The current Toyota Crown has been around for sometime now, having gone on sale in Japan in late 2012. Clearly, the S210 model is due for a replacement soon, and Toyota is previewing its next JDM luxury sedan with the Crown Concept, which will make its debut at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show later this month.
From the two photos provided, it’s apparent that the car will feature a more athletic design derived from the new Camry, with more curvaceous surfacing and a sleeker fastback-like roofline. The six-window side profile appears to have been inspired by the new Lexus LS.
Up front, there are wraparound LED headlights that frame an evolution of the outgoing model’s full-length grille. The more aggressive front fascia design and large turbine-style alloy wheels suggest that this presages the sportier Crown Athlete model, which will likely continue to be sold alongside the Crown Royal and the longer and more luxurious Crown Majesta.
Measuring 4,910 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,455 mm tall, the Crown Concept is 25 mm longer and 5 mm taller than the current model; its 2,920 mm wheelbase is also 70 mm longer, giving it shorter overhangs. The car is built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) and is expected to share its underpinnings and plenty of components with the next-generation Lexus GS.
Testing at the Nürburgring – which explains previous spyshots at the infamous 20.8 km circuit – is claimed to have imbued the new Crown with responsive handling performance, as well as increased stability both on smooth and rough tarmac and at low and high speeds.
Expect the production model to retain the base 8AR-FTS 2.0 litre turbocharged engine introduced on the current car’s facelift, producing 235 PS and 350 Nm of torque and paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. A 3.5 litre naturally-aspirated should also be offered, similar to the China-only Lexus LS 350 and making 318 hp and 380 Nm, matched to a 10-speed auto.
The Hybrid model, on the other hand, will likely receive the Multi Stage Hybrid System from the Lexus LS 500h and LC 500h. This pairs a 295 hp/350 Nm 3.5 litre Dual VVT-i direct-injected V6 with twin electric motors and a 310 V lithium-ion battery, resulting in a total system output of 354 hp. The two motors work in conjunction with a four-speed auto to simulate the feel of a 10-speed gearbox.
In terms of safety, the new Crown will continue to feature autonomous emergency braking as well as ITS Connect vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication. New to the fifteenth-generation model (yes, really) are Data Communication Modules (DCM) that will come as standard, and mark Toyota’s entry to the Internet of Things (IoT) arena.
The company claims that the system collects big data and uses it in different ways, such as reducing traffic congestion and predicting potential vehicle issues, alerting call centres to provide customers with quick and appropriate support. The new Crown is set to go on sale in the summer of 2018.
GALLERY: 2018 Toyota Crown spyshots
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sadly those who had never ride or drove a Toyota Crown before – they will never know how good the car is. Crown is Toyota’s flagship model. just like Lexus LS600h. or Merzedez S600. or BMW 760iL. or Jaguar XJL.
the best and the finest.
Agree. The Crown was used as a limo taxi before & it’s built quality is 2nd to none. How we all wish our current Limo Taxi ride like this Crown.
The Crown, motoring at its finest.
Jepun no longer using current Crowns as their taxis. Too exp. How we all wish their current Limo Taxi using current Crowns. Must be something wrong with their economy.
Go to hong kong, you see most crowns are use as taxis there.
Mostly painted in red with white top.
It looks horrible but it is only a good working horse without the luxury feel.
Better compare you compare TOYOTA badge with those from Nissan, Honda >> lower ranking.
The top of the line Toyota is just an entry level to either a Mercedes or jaguar badge .
It is not on par with S class or XJl LEVEL yet. Crown is still miles and decades away FROM these CONTI.
Concept of year 2000? Very old fashion.
Looks more solid than Volvo, Alfa and most french.
Looks more tougher than HONDA , MERCEDES and most German cars
May i asked you base on what assumptions and datas a Toyota Crown is more solid than Volvo, ALFA and most french???
As I know in term of safety Volvo can easily outclass crown, in term of performance and handling alfa can outclass Crown , in term of comfort and safety most french outclass Crown too.
You mean Toyota Crown is more solid can crush a volvo easily in an accident or what? I think the Crown better watch out for a Volvo , in the event of an accident between a crown and a volvo, chances are that there may be survival in a Volvo but hardly any survival in a Crown thereafter.
Your comment is really misleading
He means in terms of solid RV, which goes to show the car is nothing to shout about.
A dinosaur model better looking than any Audi, BMW and Mercedes or any german cars.
Looks sharp & clean and not over style. I like it
proton perdana’s C Pillar look alike
TNGA – lower and wider = AUDI