Toyota Surfrider Camry Hybrid CNG

By Thami Masemola
November 3, 2009 4:59 PM
Filed Under: Japanese, SEMA, Toyota, Tuners

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) USA sought the help of the Surfrider Foundation to convert a stock Camry Hybrid into one fuelled by compressed natural gas (CNG). CNG is abundant in the US and it's also clean as well as safe. Total system output is 125kW (170hp). Official fuel estimates are 32, 24 and 33mpg for city, highway and combined figures respectively. Toyota expects an overall range of over 250 miles (402km).

Engineers replaced the petrol fuel system with a CNG unit located in the spare tyre well. The exterior was pimped out through a multi-colour wrap with CNG and Surfrider logos, a custom front grille, 20-inch alloy wheels and a rear bumper that covers both tailpipe and exhaust system. The ride height was lowered on an adjustable coilover suspension system.

The interior includes grey suede and black leather upholstery, and a secure viewing window for the display of CNG fuel cylinders.

Press Release (Click to expand)

Toyota Surfrider Camry Hybrid CNG

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc. has partnered with the Surfrider Foundation to create a specially modified Camry Hybrid fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG), reflecting Toyota involvement with environmental awareness. The Toyota Surfrider Camry Hybrid CNG and two modified Prius gas-electric hybrid vehicles are on display in the Environmental Lifestyle Zone of the Toyota vehicle display at the 2009 SEMA Show. The Prius represents Toyota's current commitment to the environment while the Camry Hybrid CNG pushes the envelope on alternative fuel possibilities.

The current benefits of CNG are amplified by rapidly changing market conditions and an increase in consumer environmental awareness. As a transport fuel, natural gas is a clean and safe gasoline alternative. It can potentially reduce U.S. dependency on foreign oil and reduce vehicle operating costs. Currently, more than 99 percent of natural gas used in the U.S. comes from domestic and other American sources.

The CNG system was built by Metal Crafters of Fountain Valley, Calif. To convert the stock Camry Hybrid to a CNG vehicle, the gasoline fuel system was replaced with a CNG system in the spare tire well area.

Toyota also teamed with Street Image to further modify the Camry Hybrid CNG Show Car for the 2009 SEMA Show. The exterior of the vehicle was given a sportier concept look with the installation of an aggressive body kit featuring a custom front grill and unique rear bumper that covers the tail pipe and exhaust system. The overall ride height was lowered on an adjustable coilover suspension, allowing the car to hug the set of 20-inch alloy wheels rolling on Toyo Proxy 4 tires. A new multi-colored vehicle wrap that features CNG and Surfrider logos completes the unique look.

The inside was modified with several enhancements, including a custom Grey Suede and Black leather upholstery, interior lighting and an enclosed trunk area with a viewing window to display the CNG fuel cylinders.

At the conclusion of the 2009 SEMA Show Toyota will provide a production version of the Surfrider Camry Hybrid CNG to the Surfrider Foundation. The vehicle will be driven to, and displayed at numerous outreach campaigns, education programs and beach cleanup events.

Toyota Surfrider Camry Hybrid CNG Specifications Preliminary

Powertrain
2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive®
Gasoline fuel system replaced by CNG system

Estimated Fuel Economy
City/Highway/Combined = 32/24/33*
*Actual mileage will vary

Net Horsepower
Engine + Electric Motor + Generator + Power Storage = 170 HP

CNG System
Two Lincoln composite Type 4 tanks - plastic liner with carbon fiber wrapped exterior tanks installed in spare tire well area

Maximum 3,600 psi

Capacity
Proposed eight gallon gasoline equivalent

Range
250+ miles

Dimensions (inches)
Overall Length: 191.2
Overall Width: 71.7
Overall Height: 57.5
Overall Wheelbase: 109.3