Who says midsize family sedans need to be boring?
Possibly the only disappointing thing about the latest Toyota Camry is that there’s no sporty version, and Toyota has no plans to bring back a TRD model. The best you can do is get the Camry Nightshade with the 232-horsepower, all-wheel-drive powertrain, but even that is a few levels below the old TRD.
Well, Toyota has at least shown us what a hot version of the sedan could look like by unveiling the Camry GT-S Concept at the 2025 SEMA Show; the GT-S badge has previously been used on sporty variants of the Celica and Corolla. A design study that could inspire a future, production-ready Camry with a Performance package, the Camry GT-S definitely does not look like a conservative hybrid sedan.
More Bark Than Bite
Toyota Camry GT-S Concept
Based on the 2025 Toyota Camry XSE AWD, the Camry GT-S has the same 232-hp hybrid four-cylinder engine. This was intentional, though, as Toyota wanted to create a sedan that could feasibly be driven off the showroom floor, unlike so many outrageous SEMA builds that are destined to remain a dream.
“The Camry GT-S Concept is more than just a SEMA one-off—it’s a study in what a performance and style package could mean for Camry in the future,” said Adam Rabinowitz, chief designer, Toyota CALTY Design Research. “Our goal was to create something aspirational yet attainable, and to use this platform to gather valuable feedback from consumers.”
Toyota
While it’s not more powerful than the stock Camry, the GT-S looks a lot wilder. Adjustable coilovers lower the car by 1.5 inches, contributing to a more aggressive stance. There are new aerodynamic components around the exterior, 20-inch performance wheels, and an awesome Inferno Flare paint job, contrasted by a black hood and roof.
Eight-piston front calipers and six-piston items at the back are fitted, not that the GT-S necessarily requires greater stopping power.
“Camry has always been a core part of our lineup, and with the GT-S Concept we’re showing what’s possible when you infuse a sport sedan with even more attitude and performance-inspired personality,” said Mike Tripp, group vice president, Toyota Marketing.
Powered by Possibility: Toyota’s SEMA Theme
Toyota Camry GT-S Concept
Toyota’s theme for this year’s SEMA show is Powered by Possibility, a mission to highlight the brand’s innovation across its entire lineup, including ICE cars, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, fuel cell EVs, and conventional EVs.
The Camry GT-S joins another unlikely star of this year’s SEMA show, following the lifted Corolla Cross Hybrid Nasu Edition. That’s based on the even humbler Corolla Cross, Toyota’s smallest crossover sold in the United States. Unlike the Camry GT-S, the Nasu Edition build focuses more on the spirit of adventure and off-roading.
Over two dozen Toyota concepts will be on display at this year’s SEMA Show from November 4 to 7.
Related: Toyota Built a Lifted Corolla Cross Hybrid Nobody Asked For
