Toyota resurrects Camry RZ
BY TUNG NGUYEN | 3rd Nov 2016
Based on the Altise – which starts at $26,490 – the Camry RZ carries a $2700 premium over its donor car but, according to Toyota, includes almost $5000 of extra kit.
The most obvious change in the sport-inspired sedan is the addition of black RZ decals on the rear doors, RZ-branded front floor mats and 18-inch gloss-black alloy wheels wrapped in stickier low-profile tyres.
Under the sheet metal, Toyota has given the new Camry a bespoke sports suspension tune that “enhances body control without compromising ride comfort,” according to Toyota.
A freer flowing twin exhaust system that lifts power in the 2.5-litre four-cylinder from 133kW/231Nm to 135kW/235Nm while keeping fuel consumption at 7.9 litres per 100km is also fitted.
Gloss-black highlights feature throughout, including radiator grille, headlight inserts, side mirrors, boot-lip spoiler and rear diffuser.
Available in diamond white and cherry gloss paint schemes at no extra cost, or silver pearl, graphite and eclipse black for an additional $450, Toyota is planning just 700 examples of the new Camry RZ after selling out its initial 1100 run in mid-2016.
However, despite sharing many similarities with its forbearer, the new RZ gains satellite navigation, a 7.0-inch colour touchscreen, six-speaker sound system with digital radio and voice recognition as standard and incurs a $700 price penalty over the mid-year RZ.
Earlier this week, Toyota added satellite navigation as standard to its mid-spec Camry Atara S, increasing prices by $700, and is also offering the technology on its base Altise variants as an option for the same amount.
Safety equipment on the Camry RZ includes seven airbags, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, vehicle stability control, traction control and anti-skid brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, enough for a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Toyota’s Camry contibues to dominate the mid-sized sedan segment, with 16,543 units shifted to the end of September this year – well ahead of rivals including the Mazda6 (3392), Subaru Liberty (2635), Volkswagen Passat (2465) and Ford Mondeo (2232).
| 2016 Toyota Camry pricing* | |
| Altise (a) | $26,490 |
| Altise hybrid (a) | $30,490 |
| RZ (a) | $29,190 |
| Atara S (a) | $30,190 |
| Atara S hybrid (a) | $33,190 |
| Atara SX (a) | $33,490 |
| Atara SL (a) | $37,440 |
| Atara SL hybrid (a) | $40,440 |
