0l33l

iTrader: (3)

I'll agree here. The back of the MJ looks too much like the M45 and the new 7-series. But I don't think the athlete has all the features that are available on the MJ.

XeroK00L

I just found that Toyota/Nissan/Honda have had this Lane Keeping Assist option for their flagship for a year already. Just goes to show how behind their times we (the rest of the world) are.

Here's the Toyota's page that introduces their most advanced safety technologies.
http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/safety_presen/tech/28.html

The VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) is pretty neat too. Before, ABS, TRC, VSC and electric power steering systems had to work independently, but now with VDIM, they're integrated and managed together so that the effectiveness can be greatly enhanced.

And take a look at the Pedestrian recognition and network-based driving assistance. Amazing innovation for the future. I'd say that a 100% computer-driven road car isn't too far away with adavances like this.

XeroK00L

True. But the Athlete doesn't have a V8. That's quite a difference.

0l33l

iTrader: (3)

Yeh, when I said I like... I meant that I like the exterior styling. Funny how we don't get any of those good technologies

XeroK00L

I just did a check on the pricing of both Crown MJ and Celsior. The price range of the Crown MJ basically tops out at the bottom of the Celsior's range. So we can probably rest assured that Celsior will still remain their flagship and will include all the fancy goodies in the new Crown in the next refresh for Celsior in 2006.

Here's to hoping!

BrickHead

XeroK00L, where in the video do you see that?

Thanks!

XeroK00L

Well, the parking assist happens to be one feature that's not covered in the video. You can find it in the technology section of the MJ Garage.

AusLex300

God that driver assist reverse parking feature is alot older than a year old.. I have a friend that drives the Toyota Ipsum family van... They put it in most cars now... Plus the cameras on the front to allow you to see from allys.... Would love to have it myself.. Pretty cool!...

Chris

BrickHead

This thing is sick!! The Crown makes the LS430 seem so outdated. Toyota better make these fatures available in Lexus soon!!! Perhaps the 2007 LS??

Shaffer

I like it, but the rear end to me looks very similar to the Hyundai XG350- which is not a bad thing. The front of the car is very nice. Toyota should sell these cars here for those not wanting a Lexus, but wants more Toyota than a Avalon.

Mazinger

That would be an insult to the Crown. dont forget it was Toyota's first real car (Toyopet back then) Lexus is like what....15 years old?

Actually I was thinking about introducing the lexus brand in japan lately, although I didn't like it at first , then I thought that it would be better for the Crown, since it will make it to the top of toyota's range again.

Long live the Crown.

And thats a heap lot to get it to indonesia. I can import it here and pay like only 20% (if i remember corrcectly) of the car price to land it at my door house. catch it It will not be registerable unless the steering wheel is converted to the left. they do that for early 90's JDM's here, but a 2004 crown.....Forget it.

AusLex300

so whats your point?

retrodrive

Is that a minidisc slot that goes stock with that car or am I seeing things?

AusLex300

Yes, most cars here come with CD MD.. I have a double din in mine..But I put that there...

ps, the Windom badge is gone now..

ntran18

iTrader: (27)

A Crown might be on its way here in a few yrs. They put the Athlete as a concept car on the Toyota website.
http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/future/index.html