Toyota Camry Prominent engines

The Toyota Camry Prominent middle-class passenger car was sold only in the Japanese domestic market. Used copies were imported into Russia and the CIS countries. The cars were produced with 4-door sedan and hardtop bodies (doors without frames). The car was the first of the Toyota concern products to receive an airbag for the driver (in 1988), located in the steering wheel hub.

Technical characteristics and configurations

Cars as standard had plastic body parts painted in the main color. On expensive modifications, chrome lining appeared and wheels with a diameter of 15″ were used (both steel and made of aluminum alloy). Upon request, cruise control was installed, and an ignition key with a built-in door lock control panel was offered. External rear-view mirrors were equipped with electrical adjustments; snow was removed due to heating or vibration created by a special unit.

Some modifications offered a rear-wheel steering system (brand designation 4WS); the buyer could order hydraulic shock absorbers with adjustable stiffness. The standard instrument cluster had an analogue tachometer and speedometer. The climate control system with automatic maintenance of the set temperature was equipped with electric drives for dampers in the air ducts. Some cars used a radio with a tape recorder; the speakers were located at the bottom of the door trims.

The V30 offered an electrically operated sunroof and a driver airbag as standard equipment. The seats had velor upholstery, the color of which matched the shade of the floor covering and instrument panel. All seats were equipped with inertial seat belts (there was height adjustment at the front), and armrests with the ability to adjust their position were provided. The basic equipment included an ABS system and disc brakes (ventilated units were used at the front).

The ignition switch is installed on the steering column; when the key is removed from the hole, the shaft automatically lifts up, facilitating the driver's disembarkation procedure. The manufacturer has limited the seat adjustment by distance from the engine shield to provide legroom for rear passengers.

To compensate, the steering wheel can be adjusted for reach with a mechanical drive. On some cars, an air ionizer was installed in the cabin, which made it possible to eliminate unpleasant odors and disinfect the upholstery.

Options found on Prominent V30:

• driver's seat belt indicator;
• Illuminated front seat belt buckles;
• automatic door locking when reaching a speed of 20 km/h;
• ultrasonic parking sensors in the corners of the bumpers;
• automatic adjustment of the frequency of operation of the windshield wipers (depending on the speed);
• additional trunk lid spoiler with integrated brake light;
• plastic covers for the lower edges of doors and body sills;
• protective linings on the side of the doors, painted in body color;
• folding headrest on the front passenger seat;
• container for small items with a lid, located on the rear shelf;
• radio antennas on the surface of the rear window;
• laser disc player;
• 170 W speaker system with woofer;
• changer for 6 or 12 laser discs;
• rear window wiper;
• gearbox engagement lock.

Second generation 1987 - V20

The first generation debuted in April 1987. The cars were distinguished by a protruding chrome grille and plastic bumpers that met the standards for the North American market. Wood trim was used inside the cabin, and a fully electronic instrument cluster and electrically powered front seats were offered as options.

In May 1989, the Prominent X was introduced with a 4-door hardtop body style, distinguished by doors and side openings.

Third generation 1990 - V30

In the spring of 1990, a new generation of Prominent cars debuted, which received the internal designation V30. The car was delivered to customers with 4-door sedan and hardtop bodies, which received rounded outlines. The front separate seats could be equipped with electrical adjustments, and the rear sofa folded, allowing long items to be transported in the trunk. Production of the car ended in mid-1996, after which Toyota abandoned the use of the Prominent name, switching to the global designation of the Camry model.

Description of the car

Externally, the 1992 Toyota Camry Prominente is no different compared to the first models; it still has the same memorable spoiler on the trunk lid with a brake light, a narrow radiator grille and smooth aerodynamic contours of the body.

The spacious interior in light brown tones with comfortable seats, comfortable and beautiful evokes admiration, and the driver’s seat with incredible options with electric control, adjustable lateral support, a lumbar cushion and a change in the angle of the back makes you wonder who this car is intended for - for driver or passengers?

In addition, the chair is also equipped with an armrest that folds back and locks there. On a long trip in a car with an automatic transmission, the armrest extended to the working position allows the unused hand to find reliable support.

But passengers should not be offended by the lack of concern for their comfort; the rear sofa is large and comfortable and can easily accommodate three people. When there are two passengers in the back, the wide center armrest can be folded back, but the seat back is made in such a way that when the armrest is retracted, the comfort of the middle passenger does not suffer.

For their convenience, a spacious glove box with sliding lids is built between the front seats, allowing it to be used by both the front passenger and those located in the rear.

Since 1992, analog dial gauges have returned to the dashboard, with a tachometer and speedometer in the center, temperature and fuel level indicators on the sides. I must say thanks to the manufacturers who placed a scale between the speedometer and tachometer that reflects the operating mode of the automatic transmission, so that the range shift knob can be moved without looking at it.

The climate control control is located on the center console, below is the radio, and immediately below it is the lid of a small glove compartment for cigarettes. Next to it is an ashtray, under which there is another glove compartment and a retractable panel with cup holders. By the way, regarding glove compartments, the 1992 Toyota Camry Prominent is a champion in terms of their number. Pockets, hiding places and glove compartments are crammed everywhere - on the doors, backs of seats, on the front panel and between the seats. The largest glove compartment is located behind the rear sofa on a shelf and that’s all, not counting the spacious trunk.

One can envy the simplicity of the lighting arrangement in the cabin - these are two separate light bulbs on both sides of the rear-view mirror and a lampshade in the center of the ceiling. There is also one original backlight that turns on when you open the mirror cover on the sun visor.

The engine of the 1993 Toyota Camry Prominente sedan is quite special, the V-shape hides inside two cylinder heads with four camshafts, two each. This is not often found in more sophisticated machines, but there is a clear benefit here.

This becomes clear after starting the engine; the sound is inaudible inside the cabin, you only notice the deviation of the tachometer needle. A fairly large car starts moving smoothly and gently and in a split second quickly accelerates, picking up speed.

You don’t feel so much effort on the steering wheel that sometimes you start to catch the road, but after that you get used to it. The speed gained by the car is felt when cornering, a powerful engine with front-wheel drive prevents the car from skidding and pulls it out of a turn - this is where you understand why side support airbags are needed.

The two operating modes of the four-speed automatic transmission are as follows: one – sport allows you to gain maximum speed before engaging the next gear, and winter – allows you to move away smoothly on a slippery road and ensures the safety of a trip in icy conditions.

The Prominant has an amazing suspension ability - changing the stiffness of the shock absorbers. When you turn on the Sport mode, the suspension becomes stiffer, allowing you to overcome uneven Russian roads, but at the same time reduces ride comfort. You also need to remember about the excellent performance of the brakes, press the pedal smoothly and slowly, otherwise you risk breaking your head on the windshield.

Engine size and torque

The Prominent used the following power units:

1. The basic V-shaped 6-cylinder unit 1VZ-FE with a volume of 1992 cm³ with a gasoline injection system, developing 138 hp. With. at a rotation speed of 6000 rpm, peak torque of 173 N*m is achieved at 4600 rpm.
2. The V30 modification used a V-shaped 6-cylinder engine 2VZ-FE with a volume of 2507 cm³, which differed from the 1VZ-FE by an increased cylinder diameter. The unit developed a power of 161 hp. s., torque increased to 216 N*m. In 1992, the engine was modified by increasing the compression ratio and making adjustments to the design of the intake manifold, which led to an increase in power to 175 hp. With. (torque increased to 224 N*m) and a change in designation to 4VZ-FE.

Both engines are equipped with camshafts in the cylinder heads, each cylinder has 2 intake and exhaust valves. The liquid cooling system includes a pump and a thermostat, but the 2.5-liter engine modification has a stressful thermal operating mode.

If the circuit is damaged or foreign impurities get into the antifreeze, the engine overheats, which leads to warping of the head and block.

First generation

The Camry Prominent was available in sedan and hardtop body styles (with frameless doors). In addition to being equipped to the highest standard, the first generation luxury cars were equipped with 1VZ-VE V6 power units producing 140 hp. and maximum torque of 177 N*m at 4800 rpm.

The original version of Prominent was equipped with either a manual or automatic gearbox. There was only front-wheel drive. With its large bumpers and chrome grille, the car's appearance was closer in spirit to the American style.

Engine 1VZ-VE V6 in the engine compartment of the first generation Toyota Camry Prominent

The 1VZ-FE gasoline engine installed in the Prominent produced in 1987-1990 had a relatively small volume for a V6 - only two liters. At the same time, it took up very little space under the hood and was interesting due to its transverse arrangement with the block tilted toward the interior.

The main advantage of the engine was the torque at low speeds. In general, the 1VZ-FE power plant, which eventually became the ancestor of the remaining units of the VZ line, was considered reliable in operation, but it required increased attention to the quality of fuel and oil, and was also too sensitive to the condition of the cooling system, which is extremely important for proper and long-term operation of this engine.

Fuel tank volume and fuel consumption

Toyota has paid special attention to vehicle safety, which is why the fuel tank is located inside the wheelbase. Under the rear sofa in the floor of the body there is a niche in which there is a plastic tank with a capacity of 60 liters. Gasoline is supplied by an electric pump; a line is provided to drain excess fuel from the engine ramp. Average fuel consumption in the city is 10-12 liters per 100 km (depending on the type and condition of the power unit), on the highway the parameter drops to 8-9 liters per 100 km.

Drive and transmission

Prominent vehicles are equipped with front drive wheels; Toyota has not produced modifications with a 4x4 transmission. Regardless of the engine displacement, a 4-speed A540 hydromechanical gearbox was used, which had additional operating modes (for example, for driving on mud or snow).

The third stage is direct, the 4th gear is accelerating, the gear ratios provide dynamic acceleration of the car, but jerks are felt when shifting (not a sign of a breakdown).

Owner reviews of Camry Prominent

Alexey, 38 years old, Vladivostok

In 2010-12 was the owner of a V20 car, released in 1990, with a 2.0 liter engine. The advantages of the car were its rich equipment and large luggage compartment; when driving inside the cabin, no sounds from the engine or aerodynamic noise were heard. The problem unit turned out to be the rear wheel steering system; I changed the rubber joints in the front suspension, which was not designed for Russian roads, several times. At 360 thousand km (according to the meter in the speedometer), the engine liners turned, so I sold the car for restoration.

Evgeniy, 31 years old, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

In 2103, he purchased a Camry Prominent built in 1992, equipped with a 2.5-liter engine. After the purchase, I encountered the problem of purchasing original spare parts for the gearbox and engine (some components from other Toyota models are not suitable). A few months later, I acquired the necessary elements at a dismantling of old cars; the repair did not require the use of special tools. For 3 years (I sold the car in 2021), I drove more than 40 thousand km, carried out maintenance every 7-8 thousand km, bought original Toyota materials.

Brief history of creation

The very famous 1992 Toyota Camry Prominent model, however, like the 1993 Toyota Camry Prominent, is essentially the sister of the legendary Toyota Camry. Produced only for domestic sales, it quickly crossed the border and gained worldwide popularity thanks to its equipment of the highest level.

The initial version was equipped with a two-liter engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. The engine was distinguished by a V-shaped layout with six cylinders, and the appearance of the car was reminiscent of American style with its large bumpers and chrome radiator grille.

The version produced since 1990 included a 1.8-liter in-line engine and a 2-liter turbocharged diesel engine. The engine with a 2-liter capacity and original V-shaped layout remained in service. The 1990 Toyota Camry Prominent model was remembered for its digital electronic dashboard, which at first was somewhat unusual for car owners.

In the first half of 1991, the Toyta Camry Prominent began to be equipped with a 2.5-liter engine producing 175 horsepower and a rear wheel steering system. The Japanese manufacturer stopped producing the car, called Prominante, in 1998.