Standard equipment on the 2008 Camry Hybrid includes 16-inch all-season tires and alloy
wheels, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic brake force distribution, Brake ist,
Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (a form of stability control that enhances braking and
steering in collision-avoidance manoeuvres), Vehicle Stability Control, and Traction Control.
Inside, the 2008 Camry Hybrid has standard dual-zone automatic climate control, a premium JBL
audio system with AM/FM/in-dash six-disc CD changer/MP3/WMA player plus audio auxiliary input
jack, Bluetooth capability, eight speakers and steering wheel-mounted audio system controls;
eight-way power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; average and
instant fuel economy display, outside temperature gauge, power windows, tilt and telescopic
steering wheel, electronic “Smart Key” with pushbutton start, cruise control, 60/40 fold-down
rear seatbacks, garage door opener, side airbags, curtain airbags, driver’s knee airbag,
heated mirrors, and variable intermittent wipers.
The 2008 Camry Hybrid’s gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain: a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine,
continuously variable transmission, 105 kW electric motor/generator, electronic controller,
and 244-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack behind the rear seat. The 2.4-litre engine
develops 147 horsepower at 6000 r.p.m. and 138 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 r.p.m., but combined
with the electric ist, those numbers jump to 187 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. Much of that
torque is available between 0 and 1500 r.p.m., giving the Camry Hybrid better throttle
response than a standard four-cylinder Camry.
As a “full hybrid”, the Camry Hybrid is capable of running on electricity only, gasoline
engine only, or both at the same time depending on power requirements. Generally, the car runs
on battery power at slow, city speeds or when coasting, and uses the gas engine and
battery/electric motor when accelerating. The gas engine kicks in automatically and almost
seamlessly. For those drivers interested in knowing when the car is running on electricity, a
real-time pictograph in the gauge cluster shows power distribution. When coasting or braking,
the Hybrid’s regenerative brakes re-charge the battery, and this is also shown in the gauge
display. Under the right conditions, the engine will shut off automatically when “idling” at a
stop sign or traffic light, thereby saving fuel and reducing emissions.
The Camry Hybrid meets the most stringent exhaust emissions standards: California’s Advanced
Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV). PZEV means it is a Super Ultra Low
Emissions Vehicle (SULEV), meets a zero-fuel evaporative standard, a 240,000 km durability
demonstration, extended emissions system warranty, and has technology deemed to advance future
fuel-cell vehicles.
Bottom line: the Toyota Camry Hybrid provides big car ride and comfort, luxury car amenities and compact car fuel consumption. It’s a car that allows you to treat yourself well without treating the environment badly.
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