Thankfully, other industries have not yet copied automakers’ widespread practice of giving their cars an all-black look and selling them for a premium as ‘Black Editions’.
In the car world, this still remains commonplace and the latest carmaker to release a Black Edition model is Toyota. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original Celica Camry’s birth in Japan, the automaker has launched the Camry Black Edition in its home market.
The Toyota Camry Black Edition brings a darker exterior appearance combined with sporty features and a more upscale interior. Customers can choose between three body colors: Precious Black Pearl, Platinum White Pearl Mica and Emotional Red II. The white and red paints are also available in a two-tone look with Attitude Black Mica roof.
Based on the range-topping WS grade, the Camry Black Edition also sports black 18-inch aluminum wheels, “smoke-like” front lower grill moldings, as well as smoke extension decorations for the headlights and taillights.
Inside, the JDM Toyota Camry Black Edition features a standard red or black leather interior with heated front seats and power adjustment for the front passenger. Leather is found on the seats, dashboard, center armrest and door panels, creating a lively ambience.
In addition to these styling tweaks exclusive to the Black Edition, Toyota has also improved the Camry lineup’s driver assistance systems. The Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Auto Brake are now standard on all models, as is the Parking Support Brake system.
Nothing changes under the hood, with the Camry Black Edition featuring the same 178 PS (176 HP) THS II 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain as lesser models. Prices start from 4,208,000 yen ($39,790) for the 2WD model and 4,406,000 yen ($41,660) for the E-Four variant.