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The second part combines a small, high-torque 40-hp electric motor, an ultra-small inverter with a specially designed compact battery, and a transaxle to seamlessly combine power from the electric motor and gasoline engine. Because there are situations in which the gas engine in a Toyota hybrid completely shuts off, air conditioning and power steering systems are driven electrically.

In addition, an "ECO" button limits energy consumption by the climate control system, and under certain conditions can help improve fuel economy. Special attention paid to vehicle underbody aerodynamics, including the use of wheel spats and underbelly pans, helps yield a coefficient of drag of just 0.27, which can benefit fuel economy. The 2010 Camry Hybrid is certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), just one of a handful of cars that meets this strict standard. It produces over 70 percent less smog-forming emissions than the average new car.

Handling and Ride

The 2010 Camry offers responsive handling while providing the smooth, quiet ride that sets a benchmark for the segment. Four-wheel independent suspension is via MacPherson struts in front and a dual-link strut rear configuration. Camry Hybrid rides on standard 16-inch aluminum wheels.

All Camry models are equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.

Safety and Security

The Camry's body structure is designed to absorb collision-impact forces and help minimize impact deformation to the passenger cabin. High-strength steel is used for B-pillar and rocker panel reinforcements to help manage overall body deformation in the event of certain side collisions. Inside the cabin, the seat frames also are designed to help absorb side collision loads. Dual-stage advanced SRS front airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag are standard on all Camry models.

All 2010 Camry models come equipped with a standard anti-lock brake system (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The Brake Assist feature is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking. If the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the anti-lock brake system (ABS), BA supplements the applied braking power until the driver releases pedal pressure.

Standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC) regulates engine output and brake application on individual wheels to help control loss of traction in turns. Camry Hybrid is equipped with the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system that helps manage vehicle traction and stability through throttle control, brake application on individual wheels, and even minor steering correction if circumstances require.

Comfort and Convenience

Camry offers many storage spaces around the front-passenger area, including console side pockets. Storage options also include a large front console box equipped with an accessory power socket and auxiliary audio jack; this box is big enough to store nine CD jewel cases. Other storage areas include an accessory box behind the shift lever containing another power socket, a rear-console box with a card holder and a movable tray, and two large cupholders adjacent to the shift lever.

The Camry Hybrid is equipped with special seat fabric designed to be gentle on the skin. The fabric is treated by the Fraichir process, in which it is coated with a naturally occurring component called Sericin that has been extracted and refined from silkworm cocoons. This substance contains a natural moisturizing component.

The Camry's standard equipment includes air conditioning with micro dust and pollen filter; power windows with auto up/down and jam protection for all four doors; power door locks; color-keyed power side mirrors; cruise control; halogen headlamps with automatic on/off feature; tilt and telescopic steering wheel; vehicle immobilizer, and a six speaker 160-watt digital AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary audio jack. All Camry audio systems can play CDs with MP3 files.

Toyota Camry Hybrid: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications