Pinzvidz' Hybrid Camry

[pinzvidz]

Copied from the Camry section, as I have extra detail to post now;

Well boys and girls, after a 3 year stint in a VW (terrific MkV Golf GTI), we've decided to make a return to Toyota, after having a lovely little ZZE122R Ultima hatch prior to the Golf.

The wife picked up our new Hybrid Camry recently. Base with factory navigation and grege (two tone) interior. Only accessories fitted are colour matched mats and a rear spoiler, which I fitted up last weekend. Down the track it'll get HIDs, a VAIS Tech VML USB/HDD module for the factory audio, and Touring/Sportivo 17s.

The car is a brilliant drive, IMO much better than a petrol only Camry. The guys at Altona have done an awesome job with the R&D on this car. There's so much sound deadening in the car, everywhere you look. It's incredibly quiet. And underneath it looks like an F1 car with a lot of aerodynamic covers. The suspension feels like a Sportivo, very firm but maybe a little softer, but still very solid and rigid.

Coming from a Golf GTI, I wasn't expecting blistering performance from the Hybrid. However, it does go surprisingly well for a fuel efficient car. The official 0-100 km/h time seems conservative (8.9 seconds). It definitely feels like it has similar acceleration to an Aurion. Don't believe me, have a look on YT at some of the 0-60mph vids of US Hybrid Camrys, you'll be surprised.

Best thing about this car, we got it on finance with Toyota at 1.49%! They are advertising 2.9% on TV atm, but that's business. Consumer gets 1.49%!

So overall, very happy with the car.

Pics of car after it first arrived at the dealership off the truck.

Edited June 6, 2010 by pinzvidz

[pinzvidz]

One VAISTech VML box received and ready to install. Just waiting for a proper AUX/USB jack like the ones used in updated spec LC200 and NG 150 series Prado. This will replace the existing AUX jack inside the retractable cover box under the climate control.

Edited June 6, 2010 by pinzvidz

[pinzvidz]

Trial fit of OEM Grande/Sportivo/Touring 17" 5 spokes, thoughts everyone?

Sorry about crap photos, all done with camera phone. :(

Edited June 6, 2010 by pinzvidz

[u54mot]

Trial fit of OEM Grande/Sportivo/Touring 17" 5 spokes, thoughts everyone?

Sorry about crap photos, all done with camera phone. :(

The dealer/toyota has no objections about fitting larger wheels to the hybrid? And that there are no effects on the hybrid system/drivetrain?

[DJKOR]

The dealer/toyota has no objections about fitting larger wheels to the hybrid? And that there are no effects on the hybrid system/drivetrain?

Interesting point there. For example, the 18 inch Kappa wheels are offered as an accessory to all grades of the Camry except for the Hybrid. I wonder what the weight of the stock wheel/tire combo is. If the Sportivo wheel/tire combo is very similar in weight to the Hybrid ones, as long as you keep the same tire width, I wouldn't imagine any issues with regards to the drivetrain. But I guess at the end of the day, it's what Toyota says about it because there are a few more factors at play here that you don't need to worry about on a normal car.

[pinzvidz]

And that there are no effects on the hybrid system/drivetrain?

Not at all. Going from a 215/60R16 to a 215/55R17 is a "bee's richard" difference in circumference, so no effect on VDIM or hybrid side of things. The rims are roughly about the same weight.

Toyota haven't made any options available for wheels/tyres, as they're focusing on the best economy and quietness for the car. Surprisingly, the stock 16" Dunlops are very quiet. The 17s that I trialled had Michelins on them, and tyre noise was ever so slightly increased. But handling was improved, and the 17" wheels just look a lot better than the stocko 16s.

Don't forget that Toyota do 15s and 17s for the Prius now, the latter being louder for tyre noise and slight effect on fuel economy.

Edited June 6, 2010 by pinzvidz

[Sabmac]

Hmm, I like the 17s. Look clean, like stock, and slightly better.

[pinzvidz]

Was looking to fit a genuine AUX/USB jack in place of the AUX jack inside the console box below the climate control unit in the Hybrid Camry.

Part number 86190 60040

Images nicked from Tacomaworld.

However, this baby is over $200 retail! :o

So, plan B. Found these little beauties over in the US (for $6 USD a pop);

L-Com USB A-B connector

Which will be simply added inside the console box above the AUX jack. Then all I'll need is a USB printer cable to run from the VAISTech VML to this new USB jack. I'll post some pics of the install when it happens.