Autoblog

Toyota launches redesigned Crown flagship in Japan

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 16:43:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Sedan, Japan, Toyota, Luxury

The 58-year-old Toyota Crown line has entered its 14th generation with the unveil of the 2013 Crown Athlete and Crown Royal sedans for the Japanese market, both of which can be had with hybrid power. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter V6 with 200 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid uses the 2.5-liter four-cylinder from the Camry mated to an electric motor for 176 hp and 163 lb-ft. The Athlete (shown above) gets a third choice, a 3.5-liter V6 with 311 hp and 278 lb-ft.

There are two transmissions in the mix, the base engine in either sedan shifting through a six-speed automatic, while the more potent V6 in the Crown Athlete gets an eight-speed auto. Depending on which model is chosen, either the rear or all four wheels will be driven.

Outside, the sedan - less than an inch longer than our Lexus ES - gets a stiffer body thanks to more spot welding and a new can't-miss-it grille reminiscent of a crown. On the Royal model, the opening is filled with horizontal bars, while the Athlete trim gets mesh filler. Inside is the Toyota Multi-Touch Operation unit that allows touchscreen control of various functions, new wood grain patterns and gold stitching. Driving and safety tech includes an Adaptive High Beam System, Panoramic View Monitor, Pre-collision System and Intelligent Clearance Sonar.

Prices for the Crown Royal series start at 3,530,000 yen ($40,983 US) and go up to 5,360,000 ($62,225 US) for the hybrid Royal Saloon G. The Crown Athlete starts at 3,570,000 ($41,438 US) and goes up to 5,430,000 ($63,028 US) for the hybrid Athlete G. Toyota hopes to shift a not-insubstantial 4,000 Crowns per month in its home market. Scroll down to see a press release below with more details on both models.

Continue reading Toyota launches redesigned Crown flagship in Japan

Toyota launches redesigned Crown flagship in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jan 2013 16:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: U.S consortium now in lead for Volvo purchase

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: China, Ford, Volvo, Earnings/Financials, Rumormill

Just about a month ago, news hit the interwebs that Chinese automaker Geely officially became Ford's preferred bidder for Volvo once concerns over intellectual property were sorted out. Today, though, we're hearing that Crown, a consortium led by former Ford director Michael Dingman, former Ford and Chrysler LLC executive Shamel Rushwin and ex-Volvo CEO Roger Holtback, is gaining momentum in its bid for the Swedish automaker after submitting a revised proposal.

If reports from The Wall Street Journal and Reuters are accurate, Crown's new bid is "on par" with Geely's $1.8 billion offer and is backed by both Swedish and Chinese investors and banks. Not surprisingly, Ford has yet to comment on the speculation, though it has said that talks with Geely are already at an advanced stage. Stay tuned.

[Sources: The Wall Street Journal; Reuters]

REPORT: U.S consortium now in lead for Volvo purchase originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Toyota introduces noise-canceling tech on Crown hybrid

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Japan, Technology, Toyota

Toyota's Crown Hybrid gets brownie points for good gas mileage, but it's apparently a troublemaker in the motor noise department. Instead of merely adding insulation to the bulkhead, Toyota engineered an Active Noise Control system to reduce engine noise inside the cabin.

The contraption uses three microphones on the interior of the car to detect engine noise. Based on the frequencies they detect, one speaker in each of the front doors and a woofer on the rear shelf create antiphase signals to cancel out the noise. The canceling is set up to occur at passenger head level, and does not interfere with the music system or your own talking.

The Crown Hybrid, released this year in Japan, uses a slightly modified version of the hybrid system from the Lexus GS. Active Noise Control reduces cabin noise from the engine by about five to eight dB, and is permanently on. It's probably not out of the question that the Active Noise Control will make the jump to other Toyota products, and perhaps even Lexus models once they figure out how to put solid gold connectors on it.

[Source: Gizmag]

Toyota introduces noise-canceling tech on Crown hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Toyota's Crowns take a beating in China

Joel Arellano — Sat, 26 Aug 2006 19:09:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Toyota

Tianjin FAW Toyota Motor Co., a joint venture between Toyota Motor Co. and the Chinese FAW Group, issued a recall on all Toyota Crown sedans built between February 21st through September 20th last year. The problem is a weak adhesive used to hold the rubber strips that seal the windshield. According to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China, the strips could break loose and strike other vehicles or pedestrians.

Over 20,000 sedans have been recalled. There have been no reports of accidents or injuries resulting from the issue.

[Source: MarketWatch]

Toyota's Crowns take a beating in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Aug 2006 19:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments