About the Toyota Camry Hybrid
This article describes the technology behind the Toyota Camry Hybrid, its performance and other features, and its price. The article also compares the Camry Hybrid to other hybrid vehicles.
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History of
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After introducing its first hybrid vehicle, the Prius, in 2000, Toyota began offering a hybrid version of the Camry in 2007. The Camry, introduced in 1980, has a long record of reliability and popularity. Toyota combined this strong reputation with its Hybrid Synergy Drive technology to provide all the environmental benefits of a hybrid without sacrificing the comforts or features that many drivers demand in a midsized sedan.
The Facts
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Like all hybrid vehicles, the Toyota Camry Hybrid uses a conventional combustion engine for most of its power. An additional electric motor then provides assistance to the main engine. The electric batteries get recharged as you drive rather than by being plugged-in. Through "regenerative braking," the electric engine becomes a generator when you brake and decelerate, recharging the batteries by capturing energy usually lost as heat. This self-recharging electric engine then assists the main combustion engine in accelerating, passing or going up hills. It also keeps the car's systems running when the main engine automatically shuts off at a stop. Then it starts the engine back up again so you can get going.
The Toyota Camry Hybrid stands out from other hybrids in its class with some of its mechanical, performance and design features. In the 2009 Camry Hybrid, the 2.4-liter, 16-valve hybrid electric engine provides 147 horsepower and 138 pounds per feet of torque. All together, the 4-cylinder powertrain puts out 192 horsepower at 6600 rpm, easily bettering other comparable hybrid cars. -
Benefits
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When it comes to fuel economy, Camry Hybrids perform as well as many other hybrids and better than most standard combustion-engine vehicles. The Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid get the best miles per gallon amongst hybrids, both in the mid-50s. So the Camry's fuel-economy rating of 33 miles per gallon in the city and 34 mpg on the highway do not put it at the head of the hybrid class. However, the regular 2009 Toyota Camry is rated at 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, so the hybrid version still has clear advantages over standard vehicles. The 2009 Camry Hybrid also does better on gas than some other hybrids, such as the Nissan Altima or Chevrolet Malibu.
Another fuel-saving feature of the Camry Hybrid is its transmission. Like most hybrid vehicles, it has an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission rather than a standard 4- or 5-speed transmission. This adjusts the transmission speed based on actual driving conditions moment by moment. By not wasting power, then, the Camry doesn't waste gas--or your money!
Features
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The Toyota Camry Hybrid doesn't entail sacrificing features and options in order to be ecofriendly. It offers the same safety features as a standard Camry, including driver and front passenger airbags, front and rear crumple zones, anti-lock brakes and even vehicle stability control. The Camry has a reputation for being a safe, reliable car, and so the Camry Hybrid is no exception.
Nor will you have to sacrifice any of the interior amenities if you choose to "go green" with a Camry Hybrid. It comes with all the typical conveniences, such as cruise control, power windows and doors, a premium audio system and a keyless entry system. Combined with some of the additional options that Toyota offers, a Camry Hybrid will be no less comfortable or up to date just because it uses less gas. Never fear, then, if you absolutely must have a DVD navigation system.
Of course, the Toyota Camry Hybrid's savings do come with a bit more cost upfront . The 2009 Camry Hybrid has a suggested retail price $26,870, about $6,000 higher than the standard Camry. Compared to other comparable hybrids, though, this pricing is fairly typical.
Significance
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With the Toyota Camry Hybrid, you can help the environment while still getting the reliability, comforts and performance that you would expect from a midsized family sedan with the Camry's reputation. Heck, you may never even know you're driving a green machine--but the Earth surely will.
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