UPDATE: Yes, we've finally confirmed a launch date of the all-new Camry. It will happen on Thursday, April 26. Again, if you want to follow us during the launch event, make sure you follow us on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/carguideph/

Guess what we saw the Bangkok International Motor Show: the 2012 Toyota Camry. Recently unveiled for the local Thai market, this is the best indication of how the Philippine model will shape up once it's unveiled in the second quarter of this year. And a look down through the specs reveal one surprising thing: there's no more V6 at least for the Thai market.

Well, it's not THAT surprising considering the price of gasoline. However, what's even more surprising is that the Philippines is set to continue its three-model line-up which includes a 3.5-liter V6. This means you'll see the 2012 Camry in three flavors: 2.5 G, 2.5 V and 3.5 Q

For the Philippine market however, a query with our local Toyota dealership reveals that the Camry will still retain the 3.5-liter V6 and we probably won't see the entrance of the hybrid model just yet. This means that the Camry will retain its three-model line-up: 2.5 G, 2.5 V and 3.5 Q.



All Camry models will benefit from Electric Power Steering (EPS) and Cruise Control for its automatic transmission. The 2.5-liter engine will be mated to a 6-speed (if you ask the Thais) or a 5-speed (if you ask your Toyota dealer) while the 3.5-liter V6 will retain its 6-speed automatic. Underneath, the Camry will retain the outgoing model's front MacPherson Strut and rear Dual-Link MacPherson Strut suspension layout. The 4-cylinder models is set to get 215/55 R 16 tires while the V6 will have 215/55 R 17 tires.

Inside, the Camry looks to channel its inner Lexus and seems to retain the crown for the most creature features for the price. All models will receive leather seats, dual-zone climate control, front and rear proximity sensors, Bluetooth hands-free and the standard assortment of safety features. The 2.5 V adds adaptive HID headlights, a keyless engine start/stop button among other added features while 3.5 Q adds 6 airbags and Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control. Prices according to the Toyota dealer are: P 1,400,000 for the 2.5 G, P 1,600,000 for the 2.5 V and P 2,000,000 for the 3.5 Q.

These prices and specs are all speculation at the moment, and we hope to see the final Toyota Camry quite soon. The release date is slated for the second quarter of the year and we'll perhaps see it just before the scheduled CAMPI Motor Show in August of this year.

Sources: Toyota Thailand, Toyota Dealer (name and location withheld upon request).