Toyota and Toyota Racing Development (TRD) recently took the wraps off its latest collaboration: The Toyota TRD Camry Next Gen, a NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) race car that will take to the track in 2022.
Toyota said it has been working alongside NASCAR and original equipment manufacturers, on the development of the "Next Gen" vehicles like this TRD Camry for competition.
The components of these race cars aim to continue to evolve safety enhancements of the race cars, and promote on-track competition, Toyota added.
Toyota's Calty Design and TRD have worked together to ensure as many body styling characteristics from the production-variety Camry are incorporated to the TRD Camry Next Gen. The race car took the road Camry's grille and taillights.
This styling practice is one that Toyota and TRD have employed since the development of the 2013 Camry in competition.
“We’re thrilled to have the chance to showcase the TRD Camry to represent Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series through this Next Gen project," Paul Doleshal group manager of motorsports and assets of Toyota Motor North America said.
"This is our topline, track-inspired performance Camry and it seemed only fitting for it to take its spot on the race track,” he added.
The TRD Camry Next Gen has a 5.7-liter naturally-aspirated V8 engine in two states of tune. In racing "stock" form, the engine pumps out 550hp, while 670hp is available for certain tracks. According to TRD, the overall packaging may accommodate a hybrid system by early 2023.
Other racing goodies include 18-inch BBS aluminum wheels with a center lock nut, independent rear suspension, stronger brakes, and carbon-composite body panels to reduce weight. It also has a deeper front splitter, and a large rear diffuser for aerodynamic advantage.
The TRD Camry NCS is not Toyota's only foray into NASCAR. The manufacturer said, it continues to be the only one in the motorsport series to showcase three nameplates.
Aside from the Camry in the NCS, it has the Supra in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS), and the Tundra in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS).
Since joining the NCS and NXS in 2007, Camry race cars have earned 155 NCS wins, three NCS championships, and 171 NXS wins and two NXS championships. Since the Tundra’s entry into the NCWTS in 2004, Toyota has claimed 204 victories and eight Truck Series championships.
“For Toyota and TRD, we’re committed to the principle of continuous improvement and we believe that’s reflected in this Next Gen TRD Camry,” TRD President David Wilson said.
“While we know the margins available with this new race car are smaller when it comes to adjustability, we know our race team partners and our team at TRD look forward to the challenge of learning about this car and discovering the performance opportunities that will help put the TRD Camry into victory lane.”
The Toyota TRD Camry Next Gen will make its debut as the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season starts at the Daytona International Speedway on February 20, 2022.
Here in the Philippines, the Camry is powered by a 2.5-liter engine that nets 181hp and 231Nm of torque. This midsize sedan starts at P1.871 million.
Photos from Toyota, Toyota Motor Philippines
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