2012 North American Market Camry Undisguised

Forget about the teaser images. This is the 2012 model year North American market Camry, and for the first time, seen with its normally heavy camo materials stripped. The series of shots were obtained by professional crew of automotive spyshot photographers KGP Photography. The minimal camo material suggests that the vehicle was in the middle of a TV commercial shooting. Note that the model shown here is the hybrid model (small Hybrid Synergy Drive badge can be spotted at the rear). Expect standard models to feature a slightly different tail lamp cluster and front radiator grille.

Can't help but LOLZ at the guy here.

The 2012 American market Camry is expected to be launched later this month.

For information regarding the Asian market Camry, go here.

Personally, I find the American market Camry far more appealing. The lines are cleaner, more tout, have less gaudy chrome than the Asian market Camry, who masquerades as a pseudo-luxury car slotting just below entry level German luxury nameplates. But then again, I am not the Camry's target market, so my opinions don't count. And unless you are over 40, neither do yours.

In our local market, this segment puts a premium on a tried and tested name, especially one that projects onto its owners an affable and reliable character, more than any fancy toys and shouty designs. It is by no accident that the "low tech" Camry with "only" a 4-speeder automatic and a humble intake valve side only VVT-i engine, consistently outsells the more fancy and higher specs Honda Accord every month, let alone the new contenders to the crown Hyundai Sonata. Toyota knew exactly what Camry buyers want and prioritized the car's development areas accordingly. Until Toyota's forte in the mid-size / D-segment sedan is under seige, there is no reason to change the existing formula that has worked so well. So its a yawn from this author, but at the same time I can appreciate why it continues to sell so well.