Toyota Unleashes a Sportier Camry

Toyota Motor Corp.'s best-selling Camry midsize sedan features a notably sportier look, interior upgrades and more advanced safety features for 2015.

Due this autumn, the revamped Camry carries over this year's standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (178 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque) and optional 3.5-liter V-5 (286 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque). Each engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Hybrid models, including a new SE trim level, will use the current 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle Hybrid Synergy drive. The system delivers a combined 200 hp to the front wheels through Toyota's E-CVT continuously variable transmission.

The 2015 Camry's most obvious external styling change is a gaping trapezoidal grille inspired by Toyota's current Lexus luxury car designs. The car is slightly longer and wider, with a lower, sturdier stance.

Toyota describes the new Camry's XSE model as the brand's sportiest iteration yet. Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, stiffer springs, firmer suspension bushings and specially tuned shock absorbers.

LED daytime running lights will be standard on all 2015 Camrys. LED low and high beams with automatic leveling are optional.

Inside Toyota promises the quietest Camry ever. The instrument panel features a new 4.2-inch TFT (thin-film transistor) liquid-crystal display. The center console bin now offers a 12-volt connection, USB port and segment-first wireless charging pad for smartphones.

Available safety electronics include lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision system, automatic high-beam control, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.