What Is It?
2004 Toyota Camry Solara
What's Special About It?
Toyota is especially proud of the fact that the new second-generation Solara was conceived, designed and will be built in the United States at its plant in Georgetown, Kentucky. This cut the development time to 19 months, a company record. The new coupe is more refined, more powerful, larger and sportier. We say keep churning 'em out at that rate because this new version of the popular Solara, which was first introduced as a 1998 model, is great-looking. And its specifications are promising. The featured power plant is an all-new 3.3-liter V6 that generates 225 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm — that's 27 more ponies and 28 more lb-ft than the current model. There will also be a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 157 hp and 162 lb-ft available.
The extra power of the new V6 will be handled by the new performance-tuned suspension — Toyota repositioned and recalibrated every mounting and pivot point on the suspension, added specially tuned struts and new front and rear springs. It claims the result is better ride quality, less body roll and pitch, better feel and increased response.
While the current Solara is a handsome car, the new styling is certainly more aggressive. The distinct "V" shape of the grille and hood, the feral-looking elongated cat-eye headlights, the lowered bumpers and the steeply raked windshield all combine to make this new model sportier, bolder and more muscular. The rear end may be its only misstep. Derivative of the back of the Lexus SC 430, it looks a little clunky on this otherwise sleek vehicle. However, the automaker brags that the aerodynamic design lowered the Solara's coefficient of drag from 0.31 to 0.29, thereby reducing wind noise to make the cabin more serene.
Toyota also announced its efforts to make the cabin more spacious, luxurious and better built. Interior fit tolerances were reduced from 1.5 millimeters to 0.5 mm; cubbies and storage space were increased by 20 percent; and satellite radio and a DVD-based navigation system, including a largest-in-industry 6.7-inch screen, are new options. A look inside revealed a good combination of colors and soft, tactile materials. All controls looked sturdy and well conceived — a pleasant place to spend your driving time.
Three models will be available when the Solara goes on sale in August — SE, SE Sport and top-of-the-line SLE. Final prices were not available at the show, but Toyota assured us the base price would remain under $20,000.
Why Should You Care?
With its decreased internal fit tolerances, better performance, sleeker and more stylish exteriors and more luxury features, this new Solara seems to blur the line between Toyota and its luxury division, Lexus. More quality and content for less dollars is good news for buyers. — Neil Dunlop
2004 Toyota Camry Solara
What's Special About It?
Toyota is especially proud of the fact that the new second-generation Solara was conceived, designed and will be built in the United States at its plant in Georgetown, Kentucky. This cut the development time to 19 months, a company record. The new coupe is more refined, more powerful, larger and sportier. We say keep churning 'em out at that rate because this new version of the popular Solara, which was first introduced as a 1998 model, is great-looking. And its specifications are promising. The featured power plant is an all-new 3.3-liter V6 that generates 225 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm — that's 27 more ponies and 28 more lb-ft than the current model. There will also be a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 157 hp and 162 lb-ft available.
The extra power of the new V6 will be handled by the new performance-tuned suspension — Toyota repositioned and recalibrated every mounting and pivot point on the suspension, added specially tuned struts and new front and rear springs. It claims the result is better ride quality, less body roll and pitch, better feel and increased response.
While the current Solara is a handsome car, the new styling is certainly more aggressive. The distinct "V" shape of the grille and hood, the feral-looking elongated cat-eye headlights, the lowered bumpers and the steeply raked windshield all combine to make this new model sportier, bolder and more muscular. The rear end may be its only misstep. Derivative of the back of the Lexus SC 430, it looks a little clunky on this otherwise sleek vehicle. However, the automaker brags that the aerodynamic design lowered the Solara's coefficient of drag from 0.31 to 0.29, thereby reducing wind noise to make the cabin more serene.
Toyota also announced its efforts to make the cabin more spacious, luxurious and better built. Interior fit tolerances were reduced from 1.5 millimeters to 0.5 mm; cubbies and storage space were increased by 20 percent; and satellite radio and a DVD-based navigation system, including a largest-in-industry 6.7-inch screen, are new options. A look inside revealed a good combination of colors and soft, tactile materials. All controls looked sturdy and well conceived — a pleasant place to spend your driving time.
Three models will be available when the Solara goes on sale in August — SE, SE Sport and top-of-the-line SLE. Final prices were not available at the show, but Toyota assured us the base price would remain under $20,000.
Why Should You Care?
With its decreased internal fit tolerances, better performance, sleeker and more stylish exteriors and more luxury features, this new Solara seems to blur the line between Toyota and its luxury division, Lexus. More quality and content for less dollars is good news for buyers. — Neil Dunlop
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