Next-Gen Toyota Camry Likely to Ditch V6 for Turbo Four

Toyota is pushing to lead the fuel economy race with an all-new new engine family, and the Camry will be the first non-hybrid car to reap the benefits. 

As part of these sweeping changes coming to the brand’s powertrain lineup, the next-generation Camry is likely to ditch its naturally aspirated V6 in favor of a small displacement turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

The Japanese automaker’s long-term goal is to improve fuel economy by up to 30 percent while cutting costs on key components by up to 50 percent. Most recently, the company introduced a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the Lexus NX 200t with 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

SEE ALSO: Toyota Developing Cheaper, More Efficient Engine Family

It is likely a similar powerplant will replace the Toyota Camry’s V6 for the sedan’s next generation, which could come as soon as 2016. The next-generation Camry will be the first vehicle to get the company’s full Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) treatment, complete with a new platform and engine. Toyota has a hurdle however, to see if American consumers will accept the idea of a turbo-four engine instead of the more traditional V6.

“Eventually we think this is where the technology is going, but right now we don’t know what the reaction of U.S. customers will be,” said Koei Saga, Toyota’s senior managing officer in charge of powertrain development. “So probably right up until the last moment, we will have to be ready with both and watch customer feedback.”

GALLERY: 2015 Toyota Camry

[Source: Automotive News]

Discuss this story at our Toyota Forum