The Crown is a luxury sedan sold by Toyota primarily on the Japanese market. The ongoing model is actually based on the Lexus GS and features a really similar set of features. However, because it is getting quite old, it seems the car may receive a major redesign with the upcoming 2018 Toyota Crown. So far there hasn’t been much available information on this new model. Despite that it looks like the car might form the basis for the upcoming GS. It looks like the new Crown will be based on a new platform and it should come with vastly improved engines. On top of that the car could become larger and more comfortable than before thanks to its stiffer chassis.
Even though at this point these are just rumors, it looks like the new Crown is going to be based on Toyota’s TNGA modular architecture. In fact it is expected to share the platform with both the Lexus LS and the GS. The TNGA GA-L would maintain the car’s rear wheel drive layout. However, this would allow Toyota to stretch the wheelbase and offer an overall bigger car while shaving at least 200 pounds of weight from the previous model. Even though previously unavailable, an all wheel drive setup would also be possible with this platform.
Source: autoevolution.com
2018 Toyota Crown Price & Release date
For some reason, Crown sedan normally has a short life cycle. Considering that they are already testing powertrains on Nurburgring, the release is not far away. Date set in mid-2018 is imminent but Japanese automaker hasn’t been precise in scheduling it. Stay tuned as we bring more info your way.
The price, on the other hand, should remain the same. Current model starts at 4,395,600yen while the top end model goes for 6,064,200yen. Translated into dollars, it’s $40,000 for a base and $55,000 for Athlete G Four Version.
Source: autoevolution.com
The interior
Possibly the most important feature of the 2018 Toyota Crown is going to be the cabin. This is the main reason why people bought the current model. This offered the same level of comfort and features as a true luxury car at a lower price. This should also happen with its successor to an even larger extent. For starters, it seems the design is set to become considerably more stylish than before. The center stack will get rid of the digital buttons and vertical AC vents for something a bit more minimalist. Expect the car to get a larger infotainment screen as well as actual physical buttons.
Source: autoevolution.com
These are likely going to be made out of aluminum while most of the silver inserts inside the cabin will be made out of the same material too. The car’s instrument cluster might be changed for a fully digital one while the lower driving position should give the driver more control over its car. The rear seats will benefit the most from the new platform. Rumors suggest that a four-seats version of the 2018 Toyota Crown might be added to the range. This will replace the usual 3rd seat with a center console which will feature things like AC vents, climate controls, possibly a touch-screen remote for the infotainment system and a fully featured armrest.
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Toyota Crown – The design
When it was released the current model looked a lot like the Lexus GS. However, things changed and the ongoing model is a bit too flashy for today’s market. It seems the upcoming Crown might share a lot more with the new LS. Because of that expect the car to receive a coupe-like roof-line, possibly a lower front end as well as a slimmer grille. Some also suggested that Toyota could borrow cues from their new models such as the Camry. This would likely be a bit too flashy too but it should still be a step on the right path.
Source: autoevolution.com
Under the hood of new Crown
The Crown has been available with many different engines depending on the market it has been sold in. This is expected to stay the same with the upcoming 2018 Toyota Crown as well. The base engine is likely going to be their new all-aluminum 2.0 liter direct and port-injected turbo-four which is currently good for up to 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful 3.5 liter naturally aspirated V6 with north of 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque is also a real possibility.
Both these engines are expected to be mated to an 8 speed automatic. Also, rear wheel drive is likely going to be the only option on these models. Even though still a rumor at this point, it seems Toyota may release a higher performance version of the Crown in some markets. This would offer a 3.0 liter twin-turbo V6 good for as much as 400 horsepower. An 8 speed automatic would still be standard but this model is expected to come in AWD guise only.
