Toyota Introduces Full Hybrid Version of Crown
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G35x - RWD/AWD goodness
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Toyota Introduces Full Hybrid Version of Crown
Toyota Motor has redesigned its Crown luxury sedan lineup in Japan, and added a full-hybrid model based on a THS (Toyota Hybrid System) II system. Toyota had shown a THS II-based concept version of the Crown at the Tokyo Motor Show last year. (Earlier post.) Toyota had introduced a mild-hybrid version of the Crown in 2001.
The new Crown hybrid combines a rear-wheel drive THS II hybrid system with a 2GR-FSE D4-S 3.5-liter V6 engine (also used in the Lexus IS and GS 350) and a NiMH battery pack. The hybrid goes on sale in Japan on 6 May.
The D4-S combines port and direct injection, with two injectors per cylinder—one injector installed in the combustion chamber and a second mounted in the intake port. The combination of direct injection with port injection enables a more precise mixing of air and fuel under low- and medium-load conditions. Under high-load, the engine will use direct injection alone. The engine as applied in the Crown Hybrid is rated at 218 kW (292 hp) at 6,400 rpm and 368 Nm (271 lb-ft) of torque at 4,800 rpm.
The Crown’s THS II system features a two-stage motor speed reduction device, also used in the motors of the GS 450h and LS 600h, to generate maximum low-gear torque for significantly enhanced acceleration, as well as extended high-gear performance for high speed cruising with improved fuel efficiency. The 147 kW electric motor delivers 275 Nm (203 lb-ft) of maximum torque.
Toyota says that the Crown Hybrid has the driving performance of a 4.5-liter vehicle with the low fuel consumption of a 2.0-liter vehicle.
The Crown Hybrid achieves a fuel efficiency of 14.0 km/l (33 mpg US or 7.1 L/100km) according to the newly introduced JC08 test cycle outlined by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT). It is among the first vehicles to meet the new 2015 Japanese fuel efficiency standards. The vehicle also achieves the equivalent of 166 g/km of CO2 emissions.
Under the traditional 10-15 test cycle, the fuel efficiency is 15.8 km/l (37 mpg US, 6.3 L/100km), surpassing the existing 2010 fuel efficiency standards by 20%, with CO2 emissions of 147 g/km.)
An electric vehicle (EV) driving mode permits the driver, by pressing a button, to operate the vehicle using the electric motor only. An Active Noise Control function uses the speakers to cancel out low-frequency engine noise) to provide an even quieter ride.
The Crown Hybrid is priced at ¥6,190,000 (US$57,239).
The new Crown hybrid combines a rear-wheel drive THS II hybrid system with a 2GR-FSE D4-S 3.5-liter V6 engine (also used in the Lexus IS and GS 350) and a NiMH battery pack. The hybrid goes on sale in Japan on 6 May.
The D4-S combines port and direct injection, with two injectors per cylinder—one injector installed in the combustion chamber and a second mounted in the intake port. The combination of direct injection with port injection enables a more precise mixing of air and fuel under low- and medium-load conditions. Under high-load, the engine will use direct injection alone. The engine as applied in the Crown Hybrid is rated at 218 kW (292 hp) at 6,400 rpm and 368 Nm (271 lb-ft) of torque at 4,800 rpm.
The Crown’s THS II system features a two-stage motor speed reduction device, also used in the motors of the GS 450h and LS 600h, to generate maximum low-gear torque for significantly enhanced acceleration, as well as extended high-gear performance for high speed cruising with improved fuel efficiency. The 147 kW electric motor delivers 275 Nm (203 lb-ft) of maximum torque.
Toyota says that the Crown Hybrid has the driving performance of a 4.5-liter vehicle with the low fuel consumption of a 2.0-liter vehicle.
The Crown Hybrid achieves a fuel efficiency of 14.0 km/l (33 mpg US or 7.1 L/100km) according to the newly introduced JC08 test cycle outlined by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT). It is among the first vehicles to meet the new 2015 Japanese fuel efficiency standards. The vehicle also achieves the equivalent of 166 g/km of CO2 emissions.
Under the traditional 10-15 test cycle, the fuel efficiency is 15.8 km/l (37 mpg US, 6.3 L/100km), surpassing the existing 2010 fuel efficiency standards by 20%, with CO2 emissions of 147 g/km.)
An electric vehicle (EV) driving mode permits the driver, by pressing a button, to operate the vehicle using the electric motor only. An Active Noise Control function uses the speakers to cancel out low-frequency engine noise) to provide an even quieter ride.
The Crown Hybrid is priced at ¥6,190,000 (US$57,239).
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: The Bay Area, CA, USA
"Toyota says that the Crown Hybrid has the driving performance of a 4.5-liter vehicle with the low fuel consumption of a 2.0-liter vehicle."
Of course, this is the same car as the GS450h.
Of course, this is the same car as the GS450h.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,534
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From: MD
Exactly. Hmmm, the gas mileage of a Camry hybrid, yet so much more power. It almosts seems trivial to even buy a Camry hybrid with thing running around. Other than the cost difference. Hopefully we will see it Stateside in the ES, Avavlon, IS, etc.
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CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: San Francisco, CA
How does the Japanese test cycle translate to US standards?
my guess is that the lexus dedicated hybrid coming out next year will back this technology. probably 300 horses.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: California
I love this car. This is my third favorite Toyota vehicle in the current Toyota lineup, only behind LS and IS. I don't understand why Toyota does not bring this car over to the U.S.? It is available in China. If Nissan could sell a $70k GT-R, why Toyota can not sell a $55k Crown, when a $80k Land Cruiser is available here? Toyota is so famous for its comfortable, reliable sedans, why not Crown as the new flagship for Toyota, above Camry and Avalon. Now then the sedan lineup is complete:
Toyota Yaris -> Toyota Corolla -> Toyota Camry 4 cyl -> Toyota Camry 6 cyl -> Toyota Camry Hybrid -> Toyota Avalon -> Lexus IS250 -> Lexus IS350 -> Lexus GS350 -> Lexus GS460 -> Toyota Crown Hybrid ~ Lexus GS450h -> Lexus LS460/LS460L -> Lexus LS600hL
Toyota Yaris -> Toyota Corolla -> Toyota Camry 4 cyl -> Toyota Camry 6 cyl -> Toyota Camry Hybrid -> Toyota Avalon -> Lexus IS250 -> Lexus IS350 -> Lexus GS350 -> Lexus GS460 -> Toyota Crown Hybrid ~ Lexus GS450h -> Lexus LS460/LS460L -> Lexus LS600hL
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,577
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From: San Francisco, CA
Lexus IS250 -> Lexus IS350 -> Lexus GS350 -> Lexus GS460 -> Toyota Crown Hybrid ~ Lexus GS450h
the thing is that nobody wants to drive a 50K toyota when they could be driving a more prestigious GS or and E Class or for that matter an infiniti or acura. Toyota sedans cannot reach above 35K if they want to survive. moving into the 50K range is setting the crown up for failure against premium class sedans.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,832
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From: California
...you answered your question right there. when we blur the line between toyota and lexus, when does it stop? why would anybody buy the GS if they could be a toyota Crown hybrid for the same amount of money. or vice versa. its setting two cars in the same company competing with each other.
the thing is that nobody wants to drive a 50K toyota when they could be driving a more prestigious GS or and E Class or for that matter an infiniti or acura. Toyota sedans cannot reach above 35K if they want to survive. moving into the 50K range is setting the crown up for failure against premium class sedans.
the thing is that nobody wants to drive a 50K toyota when they could be driving a more prestigious GS or and E Class or for that matter an infiniti or acura. Toyota sedans cannot reach above 35K if they want to survive. moving into the 50K range is setting the crown up for failure against premium class sedans.
Last edited by TwiBlueG35; Feb 18, 2008 at 01:19 PM.