What is the Toyota Camry Prominent?

The Toyota Camry Prominent mid-range passenger car was sold only on the Japanese domestic market. Used models were imported in the CIS countries. The cars were produced with 4-door bodies of sedan and hardtop type (doors without frames). This car was the first Toyota model, which received an airbag for the driver (in 1988), located in a hub of the steering wheel.

Specifications and equipment

The standard vehicles had plastic body elements painted in the base color. Expensive versions received chrome plating and 15-inch wheels (both steel and aluminum alloy). An optional cruise control and ignition key with integrated door lock controls were available. The exterior mirrors had electric adjustments, and snow was removed by heating or vibration, created by a special unit.

Rear-wheel steering (brand name 4WS) was available on some versions, and the customer could order hydraulic shock absorbers with adjustable stiffness. The standard instrument cluster had an analog tachometer and speedometer. The climate control system had automatic temperature control with electric temperature control dampers. Some trucks had a radio with tape recorder, and loudspeakers were in the lower part of the door panels.

The V30 offered an electrically operated sunroof and a driver's airbag as standard equipment. The seats were upholstered in velour, the color of which matched the shade of the floor covering and the instrument panel. All seats were equipped with inertia belts (height adjustable in front), with adjustable armrests. Basic equipment included ABS and disk brakes (ventilated front units).

The ignition lock is mounted on the steering column; when the key is removed from the well, the shaft automatically lifts up, making it easier for the driver to disembark. The manufacturer has limited the adjustment of the seat to the distance from the engine panel to provide space for the legs of passengers sitting in the back.

To compensate, there was a mechanically actuated rudder adjustment. Some trucks had an air ionizer installed in the cabin, which eliminated unpleasant odors and disinfected upholstery.
Options found on the Prominent V30:

driver's unfastened seat belt indicator;

illuminated front seat belt locks;

automatic locking of the door locks at 20 km/h;

ultrasonic parking sensors in the corners of the bumpers;

automatic windshield wipers frequency adjustment (depending on driving speed);

optional trunk lid spoiler with integrated brake light;

plastic covers for lower door edges and sills;

protective plates on the sides of the doors, painted in body color;

folding headrest on the front passenger seat;

small items container with cover on the rear shelf;

radio antennas on the surface of the rear window;

laser disc player;

170-watt loudspeaker system with a subwoofer;

6 or 12 laser disc changer;

rear window wiper;

transmission inhibitor.

Second generation 1987 - V20

The first generation debuted in April 1987. Cars featured a forward-facing chrome grille and plastic bumpers that met North American market standards. Wood trim inside the cabin, all-electric instrument cluster and electrically operated front seats were available as options.

In May 1989, the Prominent X was introduced with a 4-door hardtop body, featuring doors and openings in the sides.

Third Generation 1990 - V30

In the spring of 1990, a new generation of Prominent cars debuted with the intra-factory designation V30. The car was delivered to customers with four-door sedan and hardtop bodies with rounded contours. The front split-folding seats could be electrically adjustable, and the rear sofa could be folded down to allow the carrying of long objects in the trunk. The production of the car ended in mid-1996, after which Toyota abandoned the use of the name Prominent, switching to the global designation of the model Camry.

Body dimensions and weight

Vehicle dimensions and weight (V30 body):

length - 4670 mm;

width - 1695 mm;

height - 1380 mm;

wheelbase - 2600 mm;

turning radius - 5 m;

curb weight - 1410 kg;

payload - 500 kg.

Engine displacement and torque
Powertrains used on the Prominent:

The base V-shaped 6-cylinder 1VZ-FE engine of 1992 cm³ volume with gasoline injection system, developing 138 hp at 6000 rpm, the peak torque of 173 N*m is reached at 4600 rpm.

The V30 was powered by the 2VZ-FE six-cylinder, 2507 cm³ V-shaped engine, which differed from the 1VZ-FE with its larger bore. The engine developed 161 hp and developed up to 216 Nm of torque. In 1992, the engine has been updated by increasing the compression ratio and making adjustments in the intake manifold design, which led to an increase in power to 175 hp (torque increased to 224 Nm) and changing the designation to 4VZ-FE.

Both engines are equipped with camshafts in the block heads, with 2 intake and exhaust valves in each cylinder. The liquid cooling system includes a pump and thermostat, but the 2.5L motor modification has a stressed thermal mode of operation.

Cabin and luggage compartment capacity

The car interior is designed to carry 5 adults, but with the use of the armrest on the rear couch, the capacity is reduced to 4 people. Inside the cabin, there is a storage space for small items, between the front seats there is a space divided into two sections (for driver and passenger).

The luggage compartment, equipped with a hinged lid, has a volume of about 500 liters, the backrest of the rear sofa can be partially or fully folded.

Fuel tank capacity and fuel consumption

Toyota paid special attention to vehicle safety, so the fuel tank is located inside the wheelbase. There is a recess under the rear sofa in the floor of the body in which there is a plastic tank with a capacity of 60 liters. Gasoline is supplied by an electric pump, and there is a line for draining the excess fuel from the engine ramp. Average fuel consumption in the city is 10-12 liters per 100 kilometers (depending on the type and condition of the power unit), on the highway parameter is reduced to 8-9 liters per 100 kilometers.

Drive and transmission

The Prominent had front-wheel drive, and Toyota did not make a 4x4 version. Regardless of the engine displacement, the A540 four-speed hydro-mechanical transmission was used.

Third gear is straight, 4th gear is accelerating, the ratios provide dynamic acceleration of the car, but when shifting you can feel a jerk (not a sign of failure).

Ground clearance height

The ground clearance is 160 mm, there are no protruding elements on the bottom of the car (such as spring cups or subframes), which impair the geometric cross-country ability. It should be taken into account that the car was not originally created for driving on bad roads, so it is not recommended to test Prominent in off-road conditions. Careless operation on the country roads can damage the bumpers, the engine tray and the lower part of the sills.