stumbled accross this one!!! still drewling:eek1:
I wonder if this would be available in the states

front

That looks good. Why don't they sell them here in the States?

looks a little like the ls430

Beautiful lines. Wicked! :thumbup:

that is the new Crown

:thumbup: NICE. I'm definately feeling that car. Looks great.

Paul

Yeah...the new 180 Crown. :thumbup:
:thumbup: For yet another tasteful kit from Wald.

Heres an old athlete...

Originally posted by Cadd
That looks good. Why don't they sell them here in the States?

If it was sold here, it couldn't be badged as a Toyota. Too nice. It would have to be a Lexus.
It seems like it would be a cross between an LS and a GS. It would take on the same segments
which might not make much sense. With that said, there's a place for it in Japan, so why not here?

Originally posted by JLSC4
It seems like it would be a cross between an LS and a GS.
Actually it's more in the neighborhood of the IS300
3L V6 252 hp and 231 lb/ft of torque
It seems like a nice car.
http://www.bilnyheter.no/CROWN_06.jpg
http://www.bilnyheter.no/CROWN_04.jpg
http://www.bilnyheter.no/CROWN_03.jpg

Yes it is the Crown... Believe me, its about as far away from the IS as it can get.....IS's (Altezza's) are a dime a dozen here (every second person has one)!...... The crown is all in a league of its own.. When I first saw it, I wanted it, but the wife won't allow me to drop 5,000,000 plus yen to buy it.. .. It is the best car on the market in my opionion here in Japan... To sit in it, to see it.. It put's the Celsior (LS) to shame ten fold! They released the Athlete, and now they have released the Majesta.. The Majesta is a stup up again from this one with a different shaped trunk and rear lights and interior....:D

:cylon: Chris:cylon:

Crown Majesta..

Interior

The way this thread is going it seems it's destined to be merged with the other Crown thread (http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=130553).;)

Ya...wish they had chosen the Crown Athlete, not the Altezza, to be the sporty entry-level offering for the Lexus lineup. While both are sporty, the interior of the Athlete looks more worthy of the Lexus's nameplate. (No offense to IS.)

There's no reason why this can't become a Camry & ES!?! What a beautiful car!

Because its a Crown?

:cylon: Chris:cylon:

Any pictures of old crowns? I did a search on yahoo a while ago and came up with nothing.

heres the rear...

Looks better in person,I seen it in Japan.:D

Oh my these put to shame the LS, why do they give us the more conservative cut? I guess we greedy Americans can't have it all eh...

Originally posted by Cadd
That looks good. Why don't they sell them here in the States?

Because Toyota hates us.

Really nice car :thumbup: Looks good enough to be a LS

Originally posted by SexySC
Really nice car :thumbup: Looks good enough to be a LS

pshhh, it looks better.

Originally posted by Milla...
pshhh, it looks better.

I mean the next one ;)

Actually, I hope the next LS looks even better than this.

Originally posted by SexySC
I mean the next one ;)

Actually, I hope the next LS looks even better than this.


Oh ok.


Yeah if the next LS looks better than this one I for one will be all over it.

Originally posted by wantAnewLex
Because Toyota hates us. But they can't hate money.;)
Bringing their best designs and technologies will only benefit their bottom line!! Still don't see what they're thinking.:confused:

Originally posted by XeroK00L
But they can't hate money.;)
Bringing their best designs and technologies will only benefit their bottom line!! Still don't see what they're thinking.:confused:

That's what gets me. Where do you think they could sell more Crowns? Here, or in Japan? Exactly. Throw the Avalon in the dumpster, bring the crown line over, price it at $30K and there you go.

But no, not even on Lexus models do we get some of the nifty little options they have overseas. And we are the most important market for Lexus, so it stands to reason we should get absolutely everything they can offer.

The only expenses Toyota would incur is have the Crowns certified to meet US reguations. They probably use familiar Toyota parts, so they wouldn't even have to specially train that many mechanics, either.

I just don't get it. They build these great cars which sell in Japan in smaller numbers than they would here but they refuse to ship them over, even in minited quantities. They're the richest car company in the world. I know they got that way by being smart and efficient, but sending a few thousand special cars here every now and again wouldn't hurt them too much...

Where is the Crown placed in the line-up? I recollect they have them in V8 configs too.

I rode in a Majesta (same platform right?) and back then, I figured it size wise to be about like the GS/Aristo.

Probably stupid politics keeping them from importing them, who knows.

I say dump the current egg-shaped ES and replace it with a crown!! (no offense to ES owners). I think this exterior design is a lottttttt nicer.

Well, as a person that lives in Japan, and just seeing these vehicles on the road. I dare say they are making plenty of money!.. I think some of you guys are getting the wrong idea here.. Lexus was only designed because Americans wont buy Toyota's.. Problem is, that by driving a Lexus, you are actually driving a Toyota.. So if I am not mistaken, then Toyota has pulled the wool over your eyes in that department.. As for them selling the Crown in a America, then I can think of plenty of reasons.. Firstly, in Japan, Toyota is by far the most popular.. Even when they do start releasing there vehicles with Lexus badging next year, I dont think there will be that much enthusiasm with the brand.. They are not silly people, and except for the odd guy that will want a Lexus for novelty reasons, I dare say that the Lexus showrooms will just be making a little extra pocket money for the already wealthy Toyota.. A little bit of pocket money is better than no pocket money...

Secondly, although the Lexus brand is an important part of their profit making, I can understand that there are some things that they want to keep to themselves?.. As my wife is Japanese, I certainly know how they think.. Why give everyone everything, when you can give them something less for the same price... We are just lucky here, that we can buy the exact same car as you, but for alot less money... And with more standard options and features... I myself want to have the new Crown, but I definately cant afford it at this period in my life.. So if I cant afford it here in the relatively less expencive Japanese market. Then believe me if they put L badges on it, and sold it in America, then I dare say that it would be alot more expensive than here, and we would all still be here sitting around dreaming about it!.. It is a beautiful car, and I dont begrudge the Japanese for giving themselves this little treasure to keep as their own... Compared to the Celsior (LS) This vehicle is definately a huge step up, and understandably the flagship for Toyota Japan....
:cylon: Chris:cylon:

Originally posted by AusLex300
Lexus was only designed because Americans wont buy Toyota's.. Problem is, that by driving a Lexus, you are actually driving a Toyota.. So if I am not mistaken, then Toyota has pulled the wool over your eyes in that department..

This has got to be one of, if not the, most ignorant, most contemptuous things I've ever read in Car Chat. You do realize we are fellow Lexus drivers and enthusiasts? :thumbdn:

Yup, we're all a bunch of idiots who have no idea about how and why Lexus was created and, perhaps more importantly, that our cars are closet Toyotas too embarrassed to poke their heads into the light of day.

Thank you. You're the man now. http://forums.offtopic.com/images/smilies/bowdown.gif :rolleyes:

It wasnt meant in the way you have understood it.. I am sorry that you feel that I was making a reference stating that Americans are idiots. That was not the case.. I was just using it as a broad statement to anyone that knocks a Toyota.. The ignorant people are the ones that think Lexus just appeared by itself , and have no knowledge that it is one of many departments of the Toyota Motor Company... But in saying this, then why would the Toyota motor company need to design a luxury label just in order to sell cars in America? So there thinking must have worked by doing this, because the Lexus brand (Toyota) has become a very popular product.. Strange that, isnt it?

I was refering to when Lexus was first introduced, not talking about todays knowledge of the brand by the owners themselves!.. And I definately know that the majority of people on these boards are not idiots at all.. Infact, quite the opposite!.. Dont jump to conclussions so quickly....

:cylon: Chris:cylon:

Originally posted by AusLex300
It wasnt meant in the way you have understood it.. I am sorry that you feel that I was making a reference stating that Americans are idiots. That was not the case.. I was just using it as a broad statement to anyone that knocks a Toyota.. The ignorant people are the ones that think Lexus just appeared by itself , and have no knowledge that it is one of many departments of the Toyota Motor Company... But in saying this, then why would the Toyota motor company need to design a luxury label just in order to sell cars in America? So there thinking must have worked by doing this, because the Lexus brand (Toyota) has become a very popular product.. Strange that, isnt it?

I was refering to when Lexus was first introduced, not talking about todays knowledge of the brand by the owners themselves!.. And I definately know that the majority of people on these boards are not idiots at all.. Infact, quite the opposite!.. Dont jump to conclussions so quickly....

:cylon: Chris:cylon:

OK, thanks for the explanation. I don't think they designed an entirely new label (Lexus) simply in order to sell cars. I think Lexus was established as a separate brand because it was to become so much better than Toyota. The very best Toyota had to offer, and they HAD to distinguish it because it was/is truly worthy of its own entity, and I think many would agree.

You speak of branding in Japan...While with cars, the American versions of the Japanese luxury marques are sold under the parent company's name, the case is not true for other products. Take Japanese watches, example. Seiko sells expensive watch lines under different names and that doesn't seem to dissuade consumers there. I don't think Toyota would go through the trouble of selling Lexus in Japan if they didn't think it would be successful.

Beyond that, I agree with your assessment about the Japanese culture and buying habits. I do not mean to seem as if I am angry with the Japanese or resent them for not simply sending more of their cool cars here. I know it's not that simple. I just really really envy the Japanese, that's all. And you're right, if they want to keep goodies to themselves, they can.

I guess if we got all that stuff (cool JDM cars) we would become bored...I guess the fact that they're so exotic and unattainable make them even more attractive...

:)

:cylon: Chris:cylon:

looks very clean...:thumbup:

Originally posted by Ditto
Actually it's more in the neighborhood of the IS300
3L V6 252 hp and 231 lb/ft of torque
It seems like a nice car.
http://www.bilnyheter.no/CROWN_06.jpg
http://www.bilnyheter.no/CROWN_04.jpg
http://www.bilnyheter.no/CROWN_03.jpg

I don't know why, but the interior reminds me of the G35.

Originally posted by wantAnewLex
OK, thanks for the explanation. I don't think they designed an entirely new label (Lexus) simply in order to sell cars. I think Lexus was established as a separate brand because it was to become so much better than Toyota. The very best Toyota had to offer, and they HAD to distinguish it because it was/is truly worthy of its own entity, and I think many would agree.


I am sorry but I must disagree. They created "Lexus" because they need to satisfy public demand of a "different" brand. People (not just americans) can't seem to accept the fact that they are paying over $50,000 or $60,000 for a "mere Toyota". It's not so much about being more luxurious, hell, most of the better Toyotas sold in Japan are much more luxurious than top-of-the-line Lexuses.

They are in fact designing a whole new "lexus" label for the simple fact that if they want to enter the luxury segment in America, they cannot just up-sell the toyota brand. They are doing that in fact JUST to sell cars. Believe me, if the Toyota folks had thought for a second that there was no real need to create a separate and distinguished brand than Toyota, they wouldn't have gone through the hassle.

In Japan, they don't have this kind of problem. They are proud to be driving a local made top-of-the-line brand. And believe me, a Crown Majesta would kill the LS430 in luxury, quality, options and finish any day and it's still a "mere Toyota".

My point exactly!.. :thumbup: I drive a mere Toyota.. Its a Windom.. I also drive a Lexus ES300.. Yes its the same car!... But its a Toyota, and I am proud of it!!.. Every time I meet someone, they say "Cool you drive a Lexus", and then I say no, its a Windom, I put the L badges on it to be different.(Although the trend is definately picking up here)... I tell them that they just have to look at the badge on my steering wheel to see what it is...

:cylon: Chris:cylon:

Guys, don't get me wrong here. I know there are plenty of Lexus buyers who wouldn't even consider one if it were branded a Toyota.

I am not one of them.

I wouldn't have a problem with Lexus being sold as a Toyota in the US. The badge doesn't bother me at all. In fact, I wish they would sell them as Toyotas. But that would be business suicide for them. I agree that marketing perceptions of many American consumers are ridiculous.

If it were branded a Toyota?? It is a Toyota!!..... :slap:

:cylon: Chris:cylon:

I am Australian by birth, and spent a great deal of my life in the United States.. I have now lived in Japan for 4 years, and believe me, that the Japanese make everyone look like amatures when it comes to love for a brand name.. If it hasnt got a brand name, and doesnt cost alot, then they think it is suspicious and wont buy it.. So then, even though Toyota is a home grown and reliable product, why do they buy these cars if they are in the minds of most Americans, inferior?... I know that the Lexus brand will always be with us, but remember that when you buy one, you are buying something that is so called less respected.. I for one dont believe that putting L badges on something warrants a double in price for the exact same product that I can get for far less because it is a poor Toyota... Something to think about...

When I first got my Celsior (LS) here in Japan I thought it was great to be driving a car thats a Lexus in the states w/ more options. But once I started Modding it / attending VIPcar meets and talking the the Japanese about the Crown Majesta............. I had to get the Majesta NOT just any of the other Crowns the Majesta.

Engine - Chassis - Interior alot of it is the same as the LS.

I get alot of folks (Military Air Force Service Members) that ask me what my car is and if they get one can they take it back to the U.S. Once I tell them its a Toyota they freak out. I think its so funny cause they think Lexus is the BEST. They ask cause my car is Debadged.

:thumbup:

Originally posted by AusLex300
I for one dont believe that putting L badges on something warrants a double in price for the exact same product that I can get for far less because it is a poor Toyota... Something to think about...

New Lexus cars do NOT cost alot more then the New Toyota's....... Look at the 2004 LS. Priced both in Japan and the U.S. its not that much of a diffrence. I lived here 10 years I get paid in U.S. $$$ exchanged to Yen im not saving much on buying a NEW Majesta or the LS.

That car is amazing. BRING IT HERE!!!!!!

Originally posted by TurboSC
That car is amazing. BRING IT HERE!!!!!!

if they did, id buy one.:thumbup:

more pics found

2

3

Side to side, it's tough for me to pick which one (LS or Crown) I like more. I've always loved the 04 LS but the new look of the Crown is quite persuading. I'm gonna have to go with the LS though, it looks more majestic than the Majesta.

James

yeah I know...tough decision...cause that ls is sooooo stout!!!

Originally posted by jet864
Side to side, it's tough for me to pick which one (LS or Crown) I like more. I've always loved the 04 LS but the new look of the Crown is quite persuading. I'm gonna have to go with the LS though, it looks more majestic than the Majesta.

James

i dont mind having both :d but if i hvae to pick one, i go with crown althlete since it looks more sporty for me.

Well, at least we can be sure the upcoming LS will humble the new Crown a little. :)

it'll be cool if new Lexus IS copy some clue from crown, IMO.

Originally posted by el gato
2

W/ the kit it kinda looks like a Q45... That's a nice ride..

the best toyota that i've ever seen is the MKIV supra. or maybe the oldschool 2000gt

Originally posted by jet864
Side to side, it's tough for me to pick which one (LS or Crown) I like more. I've always loved the 04 LS but the new look of the Crown is quite persuading. I'm gonna have to go with the LS though, it looks more majestic than the Majesta.

James FYI, the Crown in the pictures is the Athlete, not the Majesta, which actually looks quite a bit more "majestic". I do agree that the LS is the most majestic-looking of the three.

Not much of a majesty myself, I'd take a little bit more sporty appearance over a sedate one anytime.

Originally posted by XeroK00L
. . . I do agree that the LS is the most majestic-looking of the three.

Not much of a majesty myself, I'd take a little bit more sporty appearance over a sedate one anytime.

The 04 LS430 looks great, I've always like it in dark colors more, but I saw a white on Ecru yesterday & it looks both majestic & elegant, & with a lot of presence that a flagshiip is supposed to have :thumbup: Best of all there's also a previous generation S class nearby as well, which the LS supposedly resemble, & I can say unequivocally that the LS430 blows it away in appearance.

Originally posted by {-.-**
New Lexus cars do NOT cost alot more then the New Toyota's....... Look at the 2004 LS. Priced both in Japan and the U.S. its not that much of a diffrence. I lived here 10 years I get paid in U.S. $$$ exchanged to Yen im not saving much on buying a NEW Majesta or the LS.

I wish that was the case in Australia :thumbdn: Consider you guys lucky over there...

Example: Lexus GS300, leather, ML audio, GPS blah blah blah... the whole bit.
US Price: AUD$65811 (USD$45559)
Australian price: AUS$105170 (USD$72886)
* Prices taken from Lexus.Com and Lexus.Com.Au

Now, the top of the line Avalon (for comparison) costs AUD$49990... nowhere near the price of the GS300... can you tell Australia likes it's taxes? :thumbdn: :egads: :mad: