The new Camry was introduced on August 23, 2011, and began sales here in Denver last month. The new Camry isn't all that different from the previous generation, but Toyota had made enough improvements and the 2012 Camry should remain competitive here in Denver.
This SE tester includes a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, heated exterior mirrors, unique interior and exterior styling treatment, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, sport seats and the Display Audio system.
The 2012 Camry's new audio system also includes Entune that includes a whole host of features for your smartphone. Things like the Bing search engine, Pandora streaming radio, real-time traffic, sports and stock information, and the ability to reserve movie tickets or a table at a restaurant.
Along with the 6.1-inch touch screen, many of these features can be operated using the new Nintendo-style steering wheel controls, an evolution of the “touch tracer” design first used on the current Prius.
The base 2.5-liter four cylinder engine makes 178-hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy has jumped from 22/33-mpg last year to 25/35-mpg this year, making the Camry the leader. The Hyundai Sonata has identical highway mileage but the Camry has a 3-mpg advantage in the city.
The 3.5-liter V-6 when paired with the SE model is a solid sport package. Outside, the SE gets a sportier look with side skirts and a rear spoiler. Underneath, it gets 15 percent stiffer springs and 50 percent tighter shocks, plus a sport-tuned electric power steering, larger sway bars and 18-inch wheels with 225/45/18 tires that keep it solidly planed on the ground.
The biggest surprise when you get behind the wheel is the six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. When the transmission is dropped into the “S” sport mode, it will even rev-match on the down shift. This isn’t your grandfather’s Camry.
Click here and we’ll take the all-new 2012 Camry out on the roads of Denver for a real world test drive.
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