Fuel economy gain for Toyota Camry
July 22, 2009 by George Skentzos
The 2009 Toyota Camry has received a raft of upgrades to boost its appeal with improved fuel-efficiency, styling and features.
As Australia’s best-selling mid-size car for the past 15 years, particular attention has been paid to the Camry’s fuel-efficiency on volume-selling automatic models.
The 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine coupled with the five-speed automatic transmission now boasts an 11 per cent improvement in fuel-efficiency – down to 8.8 litres per 100km on the official combined cycle.
Compared with 9.9 litres per 100km for the previous model, this has been achieved by introducing a number of small changes such as a new flex lock-up control which allows the clutch in the torque converter to maintain a half-engaged position, enhancing fuel efficiency and increasing the lock-up clutch’s operating range.
Mapping for the electronic throttle has also been revised along with altered shift points for the transmission to further improve economy whilst power remains unchanged with 117kW at 5700rpm and peak torque of 218Nm at 4000rpm.
Even the styling has contributed to the Camry’s fuel-efficiency, opting for new LED tail lamps which draw less power.
A new redesigned grille and front bumper, larger lower intake, larger projector headlamps and restyled tail lamps have also been introduced with chrome accents featuring on Altise, Ateva and Grande models.
All Camry models now have six airbags, Bluetooth hands-free telephone compatibility, sound systems with at least six speakers, an auxiliary audio-input jack and LED tail lamps.
Print it: 
Why no 6 speed auto?
Why did Toyota rest on their laurels and only make changes once Ford matched the Camry economy with the Falcon?
How does this “(re)Mapping for the electronic throttle” affect driveability. Does this simply mean that you have to push the peddle harder to get to those same 117kw?
The cynical side of me says they could have done this earlier if they really cared for the consumer or the environemnt.
What about price? Do all these goodies come free or does the 2009 model get a price increase?
8.8l is pretty good for such a big car but I wonder what real world economy will be like.
Does it come in a wagon varient again yet?
Thought this was a good news story for Toyota,obviously their sales pitches are losing their credibility .
People I guess are wanting more from Toyota these days and are sick of asking.
Agree with both comments above.
Camry has had ordinary fuel economy for how long now and Toyota is only just now making some economy improvements.
And it would be interesting to see how real world consumption rates also.
Still only 4 stars.
Could we be seeing Toyota shaving costs significantly during a facelift for the very first time perhaps?
I’m sorry but i find the camry rather odd looking, the aurion’s styling front and rear is much more cohesive IMO.
Hmmmm, this or the more powerful, more economical, much better looking, as reliable, better featured Mazda 6. Tough choice Toyota, tough choice. Maybe you should just stick to fleet sales until you can make the Camry competitive again.
God it’s so boring! The Camry (and every other Toyota) offers no excitement on any level at all. Even the facelifted Sportivo (above) fails to get me excited. Get rid of the boring Aurion, bring back the Camry V6 (which is what the Aurion is) and do a Wagon too please. And also, bring in the V6 Corolla (called Blade in Japan), some diesels, the FJ Cruiser and Scion brand to inject some youth appeal, maybe the iQ 1.3, the Verso mini-MPV, the new Avensis sedan/wagon – now that’s a real mid-size Toyota and get some proper friggin sporty models!
If Toyota continue at the rate they do, VW Group is almost sure to overtake them as the biggest car company in the world, and as a matter of fact I want them to. VW show that efficiency is possible without high cost, they show that diesel exists and they show that while their designs may not be so exciting, they’re a damn site classier than anything Toyota designs. Go VW! :D
Yanni^^^^
Price is the exact same and down on some models, no rises, ALL models get more kit as standard.So its very good value now, be bleeding if you just purchased one of the just superseeded Camry’s…ouch!
The Camry really cannot cost anymore than mid/high $20’s otherwise you would just buy a larger and better-RWD Falcodore.
The ONLY issue is that you can buy a vastly superior Mazda6 for around the same sort of coin, why would you bother with a Camry?
Now Porker can no longer say that their car uses less fuel than a 4 cylinder Camry! :-)
JAKE02^^^^
VW have a long long way to go and heap and heaps more units to sell before it gets anywhere near BigT[tm.F-0]volume.
Even if they did, they would NEVER approach anything like BigT’s long lasting quality and low owner i$$ues/drama [Unlike VW which, are garbage and a nightmare in around 5 years of age...]
Cheers
F-0
Why didn’t they introduce the all new 2.7 litre 4 cyl used in the USA? No they are not going to introduce a wagon version. If you want a Toyota wagon they point you to the Rav 4 or Kluger. I wish they would introduce the Toyota Venza sold in the US market. Its basicaly a high riding Camry wagon available with the 2.7 litre 4 or the 3.5 litre V6. I don’t think it comes as a 7 seater thought. But it looks and drives really well and IMO is far better than a V6 Rav or a Kluger!
I really miss the wagon version, best car I ever owned. Would get one in a heartbeat if they made it again. A reliable, 4 cylinder Australian made wagon would sell a lot in todays climate.
I honestly dont get the point of these big mid size sedans, they are not practical at all for families. A wagon would be ten times better for shopping, holidays, home improvements (picking stuff up from Bunnings) etc. No wonder nowadays everyone buys those little SUVs like the CRV and Rav4.
Still pathetic economy for a 4 cylinder economy model. I would say it would not get better economy than a FG Falcon if it had the family and stuff on board. Normal driving in a FG 6 speed auto would better this anyway in real world economy and you would have much more power,comfort,space and way way better drive-ability on hand as well.
Medium size cars dont make sense to me these days. They are virtually the same size as a large car and get the same if not worse fuel economy……..whats the point?
JEFF^^^^
You can get a Aussie made Falcon wagon on dedicated LPG and it will be ~ HALF the cost to fuel of what a guzzler 4 Camry would cost you.I think if you hooked it up end-to-end to 2x FWD Camry’s it would pull them both with ease…
Its H U G E in the rear, you can live in it, it’s like a caravan, tough and long lasting with RWD & h/duty leaf springs, looks like it might die soon, Ford will just *try* to push you into a 2WD Terri. [not the same thing though, is it?] as the Commodore wagon is now a hatch, no longer will we have humongous wagon in Aus again…shame!
Cheers
F-0
Sorry for asking, but I was just googling “Camry Wagon” and came across this article.
Why is there talk of a Camry Wagon? is it possible that they’re may be one coming?
I would love it if they could bring it out again. We’l probably end up with a Holden Sportwagon as there is no other locally made wagon. Our 99 camry wagon has just been a great all-rounder, it would be excellent if there was a new one.
Karen, there is no indication from Toyota on any Camry Wagon. The Sportswagon is a good car, but also check out the Mazda 6 Wagon and the Mondeo Wagon which just got introduced. Both good cars.
DesignEng – Toyota doesn’t rest on it’s laurels, it has historically completed refresh / upgrades of it vehilces during normal cycle of it models and not i am not talking about special editions. This has predomiately been Toyota’s culture and not much has changed.
While i am relatively satisfied with the facelift, i am however somewhat disappointed the car will remain 4-star NCAP rated while Australia (amoung other markets) will not see the introduction of the new 2.5 4-cyl mated to a 6-speed auto or manual until the arrival of the next generation Camry in 2011.
In the mean time, 8.8 lts is not a bad achievement !
Shame there is no wagon on these cars, Camrys used to be popular with families, now there are more practical choices out there.
Direct Injection – While i agree a Commodore or Falcon consume an identical amount of fuel on the open road, suggesting larger capacity V6 engines will match the fuel cycle of a smaller 4-cyl engine around town is simply a non-event which ironically is were most commuters do most of thier travelling.
Furthermore, there is more to running costs then just fuel consumption and in this case a Commodore or Falcon is not only more expensive to purchase then an eqivalent model Camry but more expensive to insure, register and maintain which are all ongoing upkeep costs during the onwership of the cars.
And before i conclude, RAC and NRMA frequently publish the average operating cost of each model factoring in every conceiveable expense (well .. most anyway) and the Falcon and Commodore have always been ranked amoung the most expensive to own in thier class while the humble Camry however has been amoung the least expensive.
Amazing to what the sums add up to when all operating expenses are calculated.
Still here D!1ngo ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
thats a good improvement… much better than what holden did a few months ago with a 2% improvement in efficiency.
Why introduce the FJ Cruiser, when it is just a petrol prado with a less practical body?!
Frugal, well my 8yr old VW is fine and its done over 150k with no major problems and still beats the current Aurion.
The FJ Cruiser will not be around for much longer, slated to go as with the Avalon to join the recently axing of the Solara.
However, North America get the Corolla and Matrix with the 2.4 4-cyl which will be upgraded to the new 2.5 4-cyl in due time.
The Tundra, Sequoia and Avanza would all be good but would much prefer to see the IS350 make it downunder.
In the mean time, waiting for the Toyobaru aka AE086 !
I dont understand when companies spend billions of dollars creating a car such as the Camry, why dont they just spend a little more and make a wagon variant – its like making two cars for the price of one. And honestly, apart from fleets and people who want performance cars, who wants a sedan?? wagons and hatchs are so much more practical for everyday life.
So true Leone,
Love to see the Tundra Down under, it would totally smash the rough built brazilian F-250 (Even though i fancy it too)…
The aussie 4wd mags loved the tundra, especially it’s hiqh quality posh interior…
The only negative are it’s lack of diesel engine, but that would be easily solved if it ever came down under…
Why don’t they bring down the avensis, which (like all toyota models in europe) comes in diesel and wagon….
Plus it’s much better looking then camry/aurion….
Omigod Jake02, you are so naive! Do you honestly think that Toyota will delete the Aurion because it is boring? Toyota has been making boring cars because there is a massive market for them. Meanwhile that raft of new cars that you have ordered: most are in the middle of their life cycles and are built in many different countries which have many different exchange rates. In this economic downturn Toyota wouldn’t even be thinking about any of them.
I guess the US not wanting a Camry wagon killed off the idea of it appearing. I honestly think the market will gradually move to wagons like it does in Europe and Japan. Even last month almost 40% of commodores sold were wagons.
hahahaha typical Tomas agreeing with D!ingo .Why doesnt that surprise us ?
Leone…….for a start the Falcon doesnt have a V6.
Sure your argument might make sense in some cases but when the overall pros and cons of each are taken into account the Falcon is a much better choice than a Camry, which is really a large 4 cylinder car. The so called savings are nothing when you can have a car that is better looking, more comfortable, more power and torque,way better handling and steering, better interior, better towing capability and gets about the same fuel economy…….like i said before, medium size cars just dont make sense.
Car for the comatose.LOL
So Toyota completes an upgrade or a refresh of its line up on a regular cycle… its just unfortunate for Toyota then that during that cycle its competitors move 2-3 steps ahead by introducing more features better engines which leaves them lagging behind.. meaning they have to do more in the next “cycle”
As for the Sports car designed by Toyota [which could explain why its so ugly] and built by Subaru… Toyota have already said if/when it is released it will be a JDM poduct only whereas Subaru said they will export it.
However; at this stage its got as much chance of being released as the next generation Supra – which has been “on ice” for the past 10 years
I believe that Toyota Should have continued to offer the Camry as a 4yl and a 6 cyl FWD car as they did with previous models [6cyl being exclusive to the higher up models like the “Sportivo” and make the Aurion a RWD car ci a V6 and maybe even a Lexus sourced V8
That way they would have had a direct rival to the Falcon and Commodore – which would have helped change their image not to mention given TRD more of a chance in their attempt in trying to turn it into a sports sedan.
As well as being an all new addition to the TMC line up.. They supposedly have the money and the resources but apparently lack the commitment to try something different
Wow look at that cheaply taked on body kit..yuck.
good fuel economy,and good specifications for price.
but still white goods on wheels. :(
This is for people who want a 6-cyl size comfy cruiser car but with fuel economy closer to a 4. It now has mp3 input and USB drive input which could play mp3 files directly off ur USB drive.
As someone stated, Jake02… the things you wish to happen are almost impossible and illogical.
The Aurion facelift looks good too, seen some on google. ahem.
BORING. This is no great achievement. The Koreans have a 2.4 with 119kw five speed auto and five star safety since 2005. Combined fuel economy is 8.3. Good job Toyota.
Wheelnut, this is the first comment from you that I actually like being a toyota driver. Well done…
Wheelnut®™ Says:
July 22nd, 2009 at 7:42 pm
I believe that Toyota Should have continued to offer the Camry as a 4yl and a 6 cyl FWD car as they did with previous models [6cyl being exclusive to the higher up models like the “Sportivo” and make the Aurion a RWD car ci a V6 and maybe even a Lexus sourced V8
That way they would have had a direct rival to the Falcon and Commodore – which would have helped change their image not to mention given TRD more of a chance in their attempt in trying to turn it into a sports sedan.
As well as being an all new addition to the TMC line up.. They supposedly have the money and the resources but apparently lack the commitment to try something different
Bring the RWD Toyota Crown to Oz – superb car.
I had a 2008 Camry V6 hire car and tested at 110km/h and over exactly 100km distance without stopping or changing speed (Karrgulin to Brookton) got 14l/100km.
Leone (THE FERAL DOG) Says:
“Toyota doesn’t rest on it’s laurels”
So a minor software tweak, that could have been done at any time, only happens when you need to beat a larger 6cyl car is being proactive or reactive?
Toyota……resting on its laurels again.
The Realist^^^^
*Almost* spot on, this car, the Toyota V12 Century, is not only the best BigT[tm.f-0] ever built, but the world’s best passenger sedan, MILES in front of a RR or Maybach etc
Never seen a car company take so much care trying to make a 100-point perfect car like this, 9 days to build one vehicle buy a group of hand picked experienced technicians.
Think premium top of the line Lexus LS series, and move the yardstick further foward, by a long way.
Simply amazing vehicle, check out the video, and the hand-carved badge on it!, like jewellery!
C/A should do a review on it and visit the manufactory in Japan, happy to carry the bags for them! :-)
www youtube com/watch?v=s1erJ1eVmLo
Cheers,
F-0
Why dosnt Toyota bring back the Camry wagon, we all dont want to drive little hatches or cumbersome SUVs
Yeah but Wheelnut, creating a Camry from a RWD is going backwards.
They had RWD sedan platforms back in the 80s.
You have to understand, engineering automotive mass production cars take to account assembly/manufacturability costs more so than performance.
Front wheel drive cars are just much more efficient assembly wise and parts component quanity wise.
Theres a reason why japanese companies ell RWD sedans on a premium price. GM, Ford sell RWD at affordable costs as they compromise the technology aspect of the chassis and underbody structures, basically they compromise somewhere in the car to make up for the RWD and big-as engine setup.
And if anything, if push comes to shove, Toyota can always re-engineer along with Subaru, the Impreza/Liberty platform chassis and configure them for RWD setup… affordable RWD platform.. BUT, still it’ll cost millions on R&D and currently its not gonna fly among Toyota execs at Japan…. however, a new vehicle altogether to cater to other markets… ahem.. sports… well thats different story.
I think there is a huge market out there for a low cost RWD 4 cylinder. It wouldn’t’ even need to be particularly good. Just make it cheap and low tech (easy to modify) boy racers the world over will love it.
I’d love the TRD model to come back, but could they put a LITTLE bit of effort into it and offer the thing with an AWD platform. RWD would be silly, far too expensive, make it AWD and offer a similar yet different niche to High Performance Falcodore owners/possible buyers.
Toyota really is just a boring manufacturer, and it WORKS. I would adore a nice sports car from them with the 3.5 six, like the Evora!!! But a new Supra!
But would they make money from it?
The over-bearing point in these comments seems to be that we want a Stationwagon.
I would rather be seen driving a Territory over a Falcon stationwagon, but to be honest, i’d still buy the Falcon stationwagon.
Why the hell do we all need these SUV’s when hardly anyone takes them off road? My dad bought a Tribute, quite a capable SUV, took it on sand once and the transmission went haywire -12k replacement-.
I WANT WAGONS!!!
P.S. Dear Toyota.
I understand your cars must be boring
But can you explain the ancient drivetrain in half your range? If you can do the Prius, you can do something half decent with a Corolla or Camry. If there was the tiniest spark of excitement within a Corolla, i’d buy it (say… a new Sportivo like the ‘03 model, wink wink, nudge nudge). Bloody brilliant cars. But brilliant in the way that my washing machine is brilliant. Does what it says it does and never breaks.
Wow.
Lies!!!!! Toyota’s claimed fuel consumption numbers on all their models are never achievable in the real world, but the sort of people that buy these cars are too dumb to care anyway.
TomR, I actually agree with you on the note of SUV’s. I like wagons, especially europeans. Renault Laguna Tourer anyone? Imagine a Toyota Camry wagn. That’d be interesting. Also imagine a somewhat sporty Camry (and I don’t mean just a little bodykit) with good handling, AWD, aggressive styling and lots of luxury kit just like TomR said. Wow! Thats definitely not a Toyota…
I reckon they should get rid of the camry altogether, and bring in the Toyota avensis from Europe instead.
The Avensis comes in diesel and wagon and looks much better all around!!