Toyota to Launch New Camry Gracia Models

Tokyo―TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today that December 16 will see the launch of the new Camry Gracia^* front-engine front-wheel drive (FF) sedan and station wagon. These near-luxury models fill two important niches in Toyota's increasingly diversified lineup, providing precisely the performance, comfort, and functionality that are demanded by today's drivers.

The Camry Gracia station wagon, in particular, combines the outstanding drivability, stability, and quietness normally found only in luxury sedans―all strengths of the Gracia sedan, as well―with the class-leading cargo space and utility that can only be realized in a FF wagon.

Dignified Styling

Sedan

The front view features wide, retreating angles, while clean, sharp body lines sweep down the sides, drawing in to the rear.

Station wagon

Flowing pillar lines and the emphatic surface curvature of the rounded rear-end unify the wagon's free and casual motional form.

Superb Performance

Engine

The 2MZ-FE 2.5-liter V-6 engine has an aluminum cylinder block to reduce weight and size. High power output and low fuel consumption are achieved by using a high (10.8:1) compression ratio, outstanding combustion efficiency, and reduced frictional loss from moving parts.

The 5S-FE 2.2-liter, in-line, four-cylinder engine has exceptional combustion efficiency and low fuel consumption thanks to the pent-roof combustion chamber configuration and reduced friction loss from moving parts. The design also incorporates a balance shaft to further suppress vibration and engine noise.

Transmission

The ECT-i transmission is standard in V6-powered models. Advanced electronic control of engine torque and hydraulic clutch pressure ensures smooth gear shifts under all engine operating conditions. All models also sport an incline/decline control system for improved drivability on hills.

Suspension and Chassis

Vibration-damping subframes (cradle-shaped at front and I-shaped at rear), four-wheel independent suspension, and a high-rigidity body provide outstanding drivability, stability, and riding comfort. The rear suspension tower housings of the station wagon have been reinforced, giving it drivability and stability on par with the sedan.

NVH Suppression

The use of noise and vibration absorbing materials, together with the vibration-damping subframes, high-rigidity body, high stiffness of the steering mounting, and sealed pneumatic engine mounts, provides superior noise and vibration harshness suppression.

World-Class Safety Performance

Active Safety

An anti-lock brake system (ABS) and a wide-view door mirror on the driver's side are standard on all models

The 2.5-liter models may be equipped with a new traction control (TRC) system as an option. TRC ensures stability on slippery surfaces when accelerating or starting from a complete stop by regulating engine output while independently controlling the braking of each driving wheel.

Passive Safety

The Global Outstanding Assessment (GOA) design provides an impact absorbing body and high-integrity cabin to protect occupants during collisions. The GOA body meets Japanese safety standards and the 40% lap-offset front and side collision standards set for introduction in Europe, as well as Toyota's even more stringent in-house standards.

Front and center pillars are internally ribbed and roof siderails are fitted to further absorb collision energy, in anticipation of U.S. vehicle crash safety standards for protecting against head injuries due to come into force in September 1998.

Headrests and three-point emergency locking retractor (ELR) seat belts for all five seats are standard on all models. The rear three seats also feature seat belts that include anchor points for a child's safety seat. In the sedan, the left rear seat contains a built-in child safety seat.

Dual SRS front airbags are standard, while SRS side airbags for the driver and front passenger seats are available as an option, on all models.

All models are fitted with impact-sensitive automatic door locks that unlock if the car is involved in a collision. Hinges and locks for the fold-down rear seats are reinforced to protect occupants from cargo in the trunk or on the rear deck thrown forward in a frontal collision. In the station wagon, the seat-back also has a reinforced frame.

Spacious, Functional Interior

The advantages of the front-wheel-drive layout have been maximized to provide optimal head clearance, leg-room, and luggage space. The bright, unfettered interior features fittings and equipment that focus on functionality. The wagon models boast cargo space that rank at the top of their class.

UV-cut glass side windows are standard on all models (plus back window on the sedan). All station wagon rear door, quarter, and back gate windows are available with UV-cut privacy glass as an option (standard on G and S grades).

Further features include: remote-control for the door locks and driver's side power window (and trunk release in the sedans), which is standard on all models; easy-to-read optitron meters (standard on G and L models); an optional AV station with GPS-based voice-operated navigation system; for all wagons, storage boxes on the sides and a four-section storage tray located underneath the rear deck.

Environmental Considerations

The new models were designed with conservation of energy and natural resources in mind. They address these issues not only through increased fuel efficiency, but also through the use of easily recycled resin trim and fittings made of Toyota Super Olefin Polymer.

Sales Outline

1. Sales channel

   Toyota Corolla dealers nationwide

2. Monthly sales target

   6,000 units (2,000 sedans; 4,000 station wagons)

3. Dealer announcement

   Saturday-Sunday, January 11-12, 1997