Camry Fans Are Petitioning Toyota To Bring The V6 Back

When the new Toyota Camry debuted last year, the automaker decided to kill off the V6 option in favor of a hybrid-only lineup. This hasn’t gone down very well with some factions of the Camry fanbase, who have started a petition demanding Toyota bring the V6 back for MY2026.

The petition (which is slowly gaining traction on Change.org) has amassed modest support, with 103 signatures. Andrew Huynh, who started the petition, hopes Toyota will introduce a six-cylinder for the latest model. “The Camry Hybrid can stay, but the gasoline-powered mid-size Camry for the 9th generation should bring back the V6 engine that Camry owners should expect,” reads an excerpt from the description.

Outgoing V6 Was Surprisingly Potent

There are several comments in support of this, with many asking for the same thing. The outgoing Camry was available with a 3.5-liter V6 that produced a healthy 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. That’s a lot of muscle for an unassuming sedan, and the kind of figures serious sports cars were packing just a few years ago. The front-wheel drive Camry V6 had a claimed 0-60 mph sprint time of 5.8 seconds, which is nothing to scoff at. Lotus still uses this engine in the new Emira V6, albeit with a supercharger.

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For someone who wants a respectable commuter with a decent turn of speed, the outgoing Camry V6 was a fine choice. While the new Camry is fantastic – and one of the most important new cars in the world – the performance will be underwhelming for some. It’s not underpowered, with FWD variants putting out 225 hp, while AWD versions receive an extra seven horses. Toyota hasn’t shared official performance data, but it’s nowhere near as sprightly as the old V6. Whereas the Camry V6 used an eight-speed automatic, the new hybrid is paired with an eCVT.

New V6 Unlikely But A Performance PHEV Is Possible

It’s doubtful that Toyota will bring the V6 back to the Camry. The downsizing trend has seen the V6 disappear from the new Tacoma and 4Runner, and it would be odd if the Camry were available with a six-cylinder engine while the more upscale Crown has to make do with four-pot engines. Of course, the answer to more power lies in electrification. Those seeking a speedier Camry could look forward to a plug-in hybrid variant. Let’s not forget the Hybrid Max powerplants. In the Crown, the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine produces 340 hp and a healthy 400 lb-ft of torque (more than the old Camry V6), allowing it to sprint to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.

Related

The Beloved Toyota Camry V6 Engine Is Dead

The new Camry is only available with a four-pot hybrid.

Yes, it may not have the character of the V6, but when driven sensibly, it returns superior fuel economy. Nothing is confirmed, but if a more powerful Camry is on the way, it will likely utilize this setup. A V6 Camry wouldn’t sit well with Toyota’s electrification plans; the automaker intends to introduce a slew of EVs in the coming years, including an electric Highlander and Tundra. This isn’t the first time gearheads have used petitions to get what they want. In 2020, Bimmer fans petitioned for the M3 Wagon to come to America. Sadly, it didn’t work.

Source: Change.org