Toyota Crown S200, 13 generation 02.2008 - 01.2010

Toyota Crown is the pride of the Japanese automotive industry, especially considering that this model has been produced since the 50s of the last century. The car is actually a state symbol, the most modern technologies are embodied in it, and the emphasis in equipment is made taking into account that it should be the most luxurious car that is available on the domestic Japanese market. The successful start of the updated sedan of the previous generation allowed the creators of the next 12th generation to maintain the prevailing proportions, only slightly correcting the design. As for the internal filling, in contrast to the previous generation, where the emphasis was placed on tighter suspension settings for the sake of dynamics and handling, the new Crown was supposed to return to the old traditions of comfort and luxury inherent in a first-class sedan. That is why the 2008 Crown model no longer offers simple and inexpensive Royal Extra trim levels. Now it's just the chic Royal Saloon and Athlete. The first option is distinguished by the elegant design of the radiator grille, the square shape of the fog lamps. The key emphasis in the Athlete configuration is sportiness, which is indicated by a more predatory “face” with a mesh radiator grill, wide cutouts in the front bumper, and round “eyes” of fog lights. Modification of the Crown Hybrid with a hybrid powerplant is outwardly different in the details - a slightly different radiator grille, a light blue finish for the rear optics, a THS2 label under the rear right lamp. Since 2008, it was produced on the basis of Crown Athlete, since 2010 - on the basis of Crown Royal. To mark the record release of Crown in 2009 (more than 5 million units since the release of the first generation), the Anniversary Edition and Special Edition series were offered, providing for exclusive interior trim and some additional options. A year later, separate configurations were released for the 55th anniversary of the model.

 The powertrains of traditional gasoline versions are V-shaped “sixes” already familiar from the previous generation with a direct injection system and variable valve timing: 4GR-FSE (2.5 liters, 215 hp), 3GR-FSE (3.0 liter, 256 hp) and 2GR-FSE (3.5 liter, 315 hp). Since 2010, the 2.5-liter engine has been “stifled” a little to please the new requirements of environmental standards and, accordingly, taxation. As before, the most powerful engine in the series is placed only on the Crown Athlete. At the same time, Toyota Modellista tuning studio offers a “charged” version of the “Crown Athlete + M Super Charger”. The power of 2GR-FSE with a mechanical supercharger reached 360 hp, and the torque rose from 368 to 498 Nm. Such an indicator as specific power is only 4.69 kg per force! The basis of the second-generation hybrid powerplant was the same 3.5-liter 2GR-FSE. In terms of power, it is only slightly inferior to a conventional engine, but in terms of the amount of exhaust gas it is comparable to a modest two-liter engine. There is an EV Drive mode, in which the car can only move for a short time due to electricity.

 The Athlete and Royal trim levels are equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission with AI-SHIFT system and three operating modes: Sport, Snow, Eco mode. In both versions there are variants with all-wheel drive (“i-Four” equipment). Modification of the Crown Hybrid comes with a variator.

 In addition, Crown is equipped with AI-AVS shock absorber resistance control system, VDIM dynamics control system and VGRS active steering system - all of which operate in integration with a satellite navigator.

 Toyota Crown shows the highest level of approach to safety. The generation is standardly equipped with a whole set of electronic systems: anti-lock braking system (ABS with EBD), auxiliary braking system (BAS), electronic stability control (ESP), traction control (TCS), adaptive road lighting (AFS). As an option, the latest development is available - a device that tracks the condition of the driver’s eyes. In the event of a collision threat, if the driver’s eyes are closed or not facing the road, the device gives an alarm and activates emergency braking. The new platform is integrated with all control systems in the car, thanks to which the overall efficiency has doubled compared to the previous generation. Seven airbags are standard.

 Despite the fact that the next, thirteenth generation of Toyota Crown has already been released, models of this generation are not too common on the market - nevertheless, barrage measures are affecting, and prices bite enough. Accordingly, and spare parts, maintenance, too. And yet this Crown is definitely worth the money. After all, this is one of the most luxurious cars that are only available on the used car market.