2022 Toyota Crown: ES killer?
#16
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It isn't a matter of technical know-how as much as other factors at play such business justifications, regulations, etc. Lexus isn't doing V6 AWD for ES now as it doesn't make sense. If they aren't doing it now they surely won't do it in the future. For those that want more HP with AWD in next gen ES Lexus will shove PHEV tech that is currently in 2022 NX450h+ into ES body with some tweaks and call it a day. Biden's administration is setting higher fuel-economy rules that require the average new car or truck to get nearly 50 miles per gallon of gasoline by 2026. Manufacturers won't able to meet it unless they go hybrid or PHEV.
ICE V6 is a goner.
ICE V6 is a goner.
The Crown sounds like it checks all these boxes, with the added plus of a longitudinal engine that provides better weight distribution for inherently better-balanced handling than a transverse engine. The fact it's built on the LS/Mirai chassis is a game changer; that's an inherently superior platform to the Camry/ES underpinnings. I think the comparison above to the GS is an apt and insightful one. Brushing aside the subjective "it won't matter because it's ugly" comment, I think this could ably fill the GS-shaped hole in the Lexus lineup until electrics come along, and I'd have to think very seriously about trading for it given the chance.
Last edited by LexFinally; 04-03-22 at 09:02 AM.
#17
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I agree with this. The naturally aspirated V6 is a goner. By the same token, I dismiss the current ES 250 AWD (with apologies to its owners; I hope you love your cars) as a half-heaerted effort. What I consider a serious effort is a turbo four producing 3.5-like power, either connected to mechanical AWD or with hybrid electric motors powering the rear wheels (at all speeds, not weak-sauce low-speed-only like the AWD Prius).
The Crown sounds like it checks all these boxes, with the added plus of a longitudinal engine that provides better weight distribution for inherently better-balanced handling than a transverse engine. The fact it's built on the LS/Mirai chassis is a game changer; that's an inherently superior platform to the Camry/ES underpinnings. I think the comparison above to the GS is an apt and insightful one. Brushing aside the subjective "it won't matter because it's ugly" comment, I think this could ably fill the GS-shaped hole in the Lexus lineup until electrics come along, and I'd have to think very seriously about trading for it given the chance.
The Crown sounds like it checks all these boxes, with the added plus of a longitudinal engine that provides better weight distribution for inherently better-balanced handling than a transverse engine. The fact it's built on the LS/Mirai chassis is a game changer; that's an inherently superior platform to the Camry/ES underpinnings. I think the comparison above to the GS is an apt and insightful one. Brushing aside the subjective "it won't matter because it's ugly" comment, I think this could ably fill the GS-shaped hole in the Lexus lineup until electrics come along, and I'd have to think very seriously about trading for it given the chance.
#18
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I really wonder if Lexus would add a new version of the GS while still retaining an updated ES, since sedans are not nearly as popular as they used to be. Additionally, it seems that there would need to be greater differentiation between a GS/ES to justify the cost of two model lines. If they weren't pushing the F-Sport ES so much (it seems like every ES press car is now an F-Sport) perhaps I'd be more of a believer, but it seems like they want to have the ES cover a broader swath of appeal. How successful that is/would be is, of course, open to debate. Bottom line, is there really enough market share to divide to have an ES and GS (and don't forget IS)?
#19
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The only way I can see this happening is if, as suggested, the new Crown is a world car and therefore costs Toyota essentially nothing extra to also send it here. But Toyota is a giant organization, so that's not completely impossible. If so, a giant question is: Would it be sold here as a Toyota or a Lexus? I'm guessing the latter.
Last edited by ATL350; 04-03-22 at 09:43 AM.
#20
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The above video you linked is the old model as it has split screen design. The original video I linked was this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IO_bQfyYpsI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IO_bQfyYpsI
#21
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Unfortunately, here's another potential scenario: Toyota prostitutes the Crown name by slapping it on a lowered-roof Highlander here. Essentially this car would be to the Highlander what the Venza is to the RAV4: chopped down and marked up.
https://carbuzz.com/news/new-toyota-...ace-the-avalon
https://carbuzz.com/news/new-toyota-...ace-the-avalon
#22
Driver School Candidate
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I’m not sure of what the presence of the Crown does for the ES as it’s already know that Lexus will replace the ES as we know it at the end of the 2023 model year.
#23
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I started this thread, but it now sounds like much ado about nothing. The Crown sedan won't come here. Instead, Toyota will prostitute the Crown name by slapping it on a FWD-based spiffed-up AWD Highlander SUV.
#24
Instructor
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I heard otherwise that Toyota will also bring the Crown sedan here to the USA. The news has already been verified by Toyota.
#25
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#26
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#27
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#30
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