Something a lot of people have been crying out for for a while now is a new, sportier version of the Toyota Camry. Arguably, the last time the car was fun was in the 2024 model year, with the V6 Camry TRD.
Since then, there has been no word on a new, sporty Camry. With Toyota Racing Developments (TRD) focusing on tuned body-on-frame vehicles, and cars and crossovers using the Gazoo Racing and GR Sport branding, a new and spicier Camry has looked like a pipe dream for many automotive enthusiasts.
However, while there may not be a new TRD version on the way, something interesting has been spotted. At the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Toyota submitted a trademark for the name Camry Apex. Suggesting another version of the sedan is on the way to join the current lineup.
The Japanese manufacturer still has a clear soft spot for sporty cars. Just take a look at the GR 86 and GR Yaris, as well as the GR Supra. So, a lighter, more nimble and slightly revised Camry would make sense, and make a lot of enthusiasts very happy.
What Do We Know About a New, Sporty Camry?
While nothing more than a trademark has been filed, a previous model does give vindication to the belief that a new sporty Camry is coming. In 2020, Toyota unveiled the Corolla Apex Edition. This was limited to 6,000 SE and XSE units in the United States, and just 120 of these were SEs with a six-speed manual transmission, with all others featuring an eight-speed CVT instead. But Toyota worked hard to make something more interesting than just a regular Corolla.
Each car had lower sport-tuned suspension, lighter 18-inch wheels, stiffer sway bars, and new rubber, as well as a new exhaust with a unique tip. While there was no power increase with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the changes were enough to make an impact. It is this recipe that is likely to be used to cook up the Camry Apex Edition. In essence, it would have stickier tires, stiffer suspension, and a few other tweaks to boost the handling characteristics.
In terms of power, the current Camry has a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine with hybrid assistance. An e-CVT dictates whether that power goes to the front wheels or the rear wheels. One thing that can’t be guaranteed is that the trademark filing is a sign of things to come. Toyota could just be getting it in there in case it decides to go ahead with such a project. But it’s a positive sign that a trademark has been filed in the first place.
How Likely Is a New Camry Apex?
The trademark filing is a positive sign. Why trademark something that you have absolutely no intention to use? Toyota still has some love for sports cars too, with the GR 86 remaining a popular model, and it’s shown it’s not afraid to go a bit crazy with the likes of the GR Yaris. A small and not overly powered car, but one that blew everyone away by how good it drove. Fans have long been crying out for a new, sportier Camry to rejoin the range. Perhaps they are about to get their wish at last.