Toyota Camry: Faster and More Efficient than Yaris

Toyota is continuously working on its green models and it appears the Australian division of the Japanese manufacturer has just reached an important milestone: it managed to make the hybrid Camry more sportier than the gasoline version and even turn this model into a more efficient vehicle than the Yaris.

Quite impressive, but the hybrid Camry won't be released in Australia sooner than 2010, Toyota Camry hybrid’s chief engineer Yukihiro Okane told drive.com.au. The car will be faster than the gasoline model when it comes to 0-100km/h acceleration and will achieve a fuel consumption rating of 38 mpg (6.2 l/100km).

“We tuned the suspension and steering assistance only for the Australian market. It is much more stiff and sporty,” Okane said. “We want (Camry) to be much more fun to drive."

Okane also confirmed that Toyota is deeply involved in fuel consumption reduction efforts and revealed the company wants to improve efficiency with the help of a number of measures, including better aerodynamics and smaller displacements of its engines. Furthermore, he admitted Toyota is considering developing plug-in electric and lithium-ion batteries for its hybrids but emphasized the company will stick to nickel metal hydride batteries for the time being.

“At this moment nickel metal hydride is better because we have lots of experience with it. We need confirmation of the reliability, the durability, safety and stable performance of lithium ion. After that, we may change the battery,” he stated. “The potential of lithium ion is very big but for now we will use nickel metal."