As promised, Toyota has applied more than the usual makeover to its bread-and-butter sedan in the U.S., the Camry, with the 2015 model bringing a revamped exterior with a more expressive face, an upgraded interior as well as better ride quality and handling thanks to a retuned suspension.

The 2015 Camry unveiled at the New York Auto Show also adds two new grades, the sporty and luxurious XSE and the eco-fun Hybrid SE, to the entry-level LE and the premium XLE grades.

The Camry’s proportions are slightly changed compared to the pre-facelift model, as the car is 1.8 inches (45mm) longer and features a widened track (0.4 inches/10mm). Together with the more aggressive front end dominated by a gaping grille, these give the car more presence and a dynamic stance. 

The restyled Camry features design cues from the JDM Toyota Sai facelift and the U.S.-market Corolla but retains a well-defined identity. The new sleek headlights with integrated turn signal indicators and LED DRL’s complement the aggressive front fascia. The sedan will be available in 10 colors, including the new Celestial Silver Metallic and Ruby Flare Pearl.

On the inside, the 2015 Camry appears to have a more refined feel thanks to premium materials and improved amenities. Depending on grade, seat cover textures range from premium cloth all of the way to genuine leather and Ultrasuede with durable, high contrast French-stitching.

The center-stack features a high-tech, upscale look, while the center console tray has been redesigned to increase capacity while offering a power source in the storage box. The new enclosed bin in front of the shifter now offers 12v, USB and a segment-first, available wireless charging system for select smart phones.

The instrument panel features a new 4.2-inch TFT screen nestled between the three-dimensional Optitron gauges on the SE, XLE and XSE models. Toyota says the 2015 Camry has a quieter cabin as window and door seals were improved and the carpet features 30 percent more insulating material.

There are no changes under the hood, with the Camry being offered with the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder or 3.5-liter V6 gas engines paired with 6-speed automatic transmissions, or a 2.5-liter Atkinson Cycle engine with Hybrid Synergy drive matched to an E-CVT. The new Toyota 2015 Camry will arrive in dealerships this fall.

By Dan Mihalascu

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