LIKE the V6 engine to which they mate, the standard five-speed manual transmission and optional four-speed automatic are carried over.

The TE153 manual was new with the previous Camry, just like the 1MZ-FE V6 engine, and retains the same gear ratios even down to the final drive.

The manual is only available with Altise and Sportivo models and won't be in big demand with the former, where the A541E auto will be the primary choice.

That gearbox, an electronically controlled unit with lock-up torque converter which operates on third and fourth gears, was also introduced with the 660T Camry.

The transmission lever uses a lock-out button for fourth gear, enabling selection of third gear without having to move the lever.