Toyota Files Trademark for Camry Apex, Hinting at a Sportier Variant
Toyota's trademark filing for Camry Apex suggests a sportier version of the Camry sedan may be in the works.
Key Takeaways
- Toyota filed a trademark for Camry Apex.
- The Camry Apex may follow the same formula as the Corolla Apex Edition.
- No power improvements are expected, but visual and suspension upgrades are possible.
- The Corolla Apex Edition featured unique coil springs, retuned shocks, and bespoke electronic power steering.
- A production version of the Camry Apex may be hinted at by Toyota’s SEMA Show teaser.
What’s an Apex?
Assuming the Camry Apex sticks to the same formula as the Corolla, we wouldn’t expect any performance enhancements under the hood. In other words, the current hybrid powertrain with 225 horsepower (232 horsepower with all-wheel-drive) should remain unchanged.
The Corolla Apex kept the same 169-hp four-cylinder as a standard Corolla, but added unique coil springs with a lower ride height, retuned shocks, new jounce dampers, and bespoke electronic power steering.
It might be strange for a hybrid, but the Corolla also featured a cat-back exhaust with a stainless steel tip. Since the new Camry frequently starts and stops its engine, this could make for an interesting soundtrack.
Toyota’s Sportier Camry Plans
Toyota did tease a hotter Camry variant at last year’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas, so perhaps this trademark is our first indication that a production version is coming.
A trademark does not guarantee that a new vehicle will reach production, but Toyota has hinted at building a sportier Camry. If we had to choose, we’d prefer to see a Camry with TRD or Gazoo Racing enhancements, including the plug-in hybrid powertrain from the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid for improved acceleration.
Camry Apex vs. Corolla Apex
The Corolla Apex Edition was limited to 6,000 units for the inaugural model year, though it’s unclear if the 2022 version was equally rare. Of those initial 6,000 units, only 120 were equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, while the rest featured a continuously variable transmission.
The Corolla Apex kept the same 169-hp four-cylinder as a standard Corolla, but added unique coil springs with a lower ride height, retuned shocks, new jounce dampers, and bespoke electronic power steering.
Toyota’s Performance Plans
Toyota has been expanding its performance offerings in recent years, including the GR Corolla and the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid. A sportier Camry variant could be a welcome addition to the lineup.
However, it’s worth noting that the Camry is not typically known for its performance capabilities. A sportier variant would need to balance performance with the Camry’s reputation for comfort and practicality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Camry Apex?
The Camry Apex is a potential sportier variant of the Toyota Camry sedan, hinted at by a trademark filing.
Q: Will the Camry Apex have a more powerful engine?
No, it’s unlikely that the Camry Apex will have a more powerful engine. The Corolla Apex Edition kept the same engine as the standard Corolla, but added suspension and visual upgrades.
Q: Is the Camry Apex a production vehicle?
Not yet. While Toyota has filed a trademark for the Camry Apex, there is no confirmation that it will enter production.
