In 2019 for the 2020 model year, the TRD Camry was introduced. It was responsible for reviving the mid-size sedan segment, along with the Honda Accord Turbo, and the Hyundai Elantra N Line. But Toyota is likely ditching the high-powered 3.5L V6 for a turbocharged 4-cylinder of its own.
Today, the ninth generation of the popular Toyota sedan was unveiled. The 2025 Camry is hybrid-only and offers AWD, but because it’s based on the outgoing generation platform, we believe Toyota is plotting another performance model.
Instead of the Camry TRD, 2025 might bring another member of the GRMN family, the GR Camry. This model has long been speculated to offer a turbocharged 4-cylinder. And like many other Toyota performance vehicles, it might be a hybrid.
Let’s take the example of the Tacoma pickup. A new i-Force MAX hybrid engine is optional on mid-grade Tacomas and standard for the TRD Pro or Trailhunter trims. Basically, it directly replaces the 3.5-liter V6. The powertrain is based around the 2.4-liter turbo which isn’t exactly new.
The 4-cylinder made its appearance almost two years ago in the Toyota Crown, transversely mounted and rated at 265 horsepower. It’s also in the Grand Highlander, where it produces 362 horsepower, again as a transverse hybrid. The same thing replaced the Lexus RX 500h’s old V6.
No more V6, the age of Toyota turbos is here
Given what we know about the 2025 Camry, it’s thus reasonable to expect a 2.4-liter under its hood as well. But how much power will it make? Well, the non-hybrid version in the Tacoma makes up to 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, while the i-Force delivers 326 hp and 465 lb-ft. Don’t forget that the extra hybrid power also comes with additional cost and weight.
Being a GRMN product, the GR Camry would have to be a great track car, so we’re leaning towards the non-hybrid version. With a good tune and better exhaust, the car could make about 300 hp, the same as the old TRD V6, but with a noticeable torque increase.
Looking at this fresh rendering, it’s easy to imagine the GR Camry. The mid-size performance sedan takes inspiration from the GR Corolla and has a similar blacked-out grille. Also, a new rear valance accommodates 3 exhaust tips. However, we believe the real GR Camry will have quad exhausts like the old TRD since there’s already a cutout in the rear bumper of the XSE trim level.
There’s also the possibility that a Camry GR Sport model would be offered. Unlike a GR model, the GR Sport wouldn’t be aimed at track day users and would echo the approach of rivals like the Kia K5 GT and the Hyundai Sonata N Line. Who wants to buy a mid-size sedan that’s too harsh for the road?
