If I told you that a Toyota Camry was one of the highlights of the 2014 SEMA Show, you'd probably raise an eyebrow. But the so-called 'Sleeper Camry' -- an insanely tuned-up Camry sporting a supercharged Tundra V8 and the ability to bust out an unforgiving 850 horsepower -- did exactly that.
The vehicle was unveiled in theatrical fashion by Rutledge Wood of Top Gear US. The vehicle must have confused a few onlookers at first, but the unforgiving rumble of the V8 engine made it clear that this was no ordinary Camry.
"The transformation from seemingly stock Camry to full-blown racecar just shocks the senses," offered Steve Appelbaum, Toyota's Engagement Marketing and Motorsports National Manager.
While the Sleeper Camry looks a lot like a regular stock Toyota Camry from the outside, the inside features a race seat with Impact Racing safety harness, Autometer digital dash and race-inspired cockpit.
Disguised Dragster Cars
Toyota's 'Sleeper Camry' Packs an Unexpected Punch
Trend Themes
1. Disguised Dragster Cars - Car manufacturers creating high-performance vehicles that conceal their power behind an ordinary facade could disrupt the sports car market.
2. Supercharged Engines - There is a trend towards installing more powerful car engines into vehicles that wouldn't usually have them, potentially disrupting the traditional market for luxury and sports cars.
3. Sleeper Cars - The concept of sleeper cars -- vehicles that appear ordinary but have a hidden stash of power -- could disrupt conventional expectations of what a high-performance car should look like.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - Car manufacturers could disrupt the traditional sports and luxury car market by creating high-performance vehicles that are disguised as ordinary cars.
2. Racing - The trend for supercharging ordinary cars could disrupt the racing industry by allowing for more affordable, high-performance vehicles.
3. Aftermarket Tuning - There may be an opportunity for aftermarket tuning companies to create kits that can turn ordinary cars into 'sleeper cars' with high-performance engines.