Toyota unveils all-new Crown, its first connected car

Toyota has taken the wraps off its all-new Toyota Crown, one of the company’s longest running models and its first connected car.

The 15^th generation Crown comes with a data communication module as standard, enabling 24/7 connectivity focusing on safety, security, comfort and convenience based real-time driving data.

Available in rear- and all-wheel drive, the new Toyota Crown is based on the company’s latest TNGA architecture and promises “outstanding handling and a responsive driving performance”, due in part to its development at the Nürburgring.

“In inheriting the passion from the early days of the company when the first-generation Crown was born, I wanted the world to see the ‘Japanese brains and brawn’ that went into developing this car,” said chief engineer in charge of development, Akira Akiyama.

“It was with this spirit that we promoted development. I feel the new Crown is a car that will take your breath away in every single aspect including design, driving and connected technology.”

Sold predominantly in Japan and a handful of Asian markets, the Crown will be offered in three powertrain options – a conventional petrol and a pair of hybrids.

The base rear-drive petrol model comes with a 180kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, while a 165kW 2.5-litre Dynamic Force hybrid in rear- and all-wheel drive, and rear-drive only 264kW 3.5-litre V6 range-topper make up the two hybrid models.

Toyota is also offering a sporty RS variant for each of the powertrain. It brings special front stabilisers, different dampers, 18-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler. The 2.0-litre turbo RS variant also get rear floor bracing and performance rear dampers to improve steering response and reduce vibrations.

All models come with Drive Mode Select, with RS models gaining an extra Custom mode that allows drivers to customise their preference.

Inside, the wrap-around interior features Toyota’s new dual display system with an 8-inch screen sitting atop the dash, while a smaller 7-inch display situated closer to the driver.

On the safety front, the new Crown gets the second-generation Toyota Safety Sense package as standard. It brings a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist and Road Sign Assist amongst others.

The new Crown goes on sale in Japan this weekend priced from 4,606,200 yet ($A56,725).