Photo: Toyota / Instagram
The Japanese automaker is coming out of a hectic year with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. After they reached an astonishing milestone earlier this month - 300 million vehicles made since their first G1 truck in 1935 - the company is preparing for the next bullet point on their to-do agenda.
Actually, there are probably two of them, but let me explain. Just like the rest of the year, Toyota had a very busy fall season – and just in the past couple of weeks, they were involved with the outstanding first edition of the Japan Mobility Show (formerly known as the Tokyo Motor Show for almost seven decades) as well as the bonkers 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In America, the focus was clearly on outstanding off-road SUVs and trucks during SEMA – as shown by the 'Retro Cruiser,' 'FJ Bruiser,' and Tacoma X-Runner concepts. But now that Toyota is gearing up for the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show (November 17-26), they are expanding the scope to passenger cars and crossover SUVs, too. At least, that's what we're thinking based on the teasers posted by Toyota USA on social media.
The first one appeared on October 19, claiming "a new dawn is coming" and showcasing the dark silhouette of a car with only the LED DRLs on full display. People quickly started dreaming of a Celica revival, the arrival of the next Avalon, and even about a potential GR Prius. However, the consensus across the rumor mill is that we are probably dealing with the next-generation XV80 Camry, and the ninth iteration is certainly expected quite eagerly by all Toyota fans for the 2025 model year.
But that was not all – a second teaser revealed that "something new is just around the corner," with an HEV AWD badge in plain sight and the letter 'C' also visible. Because of its hatchback look and the fact that the taillights looked like the concept renderings of the Toyota Crown 'Estate,' nobody could mistake this for a Camry – meaning that Toyota would have a double feature at the LA Auto Show.
Just recently, there was also official confirmation thanks to a second teaser clearly stating that "it's time to make room for one more. An all-new Toyota Crown makes its debut on November 14 at 10 PM ET." Now, if you're feeling a bit confused, allow us to explain. So, the company introduced the sixteenth generation Crown last summer, and already, the crossover-sedan version of the family is available in the US from $40,050 for the 2024 model year.
But Toyota wants the Crown to become a veritable ensemble series. In Japan, they also debuted the Crown Sedan, a traditional four-door saloon, as well as the Crown Sport, which is actually a hybrid crossover SUV with a sporty allure. There was also a Crown 'Estate' showcased in concept form, but it's far from a station wagon – it's actually a traditional CUV through and through. And that's the version that is probably coming to America. Were, of course, it will wear a simplified tag, like Crown SUV or something.
Now, all we have to do is wait and see if Toyota really is bringing both the all-new Camry and the new Crown SUV to the Los Angeles Auto Show or if all teasers were for the same vehicle – that's also a possibility. However, we hope it won't be the case because Camry fans will get furious at the Japanese automaker. As for powertrains, we suspect the new Crown SUV will just get the 2.5-liter four-pot hybrid mill with all-wheel drive and eCVT flaunting 236 combined horsepower from the regular Crown model.
In America, the focus was clearly on outstanding off-road SUVs and trucks during SEMA – as shown by the 'Retro Cruiser,' 'FJ Bruiser,' and Tacoma X-Runner concepts. But now that Toyota is gearing up for the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show (November 17-26), they are expanding the scope to passenger cars and crossover SUVs, too. At least, that's what we're thinking based on the teasers posted by Toyota USA on social media.
The first one appeared on October 19, claiming "a new dawn is coming" and showcasing the dark silhouette of a car with only the LED DRLs on full display. People quickly started dreaming of a Celica revival, the arrival of the next Avalon, and even about a potential GR Prius. However, the consensus across the rumor mill is that we are probably dealing with the next-generation XV80 Camry, and the ninth iteration is certainly expected quite eagerly by all Toyota fans for the 2025 model year.
But that was not all – a second teaser revealed that "something new is just around the corner," with an HEV AWD badge in plain sight and the letter 'C' also visible. Because of its hatchback look and the fact that the taillights looked like the concept renderings of the Toyota Crown 'Estate,' nobody could mistake this for a Camry – meaning that Toyota would have a double feature at the LA Auto Show.
Just recently, there was also official confirmation thanks to a second teaser clearly stating that "it's time to make room for one more. An all-new Toyota Crown makes its debut on November 14 at 10 PM ET." Now, if you're feeling a bit confused, allow us to explain. So, the company introduced the sixteenth generation Crown last summer, and already, the crossover-sedan version of the family is available in the US from $40,050 for the 2024 model year.
But Toyota wants the Crown to become a veritable ensemble series. In Japan, they also debuted the Crown Sedan, a traditional four-door saloon, as well as the Crown Sport, which is actually a hybrid crossover SUV with a sporty allure. There was also a Crown 'Estate' showcased in concept form, but it's far from a station wagon – it's actually a traditional CUV through and through. And that's the version that is probably coming to America. Were, of course, it will wear a simplified tag, like Crown SUV or something.
Now, all we have to do is wait and see if Toyota really is bringing both the all-new Camry and the new Crown SUV to the Los Angeles Auto Show or if all teasers were for the same vehicle – that's also a possibility. However, we hope it won't be the case because Camry fans will get furious at the Japanese automaker. As for powertrains, we suspect the new Crown SUV will just get the 2.5-liter four-pot hybrid mill with all-wheel drive and eCVT flaunting 236 combined horsepower from the regular Crown model.
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