Toyota introduces new Camry XSE for Cup Series

Toyota has unveiled its 2024 NASCAR Cup Series model, the Camry XSE Next Gen, continuing its commitment to aligning race cars with their road-going counterparts. This new model replaces the Toyota Camry TRD used in the first two seasons of NASCAR’s seventh-generation stock-car platform. The design closely mirrors the 2025 Camry set for release in spring, emphasizing the integration of passenger car design cues.

Toyota Racing Development (TRD) USA president, David Wilson, highlighted the importance of racing what is sold to consumers, a practice adopted by automakers since 2013. He emphasized the value of fans being able to distinguish between various car models on the track.

The Camry XSE race car incorporates design elements from its street-car counterpart, featuring “hammerhead styling” up front with a slim upper grille, sharply angled headlights, and a distinctive lower grille. The rear of the car showcases slimmer taillight details and redesigned quarter panels.

Toyota’s new Cup Series racer aims to strengthen the brand identity of the Camry nameplate while staying competitive in terms of performance within the series. Early tests and computer modeling have provided optimism regarding its on-track capabilities.

The street version of the 2025 Toyota Camry is exclusively available as a hybrid-electric vehicle, reflecting Toyota’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. While there is a shift toward electrification in consumer vehicles, NASCAR continues to explore the balance between environmental goals and maintaining the captivating sound of stock-car racing.

Toyota teams will see an increase in numbers for the 2024 season, with Legacy Motor Club joining the ranks. This expansion means there will be eight Camrys on the track, up from six. Toyota Racing Development maintains a focus on quality over quantity when adding new Cup Series teams, aiming for a sweet spot of eight to ten cars. Legacy Motor Club’s transition to Toyota involves substantial preparations, including switching from Chevrolet and preparing a new Camry for driver Erik Jones.

Despite the challenges, Legacy Motor Club is entering this new era without a technical alliance with an existing Toyota team, with TRD providing support in various capacities, including the supply of Toyota TRD engines.