Toyota Introducing Blacked Versions of Camry and Highlander
Toyota will be unveiling blackened versions of the Camry and Highlander at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, indicating that we’re one step closer to the trend ending. Factories started adopting the “murdered-out” look a few years ago after the movement gained steam in the aftermarket. Now it’s cropping up on the most mainstream of models.
Officially, the Japanese automaker claimed its newest Nightshade Editions are “preempting the earlier sunset associated with the end of Daylight Savings Time.” But we know they’re primarily an opportunity to markup existing models by adding a few darkened bits of trim. However, you’re unlikely to mind if you’re interested in conveying a more-sinister image on the road.
The Toyota 4Runner Nightshade Edition debuted roughly a month ago and looks rather handsome in gray. But you’ll likely be mistaken for a government agent in either black or white paint. This is also appears to be the case for the Highlander, albeit to a lesser degree. Available on the SE trim, Toyota’s appearance package adds black accents to the exterior door handles, and mirror caps, rear spoiler, shark fin antenna. Accompanying black 19-inch wheels, complete with black lug nuts, will match the black headlights and fog lamps.
On the other hand, the Nightshade Edition of the Camry gives it a distinctively sporty look in all hues. But it also changes the vehicle’s overall image to a lesser degree, since Toyota’s sedan wasn’t particularly chrome heavy to begin with. You’ll notice the biggest difference on models dressed in something other than black paint. However it’s only available in Midnight Black Metallic, Celestial Silver, or Super White.
Additions include blackened mirror caps, window molding, spoiler, antenna, door handles, and exterior badging. The Camry also comes with black 18-inch wheels and and darkened headlights. As with the Highlander, the appearance package is only available on the SE trim.
The Highlander Nightshade Special Edition will be available this January in a limited run of 5,000 total units, available in Midnight Black Metallic, Predawn Gray Mica, Salsa Red Pearl, and Blizzard Pearl. Camry variants are expected to follow suit immediately afterward.
[Images: Toyota]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
More by Matt Posky
Comments
Join the conversation
My wife has a blacked out Mini Cooper S. Black car, black wheels, black tinted windows. Her brother calls it the Amish Mini. Not particularly frightening.
Will make a cool Down On The Junkyard in 2035.