Just like Lexus, Toyota was dealing with an aging client demographic in Japan. To solve that problem, the automaker launched body kits for all its hybrids to give younger customers the opportunity to stand out, at the same time introducing this amazing-looking new sedan.
It's called the Crown Athlete, and it's the sportier version of one of the most successful models of all time, one which you probably never heard of before. The Athlete has a cool mech design for its stand-out grille and Mercedes-like headlights.
We've seen it before, but now we have the opportunity to show you what it's like in real life, away from the projector lights camera filters. Believe it or not, this isn't the only weird color you can order on the new Toyota Crown Athlete. If you live in Japan, you can also have it bright green or blue.
The 2014 Crown Athlete is offered with a choice of three powertrains, which include a base 2.5-liter V6 with 200 HP (203 PS) and 243Nm (179 lb-ft), a hybrid powertrain that combines the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder from a Camry with an electric motor to produce 176 HP (178 PS) and 221Nm (163 lb-ft) or a 3.5-liter V6 with 311 hp (315 PS) and 377Nm (278 lb-ft) coupled withwith an eight-speed auto box.
The car we're seeing in the video below, provided for us by Driver's High Channel, has a 2.5-liter V6 and intelligent all-wheel drive. The interior is just as spectacular as the "ReBORNPINK" body. It features two displays in the center, one of which is angled upwards and shows you the climate control features. It can also be equipped with an advanced system that changes the suspension setting according what to GPS setting, along with 360 degree cameras and every active safety system possible.
This unique Toyota model is closely related to the Lexus GS in platform but will remain forbidden fruit to US and European buyers. Starting at around ¥3,800,000 ($37,500) and escalating to ¥5,750,000 ($56,700), it's too expensive and radical for the cost-conscious manner in which Toyota presents itself overseas. It's a shame, really!
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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