Bowling

It's just been a matter of which group prevails within the USBC - or what new technology comes along next. [24] [25]. These complaints have actually been part of the game throughout USBC history. Aftermarket performance parts for the Camry are significantly more limited than for sportier vehicles; however, even a bona-fide supercharger has been developed specifically for the Camry. At the same time, less aggressive players might complain when they can't get their balls to hook. Toyota's in-house motor sport department, Toyota Racing Development, as well as Toyota Team Europe and TOM'S, does offer performance parts for the fourth- and fifth-generation Camry. This is because advanced players using hi-tech balls "need" more oil to score high and might complain about the radical behavior of their balls on "dry" lanes. Since 2004, Tundra pickups have competed in the Craftsman Truck Series.

It is the opinion of many people in the bowling community that these advances in bowling ball technology have actually undermined bowling skill and have made it more difficult for lane maintenance personnel to lay out fair and credible conditions for participants. On January 23, 2006, Toyota announced that their 2007 version of the Camry will be entered for NASCAR's elite Busch and Nextel Cup series, starting in the 2007 season, marking the first appearance by a vehicle made by an automobile manufacturer not based in the United States to compete in NASCAR's top two series since the 1950s. Bowlers are embracing these choices, buying balls whose characteristics complement or enhance their deliveries. As the matter of fact, the South African Super Touring Camry is still being raced by a private individual in Australia in 2005, despite the car being more than 10 years old. Additionally, balls with covers that create higher friction, such as "particle" balls, provide for more traction and hook. [23] The Camry's popularity and Toyota's reputation for reliability means that older-model Camrys occasionally surface in amateur motorsports. The advent of dynamic ball balancing meant that bowlers could achieve "ball flair" without the need for a 3/4 roller delivery, and more hook. In spite of past failures, there nonetheless exists evidence that late-model Camrys have been raced in other minor championships.

It is possible to use dynamic ball balancing to achieve a stronger gyroscopic effect than static balancing alone. It only achieved moderate success as the competition comprised of other more suitable machinery, for example BMW 320i's prepared by Team Schnitzer. It is basically the same thing as a spinning toy top "going around in a circle." In the case of a rotating bowling ball, as it moves along the lane, there is only time for its total rotation axis to move along a short arc, but this is enough to reorient the total rotation so that some of the forward-roll becomes side-roll, increasing the side-roll provided in the bowler's delivery, thereby achieving more hook. So far, the one and only time a Camry that has been used by a works Toyota team as a race car is during the 1990's, where Toyota South Africa commissioned a third-generation Camry, built according to FIA's Class-2 Super Touring regulations, to be raced in the South African Touring Car Championship. The component of imbalance along the rotation axis provides a leverage that can change the orientation of the axis on its horizontal plane, an action physicists call precession. Due to the Camry's size and market orientation, it is not a suitable candidate for professional motorsports activities. Another effect of ball imbalance (either static or dynamic) is the ability to introduce gyroscopic effects on the rotation. The Camry received an "average" theft loss index in yearly reports generated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for every year between 1992 and 2004 except 1997, when it received a "worse than average." [22] Each of these reports only covers the previous three model years (e.g., the 1992 report covers 1989-1991 Camrys).

It probably goes without saying why bowlers often wipe oil off the ball. In 2001, for example, the second-generation Camry was the most-stolen vehicle, whereas the fourth-generation Camry was the 79th most stolen. This has the effect of bringing relatively dry ball surface in contact with the lane, increasing traction for both forward-roll and side-roll. for several years. This is because at every spot along the circle friction reduces the rotation, and that includes the spin component, causing rotation on a continually larger circle. [21] This can be partly attributed to the fact that the Camry has been the top selling car in the U.S. With a 3/4-roller a bowler puts the ball into a rotation whose contact ring is smaller, and on successive rotations enlarges (subsequent examination of the ball often shows a flaring of the circles of oil). The Camry is reportedly the most stolen car in the United States.

The "semi-roller" is now preferred (it may also be called "3/4 roller" or by other slang terms). [20]. The "full-roller" had been the dominant choice before the changes in lane coatings and oil. IIHS rear-crash performance was rated as marginal for Camrys with cloth seats and poor for Camrys with leather seats. On successive rotations, the "full roller" repeatedly contacts the lane on the same full circumferential circle, on which the oil accumulates, making it harder for the side-roll to find traction and create hooking action. NHTSA rollover performance is listed as five stars for 2001 models and four stars thereafter. It has been known since before the 1960s that a "full-roller" type of delivery does not hook as well as "3/4 rollers" on oily lanes. The IIHS website notes that although Toyota changed the design of 2004 Camrys to improve side performance, the changes would not significantly impact the crash performance of vehicles without side airbags.

The technique of the great majority of bowlers involves a delivery that starts the ball in a skid that evolves into a roll that hooks into the pins. [19] Three out of the nine categories were scored as poor, including Head protection, driver, Injury:Head/neck, and Injury:Torso, rear passenger. In a very strict physics sense, a ball may be delivered with rotation, but usually not in a roll, because that would imply complete traction. However, side crash performance without airbags was only two stars in 2002 (NHTSA) [18] and poor, the lowest score on the IIHS scale. Spinners may have very little side roll. [17]. Semi-rollers include spin. Similarly, IIHS side impacts with airbags was rated as good overall with good in most categories.

The pure full-roller delivery is a combination of forward- and side-roll only. [15] [16] It was also again listed as a BEST PICK in frontal crashes. Forward-roll is rotation about the x-axis, side-roll is rotation about the y-axis and mid-roll (or spin) is rotation about the z-axis. The fifth-generation frontal performance was similar to that for the fourth-generation. For bowling, the x-axis can be assigned to a line that is parallel to the foul line, the y-axis to the line parallel to the boards, and the z-axis to the vertical. The fifth-generation Camry was tested for front, side, and rollover crashes (NHTSA) and rear, side (with and without side airbags), and frontal offset crashes (IIHS). For various formulaic purposes, physicists divide rotation into three components, assigning portions to x, y and z axes that are mutually perpendicular. [14].

In order to continue this discussion, a systematic description of ball rotation must be introduced. The NHTSA gave the Camry four stars in side impact tests when fitted with side airbags and three stars without. Eventually, "dynamic balance" regulations had to be adopted. [12] [13] Additionally, the IIHS website lists the 1997-2001 Camry as being a BEST PICK in frontal crash tests. Materials and fabrication changes have since allowed the assembly of balls whose interior components have a much greater range of density, thereby offering a new ball choice that, in physics terms, involves the moment of inertia of a solid sphere. The fourth-generation Camry was tested for frontal and side impacts (NHTSA) and frontal offset (IIHS) crashes, but scored significantly better than the third generation in all frontal tests. Then competition among ball manufacturers motivated the production of balls designed to offer more than the "static balance" tricks. [11].

The core was usually a uniform sphere centered inside the ball. [8] In comparison, the similar-vintage Honda Accord fared similarly (although somewhat worse) [9], the Ford Taurus did notably better [10], and the Nissan Maxima performed much worse. Prior to about 1990, the USBC "static" ball balance regulations were adequate. [7] The IIHS scored it acceptable overall, with three out of six categories listed as good and the other three listed as acceptable. It was possible to drill the grip at a location relative to the weight block so that it would achieve some effect, such as to help the bowler make it roll earlier or hook more. NHTSA gave the vehicle four stars for the driver and between three and four stars for the passenger, depending on the year. At some point in ball making and drilling the USBC introduced ball balance regulations to prevent people from taking advantage. The third-generation Camry was tested only frontal (NHTSA) and frontal offset (IIHS) crashes.

A ball hardness rule was established, which barred some of the softer balls. Similarly, the IIHS scores crash performance with a four-level grade (Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor) in multiple categories and overall. These and balls subsequently manufactured with the resulting softer cover came under USBC scrutiny because of the increased scoring. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) scores crash ratings as one to five stars for front and side crashes. In the early 1970s, people began experimenting with the hardness of the plastic balls, notably PBA member Don McCune, who invented the "soaker" - a plastic ball he softened "in the garage" with chemicals. Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) [5] and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) [6] publish crash information for the third-, fourth-, and fifth-generation Camry. Bowling balls have been constructed with a core made of one material, a spherical coverstock ("cover" or "shell") and a "pancake" weight block of denser material intended to compensate for the gripping holes. For more information see: Toyota Camry Hybrid.

Rubber balls are almost as hard to find - you may still see them offered to casual bowlers at bowling centers, from their racks for those who don't own their own ball. Standard features include remote entry and start, side torso airbags, knee airbags and side-curtain airbags.The Camry Hybrid will be built at the company's Georgetown, Kentucky plant, with about 45,000 projected per year. Wood balls are now just museum pieces. However, the Camry Hybrid will utilize a 4-cylinder gasoline engine as opposed to a V6, a setup that will produce 192 hp (143 kW). Bowling ball materials, during the history of the USBC, have evolved from wood, to rubber, to plastic, to urethane, to reactive urethane, to particle, and to epoxy. It will use a Hybrid Synergy Drive setup similar to that of the Toyota Prius, Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX 400h, which mates Toyota's 3MZ V6 with an electric motor. A bowling ball is not an absolutely uniform sphere - the gripping holes (and sometimes a balance hole) alone make that impossible. For 2006, Toyota will create a hybrid gas/electric Camry when it is redesigned as the 2007 Toyota Camry called the Camry Hybrid.

Other considerations have been noted with regards to the weight of the bowling pins, lane oiling techniques, and with the construction materials and techniques used to build bowling lanes. The CE and LE trims have similar hubcap designs like the gen 5 02-04 models. One of the most contentious issues that has arisen is whether there should be a Standard Ball for the sport of bowling, or at least whether significant restrictions should be imposed on bowling ball technology. A keyless entry/remote starter is optional on the V6-powered XLE. Open, the USBC Masters, the PBA World Championship, and the PBA Tournament of Champions). A navigation system with cell-phone link and heated leather seats are available for the SE and the V6-powered XLE. "Sport Bowling" conditions are also used at the major championships of professional bowling (the U.S. A spilt-folding rear seat is not available on the SE trim.

In "Sport Bowling," lane conditions are more highly regulated and controlled than in traditional leagues and the oiling patterns used are generally more even with regards to volume and ratios of oil across the surface of the lane. The V6 will be available with a 6-speed sequential transmission. It understandably requires higher bowler fees, and the USBC provides a separate set of honor awards. It will also have an optional 3.5 L V6 making 268 hp (200 kW) with three trims: LE, SE, and XLE. In response to the view that higher scoring lane conditions are spoiling the integrity of the sport, the USBC introduced in 2000 the Sport Bowling Program which offers a different optional league certification. The new Camry has a 2.4 L I4 making 158 hp (118 kW) with 4 trim levels: CE, LE, SE, and XLE. So they have cheapened their intrinsic value and created other workarounds. It will be a 2007 model introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show [4] along with its identical hybrid twin, the Camry HV.

The USBC, for various reasons, has not been able to regulate these changes well enough to protect the integrity of their honor score award program. The next-generation Camry will be completely redesigned and made in Georgetown, Kentucky. Honor scores have increased by several thousand percent on a per capita basis in the 25 year time period from 1980 - 2005. In August 2005 the Altise Sport model was reintroduced (V6 auto only) together with Altise Limited (four-cylinder and V6) that replaced the Altise and has additional features. These and the ever present opportunity to use lane oiling patterns to make targeting easier, is a cause for concern. The Toyota Link system is a state-of-the-art satellite and mobile SMS GSM communications system that gives the driver access to roadside assistance and emergency help via the electrochromatic rear view mirror. Those and subsequent changes have been altering the physical scoring factors. The Grande and Azura models have Satellite Navigation (GPS) as standard equipment, and were the first Toyota models in Australia to be fitted with the new Toyota Link system.

In the early 1970s the first plastic balls became widely available, just a few years after the first urethane coatings were applied to the old wood lanes. The Grande however was fitted with the standard suspension rather than the sports suspension as fitted on the Azura model. For more experienced players, notably older ones who have locked themselves into some technique that no longer works as well, it can become quite frustrating. When the revised range was launched in Australia and New Zealand in September 2004, the Grande model was reintroduced which together with the Azura model, were the top-of-the-range models. It can be confusing to players as they learn the game. Power output on the Altise Sport, V6 Sportivo and Azura models was 145 kW (194 hp) compared with the 141 kW (189 hp) of the standard V6 models due to the variable back pressure exhaust system that boosts low-down torque and top-end power. The Foundation members at that time made the statement that under the current environment in bowling they "could no longer guarantee a lane condition that would be accepted by the contestants, coaches and observers as fair and equitable." In 1989, Bob Strickland wrote that bowlers know it is possible to bowl bad but score good, or worse, to bowl good but score bad. The brakes, body panels (which would only fit on the Australian and New Zealand made body and chassis), headlights, seats and suspension were all locally developed after 10000kms of extensive testing in New Zealand under the supervision of Toyota engineers.

As things started to change, an organization named "The Foundation" comprised of experienced lane maintenance experts and many distinguished bowlers, including members of the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) and the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Halls of Fame, was founded in 1966 with the goal of addressing these serious issues. The Australian and New Zealand models were significantly different from the other Camry models around the world and had around 77% locally developed components to suit Australian/NZ roads and driving conditions. Historically, up until the late 1960s, the USBC honor awards (for 300 games, 800 series, etc.) were rarely won genuine treasures. The Australian and New Zealand Camry Sportivo corresponds roughly to the American Camry SE. Many advanced bowlers continually buy new improved bowling balls to try to obtain an advantage over their opponents, and all have access, at least as far as their bank accounts can go. In 2003, the V6 Altise Sport model was introduced, which is basically the Altise model with the sports suspension that was fitted on the Sportivo and Azura models and was available in manual and automatic trasmission. Some argue that it unfairly effects competition. Only the Altise and Sportivo models may be fitted with a manual transmission— all other models are equipped with an automatic transmission.

Yet there are those who have seen their scores decline, often due to not changing their technique or balls. The Altise, Ateva, and Sportivo are available with either the 2.4 L VVTi four cylinder or the 3.0 L V6 engine, and the Azura was only available in V6. Among advanced players, there is little argument about whether technological changes have enabled higher scoring (it has). In Australia and New Zealand, the 2002-2006 Camry is available in four different trims: the Altise, Ateva, Sportivo and Azura, . While low scoring can be a problem, it is the increasing frequency and degree of higher scoring that irks the purists, who say that it is spoiling the integrity of the sport. Daihatsu continued with its twin Altis model for the Japanese market. The controversies usually involve scoreability. Unlike the first generation Solara, the SLE trim could be had with the four-cylinder engine.

Technological changes, throughout the history of the sport, often required new regulations, and this continues today, often with great debate. In addition to SE and SLE trims, a new SE Sport was offered. Both are regulated by the USBC, as are the pin characteristics. The V6 was coupled with a 5-speed automatic transmission. These environmental influences can be segregated as either lane conditions or ball characteristics. The 2.4 L engine was still offered, however, a new 3.3 L V6 was optional. After the ball is on the surface of the lane, a complex interaction of friction, gyroscopic inertia and gravity becomes a factor that can range from subtle to perhaps amazing. Again, styling from the Camry was radically different, taking design cues from the Lexus SC 430.

In the delivery, the bowler can advantageously use or fight (intentionally or unintentionally) the force of gravity. The second generation Camry Solara was introduced in August 2004. The behavior of a rolling ball on a surface is controlled by several factors, the most obvious being the bowler's delivery. Interior upgrades to the Camry included a rear center head restraint, a storage bin in the door, optitron gauges, and standard leather seating on XLE V6 models. There are similar organizations for many of the other forms of bowling. A new trim level was added (the standard model) priced lower than the Camry LE. The USBC is a 2005 merger of three older ten-pin bowling organizations: the American Bowling Congress (ABC, formed 1895), the Women's International Bowling Congress (WIBC, 1916) and the Youth American Bowling Alliance(YABA). In late 2004, the 2005 Camry was introduced with new upgrades such as a chrome grille (though the SE had a sportier grille), a new taillight design, and new wheels.

It also provides several achievement and high score (honor) awards. However the Solara did receive the same 2.4 L I4 engine now available on the Camry. The USBC provides standard sets of rules for the play of the game, equipment and other things. The 2002 Camry Solara remained on the fourth generation chassis, and received only minor styling upgrades to the front and rear ends. League and tournament ten-pin bowling groups in the United States have the option to be certified by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC). Any model may be equipped with a V6 or an automatic transmission, although the manual transmission is not available on V6 models. Joining a league to compete with others is an experience that often motivates players to improve. Both the LE and SE models are available with a manual transmission when equipped with the four-cylinder engine now up to 2.4 L and 163 hp (122 kW).

There is a lot more to bowling than the novice player can appreciate. In the United States for 2002, the basic CE model was dropped but the SE sport model was reintroduced. Many professional bowlers engage in exercises like resistance training and jogging in order to sustain their stamina for long tournaments. It is 2.5 in (64 mm) taller and has a 2 in (51 mm) longer wheelbase than the previous model. Those who excel at bowling will usually consider it a sport because improving your abilities is a challenge requiring a great deal of practice and even study. In contrast to the fairly squat fourth-generation Camry, the fifth generation is a decidedly tall vehicle. Nevertheless, bowling, like golf, obviously does not require running. However, the front end of the car is relatively short, leaving a great deal of the length to the cabin, a technique adopted by compact cars.

It requires hand-eye coordination and techniques just as fine as in other sports where players are required to propel an object toward a target, such as in golf, baseball, basketball and hockey. The styling of the fifth-generation Camry is somewhat similar to the fourth-generation model in that both have gently curved surfaces accented by sharp creases. There is disagreement over whether bowling should be regarded as a sport. This model was launched in most export markets, including the United States, as a 2002 model year car. Included in the outdoor category:. In September 2001, the latest Toyota Camry was released as a larger sedan (taking styling cues from the successful Vitz, Corolla and Solara coupé) only, but without a station wagon for the first time (a similarly styled wagon was sold on the Japanese home market however, as the Toyota Mark II Blit). Here the players throw a ball, which is sometimes eccentrically weighted, in an attempt to put it closest to a designated point. Towards the end of the model run, the limited edition Intrigue and Advantage sedan models were launched.

The second category of bowling is usually played outdoors on a lawn. The Vienta V6 range was discontinued due to the launch of the Avalon sedan in July 2000 and two new models were added to the Camry range: the top-of-the-range Azura V6 sedan and the Touring Series V6 sportswagon model, both of which were available in automatic transmission only. In ten-pin bowling, a building containing many lanes has traditionally been called a bowling "alley" but in more recent times, to upgrade the image of the sport, bowling "center" is preferred. In September 2000, the revised Camry range was launched. Beginning about 1980, most ten-pin lane surfaces have been converted to or built with a synthetic material imitating a wooden surface. The VXI model was basically a V6-powered version of the 4-cylinder Camry CSX model. For nearly a century, ten-pin bowling lanes had a surface made of wood. The Vienta line up consisted of VXI and Grande sedan models and the VXI wagon.

Included in the indoor category:. The Camry V6 Touring Series sedan model was launched in March 1999. Most indoor forms are played on a "lane", a flat surface made of wood or a synthetic imitation, which is several times longer than it is wide. The Camry V6 models consisted of CSI and Conquest, with the wagon models only available in automatic transmission. Most forms of bowling may be categorized as either indoor or outdoor. The line-up of 4 cylinder Camry models consisted of the CSI, Conquest and CSX models (automatic transmission only), all three variants were available in sedan or wagon. The best bowler of all time is regarded to be Adam Laskey of Fargo, North Dakota, USA. In Australia, unlike the previous generation, the nameplate Camry was also applied to the V6 variants, while the Vienta V6 range was revised as the "upmarket" models.

Bowling was popular in the time of King Henry VIII in England. The Camry V6 was again on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1997. Primitive forms of bowling have been played as early as 3200 BC in Egypt, 200 BC in Germany and 1100AD in England. This was the first Camry to be sold as a Daihatsu; the Daihatsu Altis was identical to the export version of the Camry. . Manual transmissions were only available on the CE trim level and any Solara model. This form, in both amateur and professional versions, is played around the world, making it one of the largest participation sports available. Power was increased slightly to 133 hp SAE (99 kW) for the 5S-FE 2.2 L I4 and 194 hp SAE (145 kW) for the 1MZ-FE V6.

Probably the best known form today is the American game of Ten-pin bowling. The XLE was available with either the 2.2 L I4 or the 3.0 L V6 engine, although the Solara SLE was only available with the V6. There are many forms of bowling, and the earliest known form has been dated back to ancient Egypt. Both the LE and the XLE trims were carried over from the previous generation. Bowling is a game in which players attempt to score points by rolling a ball along a surface to knock down objects called pins. In the United States, the four door Camry SE was dropped and the base model was renamed the CE for the 1998 model year. Swing bowling. The Solara was available in SE and SLE trim, corresponding roughly to the sedan's LE and XLE trims.

Spin bowling. In contrast to the third-generation Camry two door, the Camry Solara was a significant styling departure from the four door. Seam bowling. The Camry Solara was added in both coupé and convertible form in 1999. Off spin. The Lexus ES 300 was again built from the Windom, which uses the Camry chassis. Leg spin. This "split" continues today.

Left-arm unorthodox spin. In addition, the Vista's sheetmetal resembled a tall, formal sedan, while the Camry became sleeker. Left-arm orthodox spin. The Vista began departing from the Camry, remaining 1700 mm wide and eventually forming the basis of the growing Corolla. Fast bowling. The Japanese Scepter ceased to exist as the Japanese Camrys adopted the 1795 mm wide platform. Pétanque. In 2000, the sedan models received a mid-model upgrade to the front and rear fascias, but remained otherwise similar to the 1999 models.

Bocce. This generation was launched in the US for the 1997 model year. Lawn bowls. Many people thought the Toyota RAV4 SUV in North America led to the demise of the Camry wagon. Cocked Hat. It continued as a sedan and station wagon (called the Camry Gracia in Japan), though the latter model was not sold in the United States. Feather Bowling (Belgian trough bowling) originated in Belgium and is played in Detroit and Mount Clemens, Michigan. The fourth-generation Camry was launched in Japan in December 1996.

Duckpin bowling, commonly found in the mid-Atlantic and northeastern United States and eastern Canada, is a variation of ten-pin bowling involving small, squat pins, sometimes with rubber at their widest points (rubber band duckpin bowling). Towards the end of the model run, limited edition Getaway and Intrigue sedan models were launched. Candlepin bowling, played in eastern Canada and New England, is a variation of ten-pin bowling. The Ultima sedan was renamed the Grande model, and manual transmission was now available in the CSI and Touring Series sedan models. Nine-pin skittles. The V6 models were simply known as the Vienta. Five-pin bowling, played in Canada. The 4 cylinder range consisted of the CSI and CSX models.

Ten-pin bowling, which evolved from ninepin bowling in the 19th Century. In July 1995, the facelifted model was launched in Australia and was now built at the new Altona plant. In 1994, the range was revised slightly, where the Executive models was renamed CSI and the CSI was renamed the CSX model. In 1993, a new sedan model called the Touring Series was launched which was fitted with sports suspension. The Camry Vientas were available in automatic transmission only.

The V6 range was known as the Camry Vienta and also consisted of the Executive, CSI and Ultima sedan model. In Australia, the Camry 4-cylinder models consisted of the Executive, CSI and Ultima sedan models (automatic only). The third-generation Camry was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1992 and 1993. (The Japanese version of this page lists this as a 'fifth-generation' model.).

The same year, the Japanese home market saw a revised, 1700 mm wide Camry and Vista, with different sheetmetal, on the same platform. This vehicle would be dropped for the next generation, although it would later be replaced by the Camry Solara (discussed below). In 1994, Toyota released a coupe version of the Camry with styling very similar to the four door version. This is a similar car to the then new Windom, which formed the basis of the Lexus ES 300 in foreign markets, equipped with a 3.0 L V6 engine.

The Vista continued in parallel, available in addition as a hardtop sedan. The third-generation Camrys had rounded features and a very curved silhouette. This was a departure from the second-generation models which, although they had many more rounded panels than the first-generation Camrys, were nevertheless generally slab-sided in shape. It shared the rounded-body-panel look of many imports of similar vintage: the Toyota Corolla, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima, to name a few.

Toyota in New Zealand sold these models as the 220 and V6 respectively, the smaller-engined car filling the gap of the departed Corona. Some other countries followed the 2.2 L and 3.0 L engine choice. In addition to the DX (also sometimes called Deluxe) and LE trims, 1992 saw the addition of an XLE luxury trim and the SE sport trim—presumably introduced to compete with the Nissan Maxima SE. In that market, both the four and six-cylinder engines received upgrades in displacement and power: the four was upped to 2.2 L and 130 hp SAE (97 kW), and the V6 to 3.0 L and 185 hp SAE (137 kW).

In the United States, an automatic transmission became the only option on all but the base and sport-model Camrys, whereas previously, a manual transmission was available on nearly all trim levels. The wider export model was called the Toyota Scepter in its home market. However, in Japan, the 1992 Camry was a different vehicle, which shared its doors and fenders with the exported model, but was limited to the 1700 mm (66.9 in) width required to fit into a lower tax bracket (the 'number 5' bracket). This model marked the transition away from an inexpensive four door vehicle into a larger, more luxurious family sedan.

The third-generation Camry (first sold in 1990 in Japan; in the US as a 1992 model year car) is regarded as the first to break into the large-car market, or what Toyota billed at the time as "world-sized". The second-generation Camry was extremely popular in the United States and it is not at all uncommon to see examples on American roads. The ES 250 was essentially the Japanese-market Camry hardtop. The 2.5 L engine and Camry chassis was repackaged as the upscale Lexus ES 250.

The Kentucky plant also began producing Camrys in 1988, where three trim levels of the second-generation Camry were made: the unbadged base model, the DX, and the LE. In 1991, anti-lock brakes became optional on the V6, LE, and wagon models. The V6 featured dual overhead camshafts, much like the upgraded 130 hp JIS (96 kW) 4 cylinder. In 1988, all wheel drive (called All-Trac) and a 160 hp JIS (118 kW) 2.5 L V6 engine were added as options for the first time.

At this point, it was still regarded as a midsize car. The second-generation model debuted in 1986 for the 1987 model year, and included a station wagon but dropped the hatchback. Additionally, the vehicle size and available options were characteristic of Japanese-designed cars of the time; the Camry was a small, inexpensive sedan with solid but spartan construction and competed indirectly against larger American counterparts. The design of the first-generation Camry fit well within the box-shaped trends of the early 1980s.

In contrast to the rear wheel drive Celica Camry, the Toyota Camry was a front wheel drive vehicle built on an all-new platform. In North America, the Camry was available with a 92 hp SAE (68 kW) 2.0 L I4 engine or a 74 hp 2.0 L I4 turbodiesel engine, and could be purchased with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. A twin was announced at this point: the Toyota Vista. At this point, Camry was positioned above the Carina and Corona, two other mid-sized models made by Toyota.

There were limited exports, predominantly to right-hand-drive markets. In 1982 for the 1983 model year, the Camry became an independent model line, and was sold as a midsize four-door sedan and five-door hatchback. The Celica Camry was also exported to a number of markets using the Carina's name, and it replaced the second-generation Carina in those markets. During its model cycle, over 100,000 units were sold in Japan.

Although it has an identical 2500 mm (98.4 in) wheelbase to the Celica, the Corona, and the Carina, it is longer than the Carina but shorter than both the Corona and Celica. This is the most sought after version of the Celica Camry in the secondhand market today. Towards the end of its model lifecycle, Toyota introduced a sports version of the Celica Camry equipped with the 16-valve DOHC 2.0 L engine from the Celica. The car used the rear wheel drive Celica platform (which was shared by both the Corona and Carina) and was powered by either a 1.6 L 12T-U engine producing 88 hp JIS (65 kW) and 128 N·m (94 ft·lbf) or a 1.8 L 13T-U engine producing 95 hp JIS (70 kW) and 147 N·m (108 ft·lbf).

Originally launched as the Toyota Celica Camry in January 1980 for the Japanese home market, this model was essentially a second-generation Toyota Carina with updated body-styling and a front-end that resembled a 1978 Toyota Celica XX (known as the Celica Supra in export markets). It should also be noted that the Japanese-language version of this article follows the convention that includes the 1980 to 1982 model. This article follows the former convention. A fewer number of sources state the first generation to have started in 1980 as the Toyota Celica Camry.

Most sources note the first generation Camry to have been produced as a 1983 model. There is some dispute over the generational naming of the Toyota Camry. The Camry will no longer be available in Europe from 2006. In Europe, the Camry's success was always limited due to excessive size (which put into competition with the Opel/Vauxhall Omega and Ford Scorpio) and low-build quality when compared to the European-developed Carina E and Avensis.

In Australasia, the Camry sells well in comparison to the top-selling family cars, the Ford Falcon and General Motors' Holden Commodore. In Japan, its only competitor is the Nissan Cefiro (and afterwards, the Nissan Teana), but Nissan consistently outsells Toyota in this market segment. In China, both the Nissan Teana and Honda Accord (some of Camry's main competitors) are produced locally, and hence have a price advantage against the imported Camry. In most parts of Asia, the Camry remains competitive against the Honda Accord, with the exception of China and Japan.

[2] [3]. In US, most recent comparisons have placed the car against the Nissan Altima, Mitsubishi Galant, Mazda6, and the Chevrolet Malibu; and although the Camry isn't always the clear winner, it nevertheless remains a solid competitor. North American sales figures between the Accord and the Camry are usually comparable, indicating that consumers in the Camry's target demographic are more interested in the smoother ride and quieter performance of the Camry. The Camry's perennial competitor, the Honda Accord, is often described as sportier and has traditionally been equipped with a few more performance-oriented options.

Thereafter, the car is assembled locally and known as the Toyota Kaimeirui, which sounds closer to "Camry". The Camry was imported into China as the Toyota Jiamei until 2005. [1]. It is also assembled from CKD-kits at Toyota's local partners in Malaysia and Taiwan.

As of 2005, the Camry is produced at Toyota plants in Japan, Australia; and Georgetown, Kentucky, USA, with CKD assembly operations in Vietnam, Philippines; and Thailand. The continued success of the Nissan Cefiro (and afterwards the Nissan Teana) meant that some customers are willing to pay extra taxes for a larger family car, and so this marketing strategy continued. The introduction of the A32-series Nissan Cefiro in 1994 may have prompted Toyota to change its strategy, despite the poor sales of the Scepter, basically a RoW third-generation Camry, which was sold between 1992-1994 (only 4,885 units sold in total). Both arguably aimed at the higher-end of the market than the Camry.

This put the Camry at a disadvantage as its size is placed at the lower-end of a higher tax category, which included cars such as the Crown and Aristo. The Vista is sized according to domestic vehicle tax laws, and the Camry (now called the Camry Gracia) are not adapted, sold identical to foreign market cars. Both models still share a large number of components, but the fourth-generation split was the more significant than the previous re-engineered splits. For the fourth-generation Camry, Toyota decided to split the Vista from the Camry.

These modified-for-Japan models were called the Vista, which became separate from the Camry in 2000. These versions of the Camry are bounded by a certain set of dimensions which would otherwise be unsuitable for export markets. Prior to the fourth-generation, Toyota adapted the Camry's design to suit Japanese tax laws and domestic market requirements. After the introduction of the fourth-generation Camry, sales in Japan dipped.

Because there is no station wagon version for the fifth generation Camry, the Camry sedan and the Avensis station wagon are sold side by side in markets like New Zealand. Following long-term poor sales, the Camry was withdrawn altogether from Europe in 2004, leaving the smaller, UK-built Avensis as the top-of-the-line sedan. Toyota positioned the Camry as a BMW 5-Series rival, yet it lacked the cachet to compete. The Camry was less popular in Europe, where the design was considered bland and incompatible with European driving habits.

The Camry is rarely optioned above the Avalon or ES 330, but a fully equipped Corolla slightly overlaps with the base-model Camry. It is considered a sub-luxury midsize sedan. The Camry is positioned directly below the Toyota Avalon and the Lexus ES 330 In its two largest markets, Australia and North America. It is Toyota's bread-and-butter vehicle, so its marketing and sales strategy is cautious, aimed squarely at the center of buyer demographics; as most Camry buyers are not car enthusiasts.

The Camry is consistently ranked as one of the most popular vehicles in the North American market. . The name comes from the English phonetic of the Japanese word "kan-muri," which means "crown.". Since 2000, Daihatsu has sold a Camry twin named the Altis.

The Holden equivalents were not successful even though they came from the same factory as the Camry. The second and third-generation Camrys were rebadged to be sold as the Holden Apollo in Australia. Some models have been offered with all wheel drive. This means the engine is transversely mounted to drive the front wheels.

Other than the original Celica Camry, the Toyota Camry has always been an FF layout vehicle. The Camry underwent major redesigns and upgrades in model years 1987, 1992 (1990 in Japan), 1997, 2002 and an anticipated redesign is planned to be launched in 2006 for model year 2007 in the United States. An offshoot of the Camry, the Camry Solara, has been available as a coupe and a convertible. It is primarily configured as a four-door sedan but at different times has also been available as a five-door hatchback, two-door coupe, and a station wagon.

The first model line independently named the Toyota Camry was launched in 1982 for the 1983 model year. The Camry name was first launched in 1980 with the Toyota Celica Camry. An upbranded luxury version of the Camry is sold under the Lexus ES nameplate in the United States and is called the Windom in Japan. In Japan and Asia, its main rivals are the Nissan Teana and the Honda Accord.

It has not sold as well in Europe and Japan - many critize its design as ill-suited for European and Japanese tastes. The Camry sells very well in USA, Australia and a number of Asian markets. The United States is the Camry's biggest market, where it competes with the Honda Accord, the Nissan Altima, and the Ford Fusion. The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize car manufactured by Toyota in Georgetown, Kentucky, USA; Australia; and Japan.