Toyota Crown Undergoes Complete Redesign

Tokyo December 23, 2003; Toyota Motor Corp. announced today that the Crown Royal series and Athlete have undergone a complete redesign, and will go on sale at "Toyota" dealers in Japan nationwide today ("Tokyo Toyota" and "Tokyo Toyopet" in the Tokyo area and "Osaka Toyopet" dealers in the Osaka region).

In the nearly half-century since its debut in 1955, the Crown has established a solid reputation in Japan as a leading name among luxury vehicles.

The new 12th generation Crown, was created from a concept that starts with taking into account the transformation from "quiet to lively", and all key components including the platform, engine and suspension have been newly developed. In addition, the dynamic styling, superior driving performance, safety and environmental performance are at the world's highest levels, and the cutting-edge technology and equipment present a new trend in Toyota luxury-class sedans.

The new Crown displays innovative elegance and dynamic styling typified by the side view, which is based on an image of the vigor of calligraphy. The traditional trapezoidal cabin takes on a vibrant silhouette that symbolizes the transformation from quiet to lively.

All parts have been reviewed and major components completely redesigned including a newly developed platform, a power train that combines newly developed V6 3.0-liter and 2.5-liter direct-injection gasoline engines with 6-speed and 5-speed automatic transmissions, respectively, as well as a newly developed electric power steering system and a newly developed suspension.

Keeping in mind the importance of a smooth ride that minimizes vertical shifts in visual perspective, the new Crown aims for superior driving performance that achieves unprecedented excellence in maneuverability and cruising stability performance.

Preventive safety equipment in the form of VSC & TRC, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and Brake Assist are standard on all models. Standard collision safety features include a GOA advanced collision-safety body, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags for both front seating positions and SRS knee airbags.

The new Crown also features a range of advanced safety features, including the newly developed Night View and Intelligent AFS (adaptive front-lighting system) for enhancing driver vision at night, as well as the Pre-crash Safety system, which reacts to sudden braking to prep the Brake Assist and uses a motorized seatbelt retractor to improve front-seat initial passenger-restraint performance.

All models have achieved a 75% reduction in emissions from the 2000 standards under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles and also meet 2010 fuel efficiency standards.

The new Crown also seeks to further reduce environmental impact through enhanced recyclability, reduction of substances of environmental concern and other environmental considerations.

The new Crown features a variety of cutting-edge technologies and luxury equipment that raise the traditional Crown hospitality to a new level. These include a Smart Entry and Start System that uses a Smart Key to lock and unlock the doors and a push button to start the engine, a fully automatic air conditioner system with humidity sensors and independent left and right temperature control functions, a negative ion generator, an 8-inch, wide-screen, G-Book-compatible Electro-multivision with a fine-detail DVD Voice Navigation System and a Crown Mark Levinson Premium Sound System with 14 speakers.

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