Toyota has released a teaser shot of the 2018 Camry ahead of the 2017 North American International Auto Show happening in January in Detroit, Michigan. No details were provided with the image other than the descriptor of “all-new.” Yep, apparently Toyota’s hot-selling sedan is getting a ground-up overhaul.

The image might not show much, but what is visible is rather appealing. The new LED taillights have a racetrack-style design that swoops and curves around the light housing. The prominent vertical vent bisects the taillight, created a rather dynamic piece of design. We doubt the vent is functional, but it can’t hurt to hope.

Also clearly seen are sharp character creases running horizontally down the body. Two heavy creases are seen coming off the top of the rear fender and another that runs through the fender, briefly interrupted by the wheel arch. These lines run into the truck lid and give the Camry’s tail a muscular appearance.

Also of note is the C-pillar. It has an interesting C-like shape to it far different than the current Camry. This leads up to think Toyota’s “all-new” claim isn’t just marketing speak. The XSE trim level badge is seen on the truck, denoting this is the Camry’s sportiest model. A tall decklid spoiler is present as well, likely accompanying the XSE badge. The wheels are visible as well and feature machined faced front and dark-painted pockets, all wrapped in low-profile tires.

We’ll have to wait until Detroit to see the rest of the 2018 Camry, but if the rest of the car looks as good as the XSE’s rear quarter, Toyota should have a hit on its hands.

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Why It Matters

The Camry is Toyota’s biggest seller by far, with 429,355 units sold in the U.S. in 2015 alone. A half-million Camrys sold – that’s huge. (Or as Donald Trump would say, “YUGE!”) Toyota designers and engineers must shoulder the burden of remaking the brand’s biggest seller. They have to cater to a wide audience that includes everyone from young families to retirees looking for a new car. Needless to say, the stakes are extremely high.

Things could go wrong. Remember the ninth-generation Honda Civic that debuted in 2012? Its fresh design lasted a single year before Honda revamped its appearance for 2013 due to abysmal reception and spiraling sales. Honda completely replaced the Civic for the 2016 model year with the 10th generation. But the damage had already been done. The Civic lost ground in its market share as its fierce competition ate up the lost territory. Only now is the Civic slowly rising back to prominence again.

Of course, that’s a horror story that no one hopes (or expects) Toyota to experience. The revamp of the Camry is a welcomed one – and from the looks of things – will usher in a new era of an exciting mid-size entry from Toyota. We’re betting that if the rest of the 2018 Camry looks this good, Toyota will have officially shaken the Camry’s appliance-like character that plagued the previous (and some of) the current generation.

Current Camry Dimensions

2018 Toyota Camry

Read our speculative review of the 2018 Toyota Camry and see more spy shots here.