Toyota is at it again, and this time, they’re playing the tease game like seasoned pros. Their latest move has left us scratching our heads, much like the way those shaded parts in the teaser photo have us squinting in confusion. Toyota’s Mysterious Concept leaves us with more questions than answers.
In a move that’s equal parts tantalizing and torturous, the company decided to spill almost nothing. The brand didn’t offer any dates, names, or juicy tidbits to quench our curiosity. In fact, their grand reveal was nothing more than a one-sentence enigma. We just got the question “Can you guess what’s on the horizon?”
The headline, “A New Dawn is Coming,” leaves us both intrigued and frustrated. Quite frankly, there’s not a lot to go on. So, gear up your detective hats. Toyota’s latest puzzle is waiting to be cracked. Or is it?
Toyota’s Mysterious Concept: Is It A Corolla Or A Camry
Toyota took the cloak-and-dagger approach to the extreme by rendering most of the car a shadowy enigma. They likely did this to prevent any photo editing. Well, at least we can tell it’s a sedan. So that’s the first giveaway.
But if you squint hard enough, you might notice some hints. It appears to have a nose so low. The roof is also lower, sleeker, and more aerodynamic than most Toyota sedans we’ve seen.
All these breadcrumbs seem to lead down a sedan-shaped rabbit hole. In the world of Toyota, there are just two remaining suspects that haven’t seen a makeover in the last few years: the Corolla and the Camry.
Our Money’s On A Camry
We think Toyota’s Mysterious Concept is a Camry. Well, at least that’s what our detective skills tell us. It’s like a game of Automotive Clue, with Professor Plum in the library with the sedan. Gracing the scene since the 2018 model year, the current Camry generation has been around longer. But even during this time, the Camry hasn’t received a lot of updates.Â
Meanwhile, the Corolla received hybrid updates and all-wheel drive. And let’s not forget about the high-performance, show-stealing GR Corolla.
Why We Think Toyota’s Mystery Concept Is A Next-Gen Toyota Camry
And now, for a conspiracy theory that’s as roundabout as a GPS route determined to give you a scenic tour of every pothole in town. As we pondered the cryptic “horizon” and “new dawn,” we couldn’t help but brainstorm names that might play nicely with those celestial themes. Perhaps something sun-related? We briefly entertained the notion of reviving the Toyota Corona, a nameplate from the distant past. However, in a post-pandemic world, touching that moniker with a 50-foot pole would be more hazardous than trying to high-five a porcupine.
Then, as the mental gears ground, we stumbled upon the name “Solara.” You might remember it as a coupe that shared DNA with the Camry. We thought about it and it started to make sense in the grand scheme of Toyota teases. We admit: it’s a long shot. So, whether this wild theory is brilliant or bonkers, one thing’s certain – deciphering Toyota’s riddles is a sport for the brave and the bold.
Here’s What To Expect (If It Is A Camry)
If this is indeed the new Camry, prepare for a ground-up transformation. Anticipate hybrid options and the possibility of all-wheel drive. Say farewell to the V6, and welcome the turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder. Yes. The sibling of the engine found in the Highlander. And, of course, we wouldn’t mind a return of the TRD version. But that might be more of a fresh update rather than a grand debut.
Considering Toyota’s teaser track record, the unveiling shouldn’t be too far away. Keep your eyes on the L.A. Auto Show as the likely stage for the Camry’s grand entrance. Until then, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for the ride. After all, in the world of teasers, more enigmatic clues are bound to drop.
