Toyota reveals GR Camry with seven cylinders, all-wheel drive

The Toyota Camry has long been known as a reliable and dependable family car, but far from what many would deem sporty – despite being used as the base of the brand’s NASCAR Cup Series entry since 2007.

However, with the Gazoo Racing sub-brand on something of a roll with recent model launches (including the Corolla GRMN and the GR GT), the Camry has finally received a performance makeover from the division.

Revealed over the weekend was the GR Camry, a sedan which is strictly a one-off for now, and when you look under the bonnet and behind the driver, it’s clear to see why.

In videos uploaded to Instagram by Nikolai Aksenov, the Camry was revealed with the three-cylinder turbocharged 1.6-litre engine from the GR Corolla and GR Yaris under its bonnet, while an undisclosed four-cylinder was mounted where the rear seats usually are.

The two engines power the axles they’re directly connected to, with the three-cylinder driving the front wheels while the four-cylinder powers the back, making this Camry all-wheel drive.

Toyota hasn’t released any details about the GR Camry, however it appears to be based on a US-market left-hand drive version of the sedan, given these have recently been imported to Japan – after Japanese production was deemed for export markets only.

Thanks to Aksenov, all we do know is the two engines combine to make a very interesting soundtrack, as the two noises fight to cut through each other, as shown above.

Aside from the radical powertrain modifications, the GR Camry also sports extensive GT racing-style aerodynamics with a wider front bumper, pumped-out guards and even a rear wing, while there’s also a roll cage inside.

It’s likely that the GR Camry will never reach production in this form, as Toyota’s GR department has enough on its plate as is, such as putting the GR GT into production, and developing the long-awaited MR2 and Celica revivals.