pagemaster

Next-generation Toyota Camry revealed in patent filings? (Updated)

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/n...atent-filings/

Toyota may be having some brand image troubles, what with all of the bad press it has been getting lately, but we mustn't forget that the Japanese automaker produces many of America's most popular cars, including the best-selling car in the U.S., the Camry.

Those keeping close watch will remember that the Camry received a very minor facelift for the 2010 model year, with the car receiving more Corolla-like styling, albeit in a more substantial package. However, one of our tipsters sent us these United States Patent and Trademark Office filing images of what appears to be the next-generation Camry, possibly slated for the 2012 model year. The sedan's dimensions don't seem to have changed too much, and the overall styling theme is still very conservative – in fact, it looks more milquetoast than the 2010 model that is presently in dealerships. The front fascia ditches the angular design of the current car for a smoother, more traditional design, and we see more pronounced taillamps out back, likely using LED strips like those on the 2011 Avalon. If anything, the vehicle in these images looks similar to the ASEAN market Camry that was retouched last year, but it is still clearly different.

Timing-wise, we wouldn't expect to see the official reveal until later this year or even early next year (2011 Detroit Auto Show, perhaps?). In the meantime, click through the gallery below to see the patent filing scans from all angles. A tip of the hat to RPB!

UPDATE: This is one of those times where we make like a point guard who just blew a pass to the open guy on a breakaway, tap our chests, and mouth, "My bad." As some of you noticed, the car pictured above is indeed the current Australian-market Toyota Aurion, itself a derivative of, yes, the Camry. Now, why would the Aurion show up in a U.S. patent filing? Perhaps the car's fascias are headed here as a cheap 'n easy facelift for the Camry. After all, it'd be a pretty significant change (for hyper-conservative Toyota, that is). It also does look better than the current Camry - in a differently-anonymous way. Also, if Toyota is going to Aurion-ize the Camry in the U.S., the least they could do is offer this while they're at it. Right? For a better look at the Aurion in living color, check out the second gallery below.

STIG

looks like asian version Camry.

pagemaster

Not exactly the Camry, but newsworthy if in case the Aurion does come to the US

cino

iTrader: (1)

Taiwan Camry or Australia Aurion. It's a 5 year already, how can it be the new Camry?

eyezack87

iTrader: (4)

If the TRD Aurion comes in, I'll be trading in my 2010 for it...

jadu

iTrader: (42)

i remember the aurion..

Stormwind

but, but...did they claim patent to their gas paddle?

Fizzboy7

I'd be shocked if they made that our Camry. It's a step back in styling and even more conservative than the current model. Big mistake. The next Camry will be all new, not a second face-lift.

TRDFantasy

There is no way that can be the Camry. They can't possibly be recycling the ASEAN Camry or Aurion design for the next-gen US Camry, because what would those markets get in terms of a next-gen Camry?

I think this is misdirection IMHO.

cino

iTrader: (1)

It's Asia, ASEAN has only 10 countries, which are in South-East Asia.
Anyway, I've seen those Aurion/Asia Camry for quite a while. I don't think Toyota US design center will use other base designs, or they are too doubt, or maybe they couldn't come up with new idea.

TRDFantasy

I think we won't have to wait too long to see the new Camry, and I do doubt this is it, but we'll see.

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

THe front end looks good but the design is from the previous generation not the current.

superchan7

This is sold as the current Camry in Taiwan, mainland China and several SE Asian countries. Of course, the western world sees it as the Aurion in AUS.

For all these markets, it came out at the same time as the Japan/US Camry, 2006.

Rash

iTrader: (1)

I heard it's discontinued, not enough sales.

IS350jet

Wow, it looks dated already.