Nothing says A-to-B transport more than Toyota’s Camry; dependable, comfortable and utterly anonymous. Is it bad? Well no, as the 429,000 Camrys Toyota sold in the US last year show making it the best selling car in the country. But it does sit at the bottom of the pack in terms of allure compared to rivals such as Ford’s Fusion and Mazda’s 6.

Fortunately, redesign time for Toyota’s mid-sizer is just around the corner and recent spy photography suggests that Camry will receive a more stylish makeover and possibly some Toyota Racing Development (TRD) visual brawn and performance. Intrigued? Let’s investigate further:

Sleeker and sportier looks:

The 2018MY ushers in an all-new look for Camry and unlike the current car, it appears rather promising. For those who saw the NASCAR version a while back won’t be surprised; it adorns a similar Lexus-like spindle grille, large lower intakes and L-shaped LED headlight clusters.

Thankfully the bodywork also receives visual character; with taut lines, panel creases and pumped guards. The silhouette is reminiscent of the Lexus IS sedan; with an organic-looking glasshouse and rounded rear quarter windows, eschewing the mundane C-pillar inlays of the outgoing car.

Rear-end styling is dominated by sleeker taillight clusters, a more sculptured trunk lip spoiler and quad exhaust tips; quads on a Camry? Well if the recent prototype is indeed a TRD spec as we suspect, then yes.

Under The Skin:

Big news here is that Camry will migrate onto Toyota’s modular New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform that also underpins the Prius and C-HR. However, here it will be tailored for midsize duty, with bigger dimensions, lower center of gravity and reduced weight thanks to aluminum components. 

If the Japanese brands green lights the TRD model, then expect larger wheels, stiffer suspension and upgraded brakes. Although don’t count on it being a hardcore canyon-carver; it’s more likely to tread the middle ground, competing against the likes of the Ford Fusion Sport.

Perhaps the biggest let down of the current car is its cabin presentation. Toyota plans to address this with a focus on more premium looking and feeling materials, attractive styling and a better infotainment system. Camry is currently very competitive on occupant space, so we’d be surprised if cabin dimensions increase substantially.

Potent Powertrains:

Camry’s current range of gasoline and hybrid engines will likely carryover, although a new 2.0-litre turbocharged four should make an appearance, coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Those aforementioned quad exhaust pipes certainly suggest something serious for the TRD model; however it’s most likely to be the new direct-injected 3.5-litre V6 found in the latest Highlander SUV. Expect an output north of 300-hp, channeling power through 8-gears with Stop-Start technology.

Mid-size Rivals:

Landing after the Camry, Honda’s all-new Accord will show it no mercy with edgier, Civic-inspired styling and potent powertrains. Other competitors like Hyundai’s Sonata, Chevrolet Malibu, Mazda6 and Kia Optima are also worthy offerings for mid-size buyers.

Color us surprised if the all-new Camry makes an appearance at the upcoming LA Auto show (but don’t rule it out), as a more likely reveal is tipped for early 2017, with the TRD version possibly landing a little later.

What are your thoughts on the next Camry? Tell us in the comments below.

By Josh Byrnes

Photo Renderings Copyright Carscoops / Josh Byrnes

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