Toyota Camry Solara

"This page is about the automobile manufactured by Toyota. For other uses, see Solara (disambiguation)" Infobox Automobile
name=Toyota Camry Solara


manufacturer=Toyota Motor Corporation
aka=Toyota Solara
production=1999-
class=Mid-size
layout=FF layout
body_style=2-door convertible
2-door coupé
related=Lexus ES
Lexus RX
Toyota Avalon
Toyota Camry
Toyota Highlander
Toyota SiennaThe Toyota Camry Solara, also more commonly known as the Toyota Solara, is a mid-size coupe/convertible designed and engineered by Toyota. Created to appeal to a demographic of slightly more sport-minded drivers than those who prefer the Toyota Camry sedan, the Camry Solara aspires to blend "sporty" looks and style with spacious practicality. The name "Camry Solara" can be divided into two parts: the Camry portion to reflect on its roots, and the "Solara" portion to portray the radiance of the sun. However, all models of the Camry Solara only feature the "Solara" portion of the name on exterior emblems, and the "Camry" portion of the name is rarely used when referring to the car in general.

Prior to the production of the Camry Solara, the 2-door version of the Toyota Camry was simply known as the Camry Coupé. It was added to the third generation Camry lineup in 1994 to compete with the Honda Accord and other cars in its class. However, due to it never being nearly as popular as the 4-door sedan of the Camry, the Camry Coupé was dropped in 1997.

In 1999, reviving the goal to compete with other similar coupés, Toyota launched the Camry Solara. Unlike the competing Honda Accord sedan and the Accord Coupe which are updated at the same time, the Solara's development lags behind of that of the Camry sedan by a couple years. Instead of mirroring the now-fourth generation Camry's appearance, the Solara had its own unique design with a swooped roofline, heavily creased sides, and unique front and rear fascia. The second generation, based on the 2002 Camry sedan, debuted in 2004.cite web|url=http://www.jbcarpages.com/toyota/camry/2004/|title=2004 Toyota Camry and Solara Review and Specs|publisher=JB car pages]

When the Camry sedan entered its seventh generation, there were no plans to update the Camry Solara to that platform. The Solara sold below expectations, as it inherited the unexciting handling from its Camry parent [cite web|url=http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2008-toyota-solara-5.htm|title=2008 Toyota Solara Full Review|publisher=Consumer Guide] . Without a major update in the works, that left the Solara underpowered compared to the new iteration of the sedan. The Solara coupe will be discontinued after the 2008 model year, though it is rumored that the coupe will be revived in 2010 albeit on a different platform. The Solara convertible, which accounts for the majority of sales, will continue to be produced. [http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/toyota-camry-solara-convertible-saved-from-gallows-pole/] [http://www.autonews.com/article/20080811/ANA02/299617585/-1/BREAKING]

Camry Coupé (1994-1997)

See Third generation Camry.

First generation (1999-2003)

Infobox Automobile generation
name=First generation


production=1999-2003
assembly=Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
platform=SXV-20 (I4)
MCV-20 (V6)
engine=2.2 L 5S-FE I4
3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6
transmission=4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
wheelbase=105.1 in
length=1999-2001: 190 in
2002-03: 191.5 in
width=71.1 in
height=1999-2001: 55.1 in
2002-03 Coupe: 54.3 in
2002-03 Convertible: 55.5 in
fuel_capacity=18.5
fuel_economy= City: 20-24 , Hwy: 27-34The first generation Camry Solara went on sale in the fall of 1998, as a 1999 model to replace the Camry Coupe. It was based on the mechanical platform of the previous generation Toyota Camry and was built at the TMMC facilities in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. This model featured a 4-cylinder 5S-FE 2.2 L engine with 135 net HP (101 kW), and Auto ft.lbf|147|0 of torque @ 4400 rpm (199 Nm), and a V6 1MZ-FE 3.0 L engine with 200 net HP @ 5,200 rpm (149 kW), and Auto ft.lbf|214|0 of torque @ 4,400 rpm (290 Nm) with a 0 to 60 of 7.1 seconds, both of which are identical engines to the 4th generation Camry, but slightly revamped to have a small gain in power (2 hp and Convert|6|hp|kW|0|abbr=on, respectively).

The Toyota Camry Solara is also the first vehicle in the Toyota lineup, after their 1997 partnership agreement to feature a JBL premium stereo option, which all models came with a single-slot in-dash CD player and cassette deck. The SE models come standard with 15-inch steel rims and hupcabs, upgradable to 15-inch alloy rims. The Sports Package also adds a retuned suspension, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, perforated 8-way power-adjustable leather seats, an upgrade to 16-inch alloy rims, retuned steering, minor trim changes and a rear lip spoiler.

In the year 2000, the SE and SLE convertibles are also added to the lineup, and all JBL head units are upgraded to an in-dash 6-disc CD changer with a cassette deck.

Minor model update (2002-2003)

The Camry Solara was facelifted in 2002, receiving changes to the grille pattern, taillights, headlights that now feature a 4-bulb system instead of 2, a chrome logo on the steering wheel (instead of an embossed pattern), and smaller fog lights. The trunk is now openable by remote and the wood trim has changed from Oxford Burlwood to Mustard Wood. New packages and options are also offered and include heated leather seats, an Appearance Package that features a 3-spoke steering wheel, leather-wrapped shift knob, black pearl emblems, and a different center cap on the wheels.

Mechanically, the 2.2 L four-cylinder engine was replaced with the same 2.4 L four-cylinder engine offered on the redesigned 2002 Camry, the 2AZ-FE. This new engine was chosen because it features the same gas mileage as the previous engine, except it offers more power and the addition of VVT-i, a technology that improves performance and reduces emissions. This new engine features Convert|157|hp|kW|0|abbr=on net @ 5,600 rpm (117 kW), and Auto ft.lbf|162|0 of torque @ 4,000 rpm (219 Nm), up Convert|22|hp|kW|0|abbr=on from the previous model. [cite web|url=http://www.jbcarpages.com/toyota/camry/2002solara/|title=2002 Toyota Camry Solara Review and Specs|publisher=JB car pages|accessdate=2008-08-10]

Second generation (2004-)

Infobox Automobile generation
name=Second generation


production=2004-present (convertible)
platform=ACV-30 (I4)
MCV-31 (V6)
engine=2.4 L 2AZ-FE I4
3.3 L 3MZ-FE V6
assembly=TMMK, Georgetown, Kentucky
transmission=4-speed automatic
5-speed automatic
5-speed manual
wheelbase=107.1 in
length=192.5 in
width=71.5 in
height=Coupe: 56.1 in
Convertible: 56.5 in
fuel_economy= City:21-24 , Hwy: 29-33The second generation of the Camry Solara was completely redesigned and introduced to the public in 2004 and featured a curvier body, with the option of adding XM radio and/or a navigation system.cite web|url=http://www.jbcarpages.com/toyota/camry/2004/|title=2004 Toyota Camry and Solara Review and Specs|publisher=JB car pages] Based on the platform of the 2002 Camry sedancite web|url=http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/2008-Toyota-Camry-Solara/|title=2008 Toyota Camry Solara Review|publisher=U.S. News] , the Gen 2 body is heavier than the Gen 1.5 body. The 4 cylinder is a carryover of the first mid generation's engine, and the larger available engine was the new 3.3 L V6 rated at 225 net HP @ 5,600 rpm (168 kW) and Auto ft.lbf|240|0 of torque @ 3,600 rpm (325 Nm) with a 0-60 of 6.9 seconds, with a quarter mile of 15.50 @ convert|93.50|mi/h|km/h|2|abbr=on. With the four-cylinder engine you could choose a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 was matched to only a five-speed automatic transmission equipped with a sequential automatic, also known as a Multi-Mode Transmission (MMT). Both engines now feature Toyota's VVT-i technology. The Solara also moved to TMMK for the second generation model.

In 2006, the four-speed automatic was dropped on the Solara in favor of the five-speed MMT automatic transmission. [cite web|url=http://www.jbcarpages.com/toyota/camry/2006/|title=2006 Toyota Camry and Solara Review and Specs|publisher=JB car pages|accessdate=2008-08-10]

connectivity, and voice-activated navigation on the SLE V6 models.

Although it gained a slightly updated appearance, it still retained both engines. Due to the new SAE-Certified testing method, the 4-cylinder model is rated at 155 hp (116 kW) with Auto ft.lbf|158|0 of torque (214 Nm), and the V6 is rated at 210 hp (157 kW) and Auto ft.lbf|220|0 of torque (298 Nm), but the output and performance is still the same without mechanical change.

Use of model name

The name Solara was previously used on a motor vehicle by Peugeot, with their Talbot Solara, a notchback variant of the Chrysler Alpine hatchback developed by Chrysler Europe before their takeover by Peugeot in 1978. The rights to use the Solara name on a motor vehicle within Europe remain with Peugeot. From time to time, such names from the past appear on limited edition models. Mitsubishi Australia also used this name on the mid-spec versions of its Mitsubishi Magna sedan and station wagon.

References

External links

* [http://www.toyota.com/camrysolara/index.html Camry Solara at the official US Toyota website]
* [http://www.solaraguy.com SolaraGuy.com, a forum dedicated to the Camry Solara]