For more information on this vehicle visit http://tinyurl.com/bmuhfn8nnWhen you want to draw strong connections between your NASCAR efforts ...
For more information on this vehicle visit http://tinyurl.com/bmuhfn8nnWhen you want to draw strong connections between your NASCAR efforts and your street cars, there's no better way to do it than to build a show stopping custom. And when you're a company like Toyota, the end result is a stunning Camry that packs NASCAR-levels of horsepower in a gorgeous 2-door coupe body. Built in cooperation with TRD, the experts here at RK Motors drew on some pretty impressive fabrication skills to create the Toyota Camry NASCAR Edition you see here.nnSimilarities to the full-race Camry you see racing on the big ovals every Sunday are not mere coincidence. The exterior shell of the vehicle is a custom 2010 Camry two-door coupe, fabricated entirely in steel by RK Motors' Charlotte expert metalsmiths. Using the body as a canvas, we installed several racecar features including a custom NASCAR-inspired body kit, Toyota grill, carbon fiber brake ducts with fog lights, and TRD emblems. Other trick details include the NASCAR-style side exhaust system, carbon fiber rear-view mirrors, and that faired-in deck lid spoiler. The paint job is a show-quality two-tone that emphasizes the car's muscular shape. nnUnderneath the exterior shell lives a powerful TRD NASCAR V8 engine that displaces 358 cubic inches and delivers a cackling 680 horsepower. And yes, before you ask, the engine is fuel injected, not carbureted, and uses distributorless ignition to light the fires. Making it street friendly meant adding A/C, power steering, and a reliable serpentine belt system, which makes this car as comfortable as a stock Camry in the day-to-day grind. Looking at the detailing throughout the under hood area, it's awfully hard to remember that this is a hand-built car, not something off a production line.nnThe engine is mated to a Tremec six-speed manual transmission with a Ram dual-disc street clutch. With a deep overdrive, the potent engine is capable of pushing the slippery shape of the street car deep into NASCAR territory. Shocks are single-adjustable race pieces with coil-overs. The high performance of the NASCAR Camry can be heard through a custom three-inch exhaust with X-pipe, Thrush mufflers, Quicktime performance cut out, custom side exhaust tips and high temperature Turbo Black coating. The car sits on 20-inch TSW Jarama wheels wearing Michelin Pilot tires.nnInside, The NASCAR Camry is far more luxurious and comfortable than its NASCAR relatives, and includes such niceties as a full-sized rear seat. The two-tone leather ties in with the exterior paint scheme, and shows no signs of wear. The dashboard and steering wheel are production pieces, while a billet shifter and SPEK gauges by Proparts mounted above the center stack give it a high-performance look. Comfort is enhanced with air conditioning provided by Vintage Air, and for added safety a four-point roll cage was installed. Other details that give it an OEM feel are little details like the trunk and fuel door release on the floor, the overhead lighting, and power windows and locks. A Pioneer DVE receiver with navigation was selected, while Boston Acoustics supplied the amps and speakers. Together, these components are able to counter the throaty sound of the engine and deliver crisp, clear performance that you'll have to hear to believe.nnThe Toyota Camry NASCAR Edition is fast, comfortable, and fully sorted, with a ton of easily recognized DNA running through its veins. It showcases both RK Motors' design/build capabilities and Toyota's significant commitment to success in NASCAR. Look for it in the TRD display at many of the major auto shows during 2011. Less
