The Eighth-Generation Camry: Inside Info

The eighth-generation Camry is unlike any of the preceding models within the nameplate’s life, but it is also unlike anything we’ve seen from Toyota brand (i.e., absenting the former Scion or the currently existing Lexus brands) probably since the last-generation Celica (RIP, 2006).

That’s because the 2018 Camry was not just imagined, styled, engineered, and built so as to be a car that has superb quality, reliability and durability—things that have long been hallmarks of the family sedan—but actually to be exhilarating and engaging for those who are looking for something more than what’s pretty much been on offer in Toyota showrooms.

To get the utmost insights into how this new Camry has come to be and why, Autoline’s John McElroy and I are joined by three men who were instrumental in the vehicle: Jack Hollis, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division; Calty studio chief designer Ian Cartabiano; and Masato Katsumata, chief engineer, Toyota Camry. They provide insights into how the car that has been the best-selling car in the U.S. for 15 years running was designed and engineered and will be launched into the market.

Although there is an increase in interest in crossovers, when you have a car that has sales well in excess of 300,000 units in the U.S. each year, this is nothing to take lightly. What’s more, although the car has had a reputation of being an “appliance,” as in reliable but not at all intrinsically interesting, chief engineer Katsumata explains that with the 8^th generation, that was the last thing the car would be.

This is an important car, and the access to these three guys is unlike anything else you’re likely to see, and we have it here on this edition of “Autoline After Hours.”

What’s more, in order to get some other opinions on the Camry, McElroy and I are joined by two automotive journalists, Nina Russin of Carspondent.com and Tara Weingarten of Vroomgirls.com, both of whom were in Portland, Oregon, with us for the launch of this car.

You can see it all here: