Toyota Crown represents the pinnacle of the Japanese
automaker’s lineup in Japan. Aptly named “Sport Style,” the new model is based on the S and S Four
grades and brings special equipment that gives the premium sedan a sportier
appearance.
On the outside, the Crown Sport Style gets unique
multi-spoke 18-inch aluminum wheels which are said to produce less noise during
driving than the standard ones. The standard specification also includes smoked
LED headlights and taillights, as well as a dark treatment for the grille, fog
lamp rings, and rear license plate garnish.
Changes made to the interior are equally subtle and
effective, and consist of an all-black cabin offset by red accents on the
seats, dashboard, center console, door panels and floor mats when the optional
leather seat package featuring genuine leather is selected. Otherwise, the
seats are a combination of fabric and synthetic leather, with the door cards
also lined with synthetic leather.
Toyota says the Crown Sport Style goes
for an “adult sporty” look, which we assume is the opposite of a “boy racer” look.
This is one tasteful package although the bright red and blue available
exterior colors might not be everyone’s cup of tea in a society like Japan that
values restraint more than anything.
The Toyota Crown Sport Style also comes with an
extended safety kit including blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic auto
brake. There are two engine choices available for the special edition model.
The first is the base 2.0-liter turbo-four gasoline unit rated at 241 HP and 350 Nm of torque. It drives the rear wheels via an
eight-speed automatic transmission.
The second choice is a 2.5-liter hybrid with a
combined output of 222 HP, offered in both rear- and all-wheel drive
configurations. Available from October 2 across Japan, the Toyota Crown Sport
Style starts from 5,073,200 yen (US$ 47,475).