2006, nearly 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

###

Chevy calls out Camry [Detroit News]

Related:
Ad Watch: Hachette Buff-Mag Intellectual Reacharound Further Engorges With New "Ford Challenge" Commercials; Ad Watch: Ford Will Challenge Your Mid-Size To A Duel And Pay Car & Driver To Make It Happen [internal]

Hold on, the Camry Hybrid's been around for 50 years? Well, no. And it's really only been a couple of decades for the Camry badge. (Let's hear it for ambiguous press release headlines.) In truth, Toyota's new 50th Anniversary Edition Camry celebrates 50 years of Toyota doing business in the US. At base, it's a spec'ed-up Camry Hybrid. Outside are 16" alloys with a graphite finish, a Blizzard Pearl paint job; inside is a voice-activated DVD nav system with a four-disc changer, leather-trimmed bisque-colored interior, heated front seats, and a carpeted cargo mat. All that and a few plaques designating its place in history. C'mon collectors, this one may be worth the same in 50 years as it is now. Sounds like a deal at $31,680. – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

Toyota Announces Pricing For Camry Hybrid 50th Anniversary Edition

February 20, 2007 - Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 2007 Camry Hybrid 50th Anniversary Edition. The limited edition Camry Hybrid celebrates Toyota's 50 years of business in the United States.

This specially badged Camry Hybrid comes with features exclusive only to the 50th Anniversary Edition. Its stunning Blizzard Pearl paint, unique 16-inch alloy wheels with a graphite finish, and exterior "50th Anniversary Edition" badging are just some of the 50th Anniversary exclusives not available on any other Camry. A power moonroof and heated power outside mirrors are also standard.

Inside, the Camry Hybrid is equipped with a voice-activated DVD navigation system with a four-disc changer, leather-trimmed bisque-colored interior, heated front seats, and a carpeted cargo mat. Unique interior features include brushed stainless dash appliqu , illuminated front door sills, and carpeted floor mats with the "50th Anniversary Edition" logo.

Only 3,000 units will be built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Kentucky. The 50th Anniversary Edition will carry a base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $31,680 and will start arriving at Toyota dealerships in March.

Case closed in accidental car theft [Boston Herald]

Related:
Keyed! Sophisticated Unlocking Technologies Annoy the Kids [internal]

MSNBC's Business Editor Roland Jones is positing the theory that the Camry is our generation's Oldsmobile Cutlass. Essentially, Jones is saying that the Camry, like the once best-selling Cutlass and Taurus before it, will become a victim of its own success. Parents buy a Camry because the cars are reliable(ish), safe and get good fuel economy. Children hate their parents' taste in all things. Parents are loyal to the Camry and keep buying it as they age. The Camry becomes an old person's car. Our question is; was the Camry ever anything but? Sure, the Camry is going to NASCAR and our superior auto-journo brain tells us that the looks of the current generation Camry are pretty damn sporting. But are they enough to fend off hordes of AARP geezers? – Jonny Lieberman

Is the Camry set to get old and stuffy? [msnbc.com]

Related:
Oh, What Higher Prices! Toyota Edges Stickers Up On Seven Models [Internal]

FoMoCo's already showed off their buddy-buddy handjob relationship with Car and Driver's "exclusive" pre-embargo hand-off of the Lincoln MKR and Jaguar concept pics. The two not-so-independent lovebirds appear to be continuing the cuddling n' kissing with FoMoCo's newest ad campaign launching today for Car and Driver subscriptions the 2007 Ford Fusion FoMoCo Prez of the Americas, Mark Fields called "the 2007 version of 'Have You Driven A Ford Lately?'" In reality though, it's called the "Fusion Challenge." In addition to a heavy print buy and some viral video that FoMoCo claims will leave us "tingling" and "fizzy," it features 600 of the buff book's subscribers participating in a Pepsi taste test-like ride n' drive in Washington, DC last month. Consumers Subscribers drove three vehicles — an '07 Honda Accord EX-L V6, an '07 Toyota Camry XLE V6 and an '07 SEL AWD V6 in a not-so-quite equal battle of the mid-size sedans. As you'd expect — the company paying for the challenge and having a competitive advantage in handling due to AWD, wins. But we'll try not to hold that not-so-bold move against them. But, as I'm also told — a consumer will make a decision based on price and not on equality of options — thus, as long as the vehicles are at similar price points — it's all good. The first ad, called "Fusion Challenge" is above, and the second ad, called "Something Different" — along with a couple of variants — are after the jump. – Ray Wert

[The Fusion Challenge]

Related:
A Bold Move To Stop Making Bold Moves: Ford To Pinch-Hit With Pepsi Challenge Ads Later Today? [internal]

"The average price increase on the models was $136, or about 0.7%.

Among the changes, the suggested price of the Corolla compact sedan will rise $100, or 0.6%; the FJ Cruiser sport utility vehicle will rise $200, or 0.9%; and gasoline-powered versions of the Camry midsize sedan will rise $200, or 0.9%.

Prices also will rise on the Yaris subcompact sedan and hatchback, Matrix crossover utility vehicle, RAV4 compact SUV and Tacoma pickup truck."

Prices on 7 Toyota models to edge up [AP via Freep]

Related:
Lexus, For Some Reason, Announces LS 470 Limited Edition Pricing; Breaking Records! Toyota Likes To Be On Top Of Ford, Sales Up A Super Best-Ever 15.9% [internal]

If you needed any more proof Australia is the new America, check out Toyota's Aurion Sports concept it unveiled at the Sydney auto show this week. Based on its new Aurion sedan — our Camry — the concept was tweaked by Toyota Racing Development (TRD), which has been making a push toward offering branded performance versions of Toyota models in that country. While the concept is just a show car for now, there's little doubt Toyota/TRD will offer a production model sometime next year. And although the Aurion is a front driver in a country that never fully abandoned rear drive for its sedans, TRD hopes to establish a performance presence around its 3.5-liter V6, which in this case may be a supercharged version. Australia: Half the lawyers, twice the fun. [Gallery] – Mike Spinelli

[via World Car Fans]

Related:
Toyota Camry Hybrid Revealed; Thunder From, Well, You Know: More on the HSV GTS E-Series [internal]

The Tempo, was introduced as one of Ford's first front wheel drive vehicles in 1984 until its eventual replacement by FoMoCo in 1995 with the Contour. The Jack Telnack-designed compact shared platforms with the Ford Escort, and although this boxy compact was claimed to have "the world's most advanced automotive computer" and "more rear room than a Mercedes 300D," it still was seen by many a pundit as inferior to the re-designed '86 Camry (more horsepower), the '85 Accord (even more horsepower) and the '84 Cavalier (more sales). Still, despite the competition, the car sold rather well — and even merits a car club of its own. We can't help but think it was due to the decent fuel economy (28/43) and of course, as the commercial showed, the car's matchbox-style acrobatics — were indubitably displayed in real life. – Ray Wert

Related:
Classic Ad Watch: The Iron Sheik Feels Toyota, American Freedom [internal]

All the talk about hybrid cars coming out on the losing end of a cost-benefit analysis may not be true exactly, says Edmunds. According to a study by the car-info maniacs, some hybrids cars will cover their price premium within a few years, considering the current level of gas pricing and tax credits from the Feds. While hybrids cost between $1,200 and $7,000 more than comparable gas-only models, Edmunds says, the most efficient gas-electrics will pay off within a reasonable time period. Two examples cited are the Toyota Prius and Ford Escape, which assuming 15,000 miles per year and an average fuel cost of $3 per gallon, would break even in three years. Less-efficient models like the Saturn Vue, Toyota Camry and Civic Hybrid would zero out the premium in six years. Of course, we'd love to see such data graphed against that of high-efficiency gas-powered models sans both premium and tax incentives. But we're silly like that.

Related:
More on Hybrids [internal]

Toyota rolls out first made-in-China Camry to catch rivals [Detroit News]

Related:
Prius Production Starts in China [internal]

Toyota has priced its new Camry hybrid nearly $5000 less than the Honda Accord hybrid, leading some (ahem, Reuters) to indicate that Toyota has undercut its closest rival. The Camry will start at $25,900, or around $5,000 cheaper than the Accord hybrid. Reuters notes that it's not a direct comparison, considering the Accord has a 253-hp V6 with a mild hybrid system, while the Camry will get a far less powerful 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and full-hybrid system. Still, the comparison is important, says Mr. Reuters, because they're both competing in the same segment, though for totally different buyers. That's so interesting, we just read the exact same story in the Completely Irrelevant Post. [Thanks to Denis for the tip.]

Toyota prices Camry hybrid below Honda model [Reuters]

Related:
Toyota Camry Hybrid Revealed [internal]

A bunch of mechanically inclined hoons rigged up a 1982 Toyota Camry with remote-controlled servos and hydraulics — in effect, making it a full-sized RC car — and took it to a dry lake bed in the desert, where they put it through a number of stupid RC-car tricks, including doughnuts, reverse-gear jumps and, ever popular with hollywood stuntmen, the swivel. The soundtrack's awesome too.

Full-Scale RC Car, 1982 Toyota Camry [Google Video via del.ici.ous]

Related:
Google Video Mining: Drifting RC Cars [internal]

Toyota American senior vice president Don Esmond introduced the 2007 Camry by emphasizing the car's feel-good features, like something called Sericin (not to be confused with Serin, which kills almost instantly), and an HVAC system that filters out fungus, odors and other allergens. Extracted from silkworm cocoons, Sericin is a fabric coating that moisturizes and prevents chafing (hubba hubba). As for the Camry Hybrid — the major news of the day — it'll sport a new, 2.4-liter gas-electric mill producing 195 hp — equal to the current 3.0-liter V6 — and 138 lb-ft of torque. Fuel efficiency numbers are a respectable 43 mpg city /37 mpg highway. Click for more pics.

Exactly one month from today, we'll see if Toyota's efforts to jolt its brisk-selling midsize sedan from catatonia are successful. The company announced the redesigned 2007 Camry — and Camry Hybrid — will debut at the Detroit show on January 9. Officially, Toyota announced the new Camry "will feature significantly improved performance," but unofficially, we know the new model will have a low drag coefficient of 0.28 (Prius: 0.26), more powerful four- and six-cylinder engines, and be built at the company's plant in Georgetown, Kentucky. The hybrid Synergy Drive system will be based on a 2.4-liter four, not a six like the Honda Accord hybrid. Clear!

Detroit Show: 2007 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid to Make Debuts in Michigan [Edmunds]

Related:
More on the 2007 Toyota Camry [internal]

Those sustainable souls at Treehugger have some official shots of the 2007 Toyota Camry via a Japanese magazine. Lots. Get 'em while they're hot. They've also discovered the next-gen model will have a drag coefficient of 0.28, compared to the Prius's 0.26), and Toyota's 2.4-liter four producing 167 hp.

First Photos of the Next-Generation Toyota Camry [Treehugger]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2007 Toyota Camry, Unmasked (Sort of) [internal]

From the looks of the redesigned Toyota Camry — at least according to a set of blurry shots spreading virus-like across the 'Net — 2007 may be the year Toyota wakes its midsize sedan from the design snooze it's been in for much of its history. A side shot reveals a (sadly) too-common deference to the BMW 7-Series, as well as an open curtain on Toyo's new "Vibrant Clarity" design language of contrasting hard lines and soft surfaces. A front shot shows off a new headlamp attitude, first seen this year on the company's FSC concept. Still, until we get a proper view we can only wonder if 2007 will be the year the Camry slots in behind Hyundai's Sonata in design aesthetics, or jumps out ahead.

2007 Toyota Camry uncovered [Leftlane News]

Related:
Spy Photos: More on the 2007 Toyota Camry [internal]

According to Edmunds Inside Line, Toyota is nudging its next-generation Camry in a more stylish direction, calling on design forms from its European Avensis sedan (pictured, below) to punch up the current Camry's contagious-yawn styling. Toyota will likely draw from the Avensis's a graceful, sloping rear section and short deck, as well as sculptured front section in creating the new model, which will debut at next-year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit. A new platform will underpin the Camry, and revised four- and six-cylinder engines will likely add power where before there was only boatloads of "eh." [Note to those thinking we've reverted to our pre-English-as-a-Second-Language communications skills with the headline: That dopey non sequitur was supposed to be a subtle joke. Perhaps its too subtle, or maybe its just not funny. We're not sure which.]

IL Exclusive: Latest Info on the 2007 Toyota Camry [Edmunds]

Related:
Spy Photos: More on the 2007 Toyota Camry [internal]

Toyota won't be baited by Honda's V6-powered Hybrid Accord's horsepower challenge, at least as its 2006 Camry hybrid is concerned. The company is aiming to retain its fuel-conservation credibility (as dubious as it may be) — while keeping down the hybrid price premimum — by fitting its 2006 Camry hybrid with the same, 1.5-liter e-four as in the Prius. Its decision not to build a hotrodded hybrid, like the 255hp Accord, pleases our friends at Treehugger, who not surprisingly look askance (through wheatgrass-tinted lenses, o'course) at muscular hybrids that use their electric motors to add horsepower, not merely conserve fuel. One TH reader asks, "Why do people in the US need such powerful engines? Are you all carrying gold bullion under your seats?" Yes, Nigel, yes we are. And aren't you a dear for asking? [Update: To correct an error in the above, the Camry will likely get a brand new four-cylinder hybrid-drive motor — possibly to be built from the Camry's current 2.4-liter mill. It probably won't get the "same 1.5-liter e-motor as the Prius." Also, Mike from Treehugger points out that driving habits play a large part in determining the mileage of a hybrid car like the Prius. As for the link to the guy who gets mediocre mileage in his Prius, Mike comments: "His average after 39,000 miles is 49 mpg, and he also lives in Minnesota (winter = lower mpg for all cars). So it's not like the fault is inherent in the Prius. The gas pedal is the biggest mpg factor in a car and if all car had mpg-showing-screens like the Prius, people would realize how far below the EPA number they are getting." Excellent points, all.]

Toyota Camry Hybrid To Use 4-Cylinders Engine [Treehugger]

Related:
Hot Rod Hybrids?; More on Hybrids [internal]

New photos of Toyota's redesigned 2007 test mule have surfaced on Japanese Car Fans. Larger than the current model, and despite cladding that makes the subject look like a facsimile of the current model, the new version — which will be built in Toyota's Georgetown, Kentucky plant — will likely take on some design cues from Toyota's 2002 CCX concept. The new Camry will get a new V6 of 3.3 or 3.5 liters (i.e., that in the Avalon), and a hybrid-drive V6 version will make it a direct antagonist of the Honda Accord hybrid.

2007 Toyota Camry Spy Photos [Japanese Car Fans]

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Spy Photos: 2007 Toyota Camry [internal]