An essential and primary goal was to ensure that even the least expensive Camry is equipped with a comprehensive list of features to enhance its comfort, convenience and value.
The CE gets an impressive list of standard features, including halogen headlamps with an automatic on/off feature, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, a six-speaker 160-watt digital AM/FM/CD audio system with an auxiliary audio jack and a 2.4L four-cylinder engine with a fivespeed manual transmission. It also comes with 16-inch wheels, a full complement of seven airbags, a vehicle immobilizer and four-wheel disc brakes.
The Camry LE adds to this package a long list of additional features, including an in-key remote keyless entry and eight-way-adjustable power driver’s seat. A V6 engine with dual exhausts is also available.
Toyota’s decision to distance the sporty Camry SE from the other grades had a significant effect upon the chassis specifications being developed for the new Camry SE. As was the case in previous years, LE and XLE use basically the same chassis specs while the SE uses springs, antiroll bars, shocks and bushings with firmer, sportier values than those used in the other two grades.
But for 2007, there are other differences, as well. The SE has a standard full body kit that positions the car 0.4-inches (10mm) lower than other Camry grades. In addition, a V-shaped brace is added to the SE’s body between trunk and cabin and stabilizing braces were added to the underbody to increase the body’s torsional rigidity. Finally, to make the SE more appealing to buyers seeking a more dynamic driving experience, the SE delivers performance enhanced by underbody aerodynamics borrowed from Toyota’s experience in Formula One.
Tuning the SE chassis involved making the underbody as flat as possible to smooth the airflow under the car, and also to increase the speed of the airflow. Engineers also carefully adjusted the balance between front and rear downforce. The result is exceptional stability at elevated speeds.
Features standard on the SE include sporty 17-inch aluminum wheels, its own distinct black, honeycomb-style grille, ground effects body enhancement, smoked tint halogen headlamps, unique sport-trimmed interior in dark charcoal or medium gray with a leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel and amber-colored optitron gauges.
The XLE’s list of standard features includes an upgraded dual-zone automatic climate controlled system with steering-wheel controls, a premium 440-watt JBL audio system with Bluetooth™ technology for hands-free calling, wood-style trim, moonroof, rear reclining seats, fog lamps and 16-inch aluminum wheels. Four-cylinder models are equipped with standard special seat fabric designed to be gentle on the skin, while V6 models feature standard leather-trimmed seats.
Options available on select Camry grades include a tilt/slide moonroof, heated seats, voicecommand DVD navigation system, leather-trimmed seating, rear spoiler, Vehicle Stability Control and a Smart Entry and Smart Start system with push-button start that allows drivers to lock, unlock, or start the car just by carrying the Smart Key on his/her person.