Toyota Announces Prices for All-New 2004 Camry Solara Coupe

TORRANCE, Calif., July 9 -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the all-new Camry Solara sport coupe, which arrives in dealer showrooms in mid-August.

"The new Solara will really deliver on all counts -- more fun to drive, more room, more safety features, and more value, all wrapped in a striking, expressive new design," said Don Esmond, senior vice president and general manager, Toyota Division.

The fully redesigned second-generation Solara sport coupe is distinguished by a sleek, new exterior design, a roomier, more luxurious interior, enhanced safety technology and a higher level of sporty performance.

As before, Solara offers both four-cylinder and V6 engines. However, the 2004 model gets a significant performance boost thanks to a new 3.3-liter VVT-i V6 engine that is available in all models. The all-aluminum V6 produces 225 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 240 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 RPM, compared to 198 horsepower and 212 lb.-ft. of torque from the previous 3.0-liter V6. The V6 is teamed exclusively to a new five-speed sequential automatic transmission. Compared to the four-speed automatic transmission used previously, the new unit offers a wider gear-ratio spread for quicker acceleration. Electronic controls ensure ultra-smooth shift quality.

The driver controls the five-speed sequential automatic with a new gated shifter that allows manual shifting for a sporty driving experience.

All Solara grades come equipped as standard with a double overhead cam (DOHC) 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 157 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. In both the four-cylinder and new V6 engines, Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) ensures an even spread of power for sporty response across the engine speed range.

The quiet, quick-revving four-cylinder engine comes standard with a crisp-shifting five-speed manual transmission, which provides for lively performance and excellent fuel efficiency. A four-speed automatic is available as an option.

All Solara models receive California Level II Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-II) and EPA Tier II Bin 5 certification, underscoring Toyota's commitment to environmental compatibility.

The all-new Solara design emphasizes an arc-shaped theme with a continuous line from the front bumper, over the roof to the rear bumper. New proportions project a substantial, road-hugging stance.

The grille defines a pronounced V-shaped character line that flows into convex and concave surfaces meant to convey motion. The headlights and taillights anchor and define the car's corners more distinctly than before. The rear combination lamp begins at the end of the character line, forming a "teardrop" shape. An optional rear spoiler adds a sporty flair to Solara.

Complementing the new exterior, the Solara interior evokes a sporty and modern image. A sweeping console and deeply contoured front and rear seats emphasize the intimate feel that a coupe should impart. The Solara interior design is highlighted by a restyled instrument panel and a center-mounted multi-function display. The gauge display uses three main meters highlighted by a 3-D chrome trim ring design, with new soft lighting and fully illuminated pointers at night.

A high-tech-looking, three-pod multi-function display integrates a five-feature trip computer in the left pod, with functions that include fuel consumption, average speed, "miles-to-go" and elapsed time. The middle pod features a digital clock and the right pod houses an outside temperature gauge, and passenger seatbelt and airbag indicator lights.

The 2004 Solara offers more than twice the interior storage space of the previous model by providing a new front console box, cupholders that double as additional storage, and a center console that offers dual storage compartments.

All Solara models will be equipped with side impact airbags (SRS), while optional front and rear side curtain airbags are newly available on Solara coupe models for additional head protection. New seatbelt extension arms make it easier for the front seat occupants to reach and engage the belts.

Solara is now available in three distinctive model grades: SE, highlighted by sporty metallic-finish interior trim, SE Sport with an aggressive body kit and a unique interior, and the SLE with greater content and a woodgrain-style interior trim.

Standard equipment on the SE grade includes 16-inch alloy wheels on all models, air conditioning, Anti-Lock Brakes, cruise control, Deluxe AM/FM/CD Audio with 6 speakers, power windows with driver-side auto-up/down and retained power, 60/40 split/fold-down rear seat with adjustable headrests, power auto door locks with anti-lockout feature, eight-way adjustable driver's seat, keyless entry with trunk release, panic function and remote illuminated entry, dual color keyed power outside mirrors, three-spoke tilt/telescopic steering wheel with mounted audio and multi information display controls, fog lamps, daytime running lights, intermittent wipers, and two 12-volt outlets.

All of this standard equipment adds up to excellent value with a base MSRP of $19,120 for the four-cylinder with a manual transmission, $245 less than last year's model. With an automatic transmission, the SE four-cylinder will carry an MSRP of $19,950, or $215 below the 2003 model. The 2004 SE V6 has been positioned $1,035 below last year's model with a base MSRP of $21,450.

The new SE Sport stands apart with a bold six-piece body kit. The SE Sport adds more than distinctive styling. A performance-tuned suspension exclusive to the SE Sport includes stiffer front and rear springs, as well as sport-tuned front and rear shock absorbers and 215/55R17 summer tires on 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels (all-season tires available).

Inside, the SE Sport transforms Solara into a distinctively sporty machine with a unique dark-charcoal interior with black graphite trim, all black sport-fabric seats, exclusive sport gauge design and trim, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob and aluminum-trimmed pedals.

The four-cylinder SE Sport starts at $20,615 with the manual transmission and $21,445 with the automatic. The new 3.3-liter V6 SE Sport starts at $22,945.

The SLE steps up to more luxury amenities, including automatic climate control, power adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar, power moonroof, heated exterior mirrors, auto-dimming inside and driver's side mirrors, JBL premium 3-in-1 audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer and eight speakers in six locations, HomeLink(R) garage door opener, and security system with engine immobilizer. SLE V6 models also add a leather-trimmed interior with heated seats and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Despite significant increases in standard equipment, the SLE V6 will carry a base MSRP of $25,995, an increase of only $1,320 above last year's model. The base MSRP for the newly available SLE four-cylinder model will be $22,995.

New options for the 2004 Solara models include Satellite XM radio capability and the latest generation in Toyota's DVD-based navigation systems. The system features more than five million verified data points and its route searching capabilities are more than twice as fast as competitive systems. The 6.5-inch screen is among the largest on the market today. Select SLE features are available as stand-alone options or in packages for the SE grade.

Solara will be built exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown, Kentucky.