Toyota has unveiled the Japan-spec 2018 Camry. This eighth generation sedan is likely to go on sale in India before the end of this year.

The new Camry is based on the GA-K platform, a spin-off of the Toyota New Global Architecture. Visual updates over the US-spec car are the new front fog lights and less chrome on the bumper. From inside, the Camry retains the bold new look with the chrome and wood inserts. The steering wheel, of course, has been moved to the right side.

While the Japanese market gets the Camry only in a hybrid trim, we should get base petrol too. The engine is mated to a CVT transmission.

Toyota has not yet revealed the specifications of the newly introduced powertrain options of the 2018 Camry. However, with regard to the Indian market, it is expected that the 2018 India-spec Camry Hybrid will come outfitted with a new 2.5-litre motor with a next-gen Toyota Hybrid System (THS II).

The hybrid powertrain will be coupled to a CVT (continuously variable transmission) like the current version, but will also feature a new Sport mode which offers simulated 6-speed sequential shifts with optional paddle shifters. Toyota anticipates that it will present best-in-class fuel efficiency. 

While the D-segment has been in a general decline over the last few years, the Toyota Camry has managed to hold its own, garnering decent sales numbers. We can expect the new Camry to be launched here as a locally-assembled model, with a price of around Rs 40 Lakh.

The highlight of the 2018 Camry’s dashboard is a new character line that flows down from the instrument cluster and bisects the waterfall-like centre console.