For the 2007 model year, the Camry Solara is raising the bar in the sporty coupe segment as it receives one of Toyota's most extensive mid-life cycle changes to date. Refreshed and updated, Camry Solara has several exterior and interior styling changes, additional standard safety equipment, and enhanced audio and convenience features.

 

The 2007 Solara is distinguished by a redesigned front fascia, including the bumper with sporty mesh inserts, grille, headlamps and fog lamps. Also new, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps are standard on the Sport and available for the SLE grade. On all grades, a restyled rear bumper with integrated, side back up lamps and eye-catching LED taillights has been adopted. A rear spoiler accentuates the sporty profile.

The Solara Sport grade, formerly SE Sport, is more differentiated for 2007. The Sport grade features unique 17-inch alloy wheels, with an aggressive five-spoke design and polished chrome finish, a larger profile rear spoiler and unique chrome exhaust tip. The Solara Sport continues with its bold body panel treatment, specially tuned suspension and dark-charcoal interior with black graphite-style trim.

Solara continues to offer four-cylinder and V6 power choices, and fuel efficiency remains exemplary for the class: four-cylinder Solara models are rated at 25 MPG city/34 MPG highway with the optional five-speed automatic transmission and 24 MPG city/34 MPG highway with the standard five-speed manual. The Solara Convertible is powered exclusively by a 210-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine, which is also available on Solara coupe models.

Toyota enhanced the Solara interior for 2007. The instrument panel now features standard Optitron meters for a more upscale look. A new audio system integrates an audio auxillary input jack, MP3 CD playback and satellite radio capability, and SE and Sport grades now include a standard six-disc CD changer.

The available navigation system for the Solara SLE has been upgraded to a new fifth-generation unit for 2007 that features voice activation. The new navigation system is integrated with the optional premium JBL audio system and features a four-disc in-dash CD changer, plus Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free telephone compatibility. The hands-free calling feature is also available on SE and Sport grades without navigation.

The (2006) Solara Convertible was named "Best Value in America" for Convertibles under $39,000 by ViNCENTRiC,  whose automotive cost-of-ownership data are used by organizations such as Kiplinger's Personal Finance and The AutoChannel.com.

"The Solara is a rarity among coupes and convertibles in today's market – a car that is stylish and sporty yet still roomy and practical and with proven Toyota quality and good value," said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor Sales executive vice president.

The Solara Coupe is available in three model grades: SE, highlighted by sporty metallic finish interior trim; Sport with its unique exterior styling, enhanced handling and special interior trim, and the SLE with additional luxury content and woodgrain-style interior trim.

The Solara Convertible is available in SE, Sport and SLE grades. The Sport Convertible, a newly added model for 2007, shares the Sport Coupe's dark-charcoal interior with black graphite-style trim and 17-inch alloy wheels along with the front and rear underbody spoilers and rocker panel moldings.

Advanced Active and Passive Safety

All Solara models are equipped with a direct tire pressure monitor system and standard side airbags, with coupe models gaining standard front and rear side curtain airbags for 2007.

Four-wheel disc brakes and an anti-lock brake system (ABS) help provide responsive, reliable stopping power on all Solara models, and the SLE V6 can also be equipped with optional Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control. VSC helps maintain direction during cornering by manipulating engine torque and individual wheel-braking control when it detects tire slippage.

-----

Sporty and Roomy

The Solara models provide levels of room and practicality unexpected in coupes and convertibles. The model's 107.1-inch wheelbase allows for a roomy interior, particularly in the rear seat, where many coupe and convertible models can feel confining. Solara passengers will find ample headroom and legroom in the rear seat, as well as generous front and rear shoulder and hip room.

Compared to its closest competitor, Solara Coupe offers 3.5 inches more rear legroom and nearly an inch more rear headroom. The Solara coupe models offer flexibility for passengers and cargo with a standard 60/40 split/fold-down rear seat with adjustable headrests. Versatile interior storage space in all Solara models includes a front console box, cup holders that double as additional storage, and a center console that provides dual storage compartments.

Two Levels of Sporty Power

All Solara Coupe grades come equipped as standard with a double overhead cam (DOHC) 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 155 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 158 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 RPM.

The all-aluminum 3.3-liter V6 produces 210 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 220 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 RPM, with ample torque at low and mid-range speeds. In both engines, Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) ensures an even spread of power across the engine speed range for sporty response.

The smooth, quick-revving four-cylinder engine comes equipped as with a crisp-shifting five-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic transmission with intelligent electronic controls is optional. The V6 is teamed with the five-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment and features a gated shifter with sequential shift mode to help produce lively performance and excellent fuel efficiency.

All Solara models receive California Level II Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-II) and EPA Tier II Bin 5 certification.

Confident Handling, Quiet Running

Solara provides a quiet, serene ride reminiscent of luxury models. The Solara Coupe registers a 0.29 coefficient of drag (Cd), which helps to minimize wind noise. Foam filler in the roof and pillar panels further helps to subdue road and wind noise. Vibration-damping and noise-suppressant materials are used throughout the cabin, as well as in the wheel housings, dash panel and trunk.

In the Solara Convertible, reinforcements optimally located throughout the vehicle provide high torsional rigidity, resulting in a smooth, quiet ride and responsive handling.

The Solara convertible's standard power retractable roof lowers or raises in just 10 seconds. With its power top up, the Solara Convertible provides two inches more rear headroom than the coupe.

The convertible top features a headliner and a glass rear window to optimize passenger comfort. When lowered, the Solara Convertible's soft-top stows behind the rear seat with a low profile for a sleek overall appearance. An available windscreen can be installed to suppress wind turbulence, when the top is down. The all-window control system allows the driver to open and close all door- and quarter-windows by pressing one button on the instrument panel.

The Solara suspension and steering systems have been specially tuned to provide lively handling response. Front and rear suspension systems are mounted to anti-vibration sub-frames, ensuring a smooth, quiet ride that can be compared with some luxury models.

The Solara SE Coupe features standard 16-inch alloy wheels with P215/60 R16 tires. The Solara Sport heightens handling reflexes with a performance-tuned suspension that includes stiffer front and rear springs, specific front and rear shock absorbers and p215/55 R17 summer tires on 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels (Sport Convertible equipped with all-season tires only). The Solara SLE V6 Coupe also features standard 17-inch alloy wheels.

-----

Sporty, Luxurious Interior

Inside the Solara, a sweeping console and deeply contoured front and rear seats emphasize the intimate feel that a coupe should impart. A standard tilt/telescopic steering wheel helps the driver to set an ideal driving position. The gauge display uses three main meters highlighted by a 3-D chrome trim ring design, with soft lighting and fully illuminated needle pointers at night.

A center-mounted three-pod multi-function display integrates a five-feature trip computer in the left pod, with functions that include fuel consumption, average speed, "miles-to-go" and elapsed time.

Solara targets class-leading fit and finish quality with gaps between interior surfaces narrowed to 0.5 millimeters or less and by using a full soft-touch dash panel, invisible front-passenger airbag seams and chrome accents. Silicone dampers ensure smooth operation for all register knobs.

The Solara Sport coupe and Convertible models feature a dark-charcoal interior with black graphite-style trim, all black sport-fabric seats, exclusive sport gauge design and trim, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob and aluminum-trimmed pedals.

Outstanding Toyota Value

Solara SE offers an expansive standard equipment list that includes a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, power windows with driver-side auto up/down, power driver's seat lumbar support, power door locks, remote keylessentry, engine immobilizer, an AM/FM/six-disc CD stereo system with steering wheel audio controls and dual 12-volt power outlets.

The SLE brings the Solara closer to the luxury realm with standard automatic climate control, a power adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar, power moonroof, heated exterior mirrors, auto-dimming inside and driver's side mirrors, JBL premium 3-in-1 audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer and eight speakers in six locations (7 speakers in SLE Convertible), HomeLink® transceiver/garage door opener, and a security system with an alarm and engine immobilizer.

SLE Coupe V6 models also add a leather-trimmed interior with heated front seats (optional on the SLE four-cylinder coupe).

Options for the Solara models include XM satellite or Sirius satellite radio capability and the latest generation in Toyota's DVD-based navigation system with voice activation and a 6.5-inch screen.

All Solara Coupe and Convertible models are assembled exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown, Ky.