Toyota took the wraps unofficially off its new TRD Camry and Avalon. But can we talk about how chintzy that optional rear spoiler on the Camry looks like?
I love you Toyota, I really do. Yesterday I blogged about how y’all are paying for a new Tundra to replace the one this brave nurse used to drive back into danger. Kudos for that, by the way. But then you go and do something like this and now I don’t know what to feel. As per Toyota in a series of videos dubbed the “TRD Takeover” earlier yesterday (Nov. 14, 2018) on Facebook, they more or less unveiled the new TRD Camry and Avalon. But there was one optional part on the Camry that made me want to hurl, the optional rear spoiler more at home on Jackie Chan’s winning Mitsubishi 3000 GT ala Thunderbolt (leave a comment if you get that reference.)
So, here are the series of videos showing off these hotted up Camrys and Avalons.
To really get some street cred behind these souped-up sedans, Toyota brought in some of their sponsored Nascar drivers to give their .02 on these kitted out four-doors and as you can probably guess, their responses were mostly positive.
What we can glean from the video is that the TRD package for both Camry and Avalon involves a blackout treatment on their full-size grille, optional black side skirts, and a trick rear diffuser that’s mostly for looks outback. As mentioned, the Camry gets an optional TRD spoiler. Red TRD badging contrasts nicely on white. In addition, TRD Camry and Avalon get larger blacked out alloy wheels.
Performance-wise, mum’s the word on how much more power both these sedans make but I wouldn’t be surprised if gains are small at best. After all, it looks like TRD Camry and Avalon benefit from an optional TRD exhaust which should free up a smidge of power.
The video showing off the sporty handling of the Camry on a skidpad hints that there are some suspension improvements out of sight, probably a couple of swaybars front and back and sportier springs.
But, that spoiler. Oh, that rear optional spoiler. That thing looks ridiculous and seriously gives the Civic Type R a run for its money on the worst looking rear spoiler for 2018. I might change my tune if Toyota reveals it adds a bit of real-deal downforce.
Otherwise, I’d stay far away from that option on their TRD list.
Source: Toyota via Facebook
I agree. I don’t really like that spoiler either. It would look better with the TRD Duckbill spoiler. Aside from that, for performance, it should have a turbo or supercharger added. With all of the other additions, it should at least be a little more powerful. I’d like to see there V8 in the Camry!
Rear spoiler does not add anything and definitely takes away from it’s somewhat understated sporty looks. I’d go for an Audi style spoiler in matching color, or black carbon fiber.