TMMK Shows Off the All-New, All-American Solara

Toyota Vice President Wil James and President Gary Convis celebrate the unveiling of the all-new second generation 2004 Solara.

GEORGETOWN, KY. (July 7, 2003) — The all-new Toyota Camry Solara rolled off the assembly line today at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) giving the Georgetown plant the most American of any Toyota product to date.

The all-new second generation Solara was born and bred in the United States. The vehicle's engineering, planning, technical and styling development was managed by Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America (TMMNA) in Erlanger, Ky., Toyota Technical Center (TTC) in Ann Arbor, Mich., Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, Calif., and Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. Finally, Solara will be built exclusively at TMMK.

"The all-new Solara is a real breakthrough in style," stated Gary Convis, president of TMMK. "It is sleek, sporty and sharp. I think our customers are going to love it. It's designed to appeal to people who are young or just think young."

TMMK plans on manufacturing about 30,000 Solara's through the end of this year. A projection of 64,000 units is planned for the 2004 calendar year. The 2004 Solara will be available in the SLE, SE and SE Sport grades, each with its own interior surface treatments. The SLE model will receive a rich wood-grain trim, while a brushed aluminum and silver finish trim will be applied to the SE grade. SE models equipped with an all-new Sports Package will feature a unique interior complete with black graphite-accented trim.

Solara will be equipped with either a V6 or four-cylinder engine. The Solara's all-new 3.3-liter V6 will generate 225 horsepower at 5,600 RPM, an increase of 27 horsepower, and 240 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 RPM, 28 more lb.-ft. of torque than the current model. With both engines, Solara will be EPA-certified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV). Solaras equipped with the V6 will be mated to an all-new five-speed automatic sequential transmission.

Solara's increased power will be smoothly transferred to the wheels via a performance-tuned suspension. Virtually every mounting and pivot point between the suspension and the body has been repositioned and recalibrated. Specially-tuned struts improve Solara's ride quality, while unique springs and front and rear stabilizer bars reduce body roll and pitch, resulting in a stable yet invigorating steering feel and response. Stopping power and feel is enhanced with standard four-wheel disc brakes.

The styling concept of the all-new Solara integrates both convex and concave surfaces that flow dynamically down the length of the car to give Solara its characteristic shape and advanced style. An extensive and pronounced "V" character line begins at the grille to separate aggressive elongated "eye" shaped headlamps that enhance Solara's sporty image. Solara's front fascia is further complemented by fog lamps that provide a wider, aggressive look and stance.

The exterior culminates with rounded corners at the rear that blend into an integrated rear bumper, highlighting the look and design of the rear deck. Bumper height was reduced on the new Solara to give it a sportier stance and body gaps were narrowed. The rear combination lamp begins at the end of the character line forming an emotional teardrop shape, while an optional rear spoiler further strengthens the Solara's sense of style.

Like its exterior, the Solara interior evokes a sporty and stylish image highlighted by a restyled instrument panel and center-mounted multi-function display featuring the time, outside temperature gauge, fuel consumption, average speed and elapsed time.

Solara aims to lead its class in fit and finish quality by narrowing gaps between interior surfaces by 0.5 millimeters or less, the design of an invisible front-passenger airbag, and chrome accents.

The 2004 Solara offers an amazing 20 percent increase in interior storage space by providing for a new front console box, cupholders that double as additional storage, and a center console that offers dual storage units. Solara also offers built-in storage and cupholders in the rear quarter panel. The front console door, glove box and register knobs utilize silicone dampers for smooth operation.

New for Solara are Satellite XM radio, and navigation system options. The Solara receives the latest generation in Toyota's DVD-based navigation systems. It features more than five million verified data points and its route searching capabilities are more than twice as fast as competitive systems. The Solara's 6.7-inch screen is among the biggest on the market today.

A target of best-in-class safety features will be supported by Solara's use of standard front side-impact airbags, four-wheel ABS and independent rear seat headrests. Front and rear curtain side airbags also will be available.

The new Sports Package, available on SE models, will include a special five-piece body kit, a unique dark-charcoal interior with black graphite trim, sport-fabric seats, exclusive sport gauges and meter colors, sport tires wrapped around 17-inch wheels, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob and distinctive aluminum pedals. The Sports Package also will feature a performance-tuned suspension that includes stiffer front and rear springs, as well as sport-tuned front and rear shock absorbers.

The first generation Solara debuted in the fall of 1998 and was developed to target a new opportunity in the sport specialty segment. The new Solara's appeal will extend beyond just one set demographic, it will appeal more to consumers' lifestyles rather than life stages.

"The Solara is fun to look at, fun to drive, yet practical. That is why it's going to be another winner," said Convis.

The first 2004 Solara will go on sale mid-August. TMMK is Toyota's largest North American manufacturing facility with over 7,000 team members.

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Contact: Rick Hesterberg
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc.
(502) 868-2135