37 Votes

SHOULD THIS HAVE BEEN A NEW LEXUS MODEL FOR THE US???

bmwdrvr submitted on 10/14/2007 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 1:25:57 PM

105 user comments | Category: Spy News | Source: | SOURCE: www.autobloggreen.com

Tag Links: LEXUS, CROWN, LUXURY, TOYOTA

THIS IS THE NEW CROWN HYBRID, I RAN ACROSS IT LOOKING ONLINE, IT IS A TOYOTA I ACTUALLY LIKE IT LOOKS REALLY GOOD, AND IVE ALWAYS LIKE TOYOTAS CROWN MODELS.

...THE QUESTION IS OTHER THAN ITS OBVIOUSLY SAAB WHEELS THIS CAR WOULD HAVE BEEN A GREAT LOOKING LEXUS ITS MUCH MORE DISTINCTIVE THE CURRENT SOMEWHAT BLAND ANY CAR MODELS WE HAV HERE IT LOOKS LIKE IT WOULD BE A CAR IN BETWEEN THE GS AND LS...WHAT DO YOU THINK??

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SHOULD THIS HAVE BEEN A NEW LEXUS MODEL FOR THE US???

About the Author

— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

User Comments

I actually prefer that interior to any of a Lexus. But as for exterior styling, don't rate Lexus and as this is sooo similar looking, don't rate it either. However, that front does look OK.
— Czelinski (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 2:50:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

This car is so unoriginal.

Infiniti G35 Sedan Headlights (07 model)
Cadillac STS Side Profile (doors)
Volkswagen Tail lights (Jetta)

Sigh. Looks like the designers of this lame excuse for an upscale toyota played copy and paste to cut corners on design costs. Lame!
— w209w114 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 1:06:26 PM | | Votes: 2

Caps lock jammed?
— jt716 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 2:59:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

THAT'S WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE.

lol
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 6:26:52 PM | | Votes: 0

TURN OFF THE CAPS LOCK, AND MAYBE WE'LL LISTEN.

THE CROWN LOOKS VERY GOOD. BUT IT HAS NO PLACE IN LEXUS'S LINEUP. THEY DON'T NEED A CAR THAT'S IN BETWEEN THE SIZES OF THE GS AND LS.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 3:39:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

huh....your comments never cease to amaze me...turn the caps lock off and well listen...wow...
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 3:53:33 PM | | Votes: 0

?
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 4:03:56 PM | | Votes: 1

It works for Mercedes. Then again, Mercedes is the only luxury brand that I can't name all the different models off. Yeah, I guess I agree with you. Afterall, there's nothing in between the BMW 5 and 7-Series. Or the Audi A6 and A8.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 11:34:16 PM | | Votes: 1

There will be an Audi A7 in the next two years, though... but the thing is, while the Crown is good-looking, it's not SEXY, like the CLS/A7/Quattroporte etc. so it couldn't be sold in that segment. I just can't see this car costing more than $40K in the US.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 5:31:27 PM | | Votes: 1

Really? I can see it being sold at $50k.

What will the new A7 look like? I've never heard anything about it.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 10:42:15 PM | | Votes: 1

I don't work for Audi... so I have no idea. I just know it's coming. I'm surprised you've never heard of it--it's been mentioned in quite a few posts and articles.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/16/2007 5:44:25 PM | | Votes: 1

What a stupid submit
— dlin (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 3:47:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

why is it stupid, its car news, the crown hybrid is just being shown, this isnt an old car or something...why is it stupid?
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 7:45:25 PM | | Votes: -1

Anything is better than the Lexus Camry, um, I mean the Lexus ES350.
— Bored (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 4:41:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Why do we need another rebadged toyota?
— w209w114 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 1:03:03 PM | | Votes: 1

i dont think a car like this in the lexus lineup would be a bad idea, something in price between the gs and ls, that is more distinctive, thats what the cls is a distinctive sedan between the e class that its based on, and the larger s class. this isnt the 4 door coupe thing, but the way car companies are segmenting markets i dont think a car like this would be a good idea
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 5:01:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

i meant a car like this would be a good idea
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 5:02:19 PM | | Votes: 0

I looks similar to the Camry
— Eman171 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 5:03:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Lexus is doing fine with their current line-up, as it serves just about every 'necessary' luxury segment well...

The last thing they need is to inundate the market with a bunch of models trampling all over each other, which is largely the case in Japan.
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 5:05:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

NO.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 5:33:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Why not just get a Buick Lucerne and have enough money left over to get a iPhone and Plasma?

Mercy!!!
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 6:25:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Haven't you heard Herb?

Buicks are as reliable as a Lexus ;)
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 10:40:45 PM | | Votes: 2

I agree with Czelinski,I do prefer the Lexus's interior, but I prefer the Crown's LED taillights over the LS's different LED taillights.

Never the less, there is no place for this car, unless you blend the LS and the Crown into one line (sport model of the LS?)
— chris760 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 6:27:18 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Is it just me or doesthe Crown look sportier?
— chris760 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 6:28:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

They should have put that interior in the ES350, then it would have been the perfect entry-level luxury car.
— senorgato (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 6:46:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I think it looks better than any lexus going around, go figure.
— xj13 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 7:01:57 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

a boring looking car for the price point. nice infinit headlights.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 7:40:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

This may sound crude, but it looks a lot like a larger Corolla. Either way, it looks very generic. Not bad looking or is it going to win any beauty contests.
— keyzi747 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 7:56:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Why would anyone buy the Lexus LS460/600, when they can buy the Toyota Crown and save a bunch of yen???

hmmmm.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 8:11:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

well this car is actually part of lexus's issue in japan, the crown isnt really a cheaper model, it is every bit a prestige luxury sedan, its not priced in the entry level class, if im not mistaken this new is based on the lexus gs, much like the cls and the e class. in fact the old model crown has had toyotas only v12 in a passenger sedan, the old crown was a car above the ls
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 9:41:42 PM | | Votes: 2

your right its the century with the v12 and the crown is below the century...doyou know why they shrunk the crown..i know the crown majesta was as big as the ls if not bigger
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 11:16:43 PM | | Votes: 1

That interior looks too much like a Honda Civic/BMW 1-Series interior. The exterior isn't as sleek as the Lexus GS. I'd buy one over an Avalon though.
— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 8:38:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The issue there is that the Avalon/Pronard is placed somewhat lower on the JDM Toyota 'food-chain' than this vehicle.

As for looks, the profile reminds me too much of the early-to-mid 1990's JDM Toyota MKII.
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 8:55:46 PM | | Votes: 1

The interior looks like a Lexus LS460's without the wood trim.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 10:53:32 PM | | Votes: 2

similar to the LS or not, it's too nice to be a Toyota. If they ever do start producing it, it would be wise for them to sell it under the Lexus name.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 11:30:56 PM | | Votes: 1

This is Lexus nice, not Avalon nice.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 5:20:51 PM | | Votes: 1

"the interior is aboslutely nothing like the LS"

http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/
tokyo-motor-show-toyota-crown-hybrid/433082/

http://images.leftlanenews.com/content/
lexus_ls_460_460_2007_13.jpg

The center stacks and areas around the gearshift are almost identical. It's just that, in the Crown, the wood trim pieces are missing, leaving an indent in the dash.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 5:35:33 PM | | Votes: 0

Sorry S4, but I think the LS looks a little more upscale, even if you did put wood trim on the Crown. They're too different to be compared to each other. They share similar characteristics, but then again, they're both Toyotas.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 10:48:14 PM | | Votes: 1

Of course the LS looks more upscale. It's still a beautiful interior, if not quite as sophisticated as A8/S-Class on the inside. But the Crown has the same general layout and appears to have very high-quality materials.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/16/2007 9:59:44 PM | | Votes: 0

there isnt an indent in the dash, that is a trim piece is just that is so dark that its hard to tell, it almost looks like carbon fiber, or paino black. because that exact same trim is also on the doors as well. if the interior were lighter you would be able to tell better but its really hard to see what trim it is with the black tone on tone look
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2007 4:05:09 PM | | Votes: 1

Don't like the exterior at all. I agree that it looks very generic... the ES350 looks like the most exciting car on the road by comparison. Interior is nice though... certainly a much better dashboard than the ES350 with that weird "sari" thing in the middle.
— talon95 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 9:02:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

This should be the new Avalon.
— writer (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 9:37:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

This looks like an E-Class competitor. They should start production of it. It's nice looking.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 10:34:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

This is true!

From the side the taillights look like they're right off an E-Class.

Maybe this is the next Avalon?!?
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 10:39:19 PM | | Votes: 0

wow are you ok, there should really be someone moderating these posts, that makes no sense to speak to someone like that over their opinion, which is what a blog is for people to post opinion whether you agree or not, why that comment was worth all that i dont know....it is really some crazy people on here
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 11:25:14 PM | | Votes: 1

I just realized: it's a nice looking car, but the rear overhang is much too long.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 10:54:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

yeah, it does, doesn't it. but it's still not the worst thing i've ever seen.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 11:31:35 PM | | Votes: 1

You should google the (mid 1990's) Toyota Cresta or Mark II, and that'll give you an idea of the design inspiration for this vehicle (especially the long rear overhang and c-pillar).

I lived/was stationed in Japan for 10 years, and these things were insanely popular, so I can see why Toyota would bring back that look... Semi-Heritage design?

— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 3:41:38 AM | | Votes: 1

That's a good thing. I'll be the first to admit it: Lexus tries to be European. Their commercials have a British guys accent or take place in London, Paris, etc. If they brought their Japanese heritage to their designs, it would be really distinguishing.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 10:45:45 PM | | Votes: 1

Is The Toyota Crown a police car in Japan like the Ford Crown is in the USA?

BTW, both are bloated lookin'.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 11:35:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The front end looks like it was designed by Suzuki.

Kind of cheap with hokey racing lines.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 11:40:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Does the Crown self park or does the driver have to do all the work?

Looks like a cheaper LS460 to me with those vents in back!
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/14/2007 11:54:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

You guys have no idea about this car do you. Do you guys know where the "crown" fits in the Toyota's food chain?

The Crown is second only to the Century in Toyota's line up. To the asians in ASIA, the crown has more provenance and pedigree than a Lexus.

The Crown would be the 5-series/E-Class competitor in most parts of the world.
— speedmaster (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 12:45:50 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

The Lexus GS started off as a Toyota Crown rebadge. Sure, to ASIANS the Crown has more pedigree, but in America, (and soon the rest of the world) clearly the GS has more clout than the Crown.
— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 1:08:45 AM | | Votes: 1

No... it didn't.

It was a completely new model designed by Ital Design, and was know as the Toyota Arista in Japan.
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 3:21:58 PM | | Votes: 3

correction the lexus gs, was desighned by guigaro
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 4:33:02 PM | | Votes: 2

Will, the Crown is certainly more pretigious than the GS in the Japanese market. It always will be. No two-letter vehicle name, to them, can ever hold what "Crown" holds. Unfortunately for Lexus, they can see beyond the badge. This interior would look right at home in any Lexus- literally, just put in some wood trim.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 5:39:04 PM | | Votes: 1

The first Lexus GS was called the Toyota Aristo in Japan, which at that time, rode on a Toyota Crown platform. And S4, Nobody outside Japan would pay for a Toyota "Crown," which is why they made an entirely different brand in the first place.
— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 10/18/2007 12:34:07 AM | | Votes: 1

Wasn't there a version called the Toyota Royal Crown?

People used to say Me and my RC!

EL34
Irvine, California
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 1:26:39 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

It's ugly. Those taillights.. my god!
— SevorbeupstryIsBack (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 3:31:17 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Hey, it happens to be his opinion that the vehicle is ugly... One to which he is entitled.

If yours differs... So Be It.

— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 3:51:23 AM | | Votes: 2

No nicad, as it happens, he's right.

Those tail-lights are ugly, and too big.

The rear end of that car is horrible, everything is so cluttered and squashed up against each other, the number plate is positivily suffocating from Toyota's desire to fitm as much as possible onto that boot lid.

And before you tell me I'm wrong, I'd like you to remember you were the one who said the M5 was a horrible car.
— Matthew1 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 4:44:44 AM | | Votes: 2

The rear somehow reminds me of the old IS300. I dont like it at all. The front is nice, but is a copy of many other cars... Interior is ok.
But it doesnt have a place in the Lexus line-up.
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 6:38:08 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

"The rear somehow reminds me of the old IS300."

Because of the clear lenses?
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 5:40:33 PM | | Votes: 1

Yes, I guess ... ;) its more like the old LS430 tail lights with clear lenses, horrible either way.
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2007 11:20:51 AM | | Votes: 1

nicad, you talk as if you have a chip on your shoulder,relax and leave EL34 alone, the guy has an opinion.
— xj13 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 6:47:03 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

xj13

New Crown looks great, more energetic and fresh. Side profile looks very ES350issh, but no doubt looks better than the new C Class. Especially the interior is times better.

OMG just compare the grand steering wheel of this with the funny and cheap C Class's.

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 7:27:27 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5

What does this vehicle have to do with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 5:41:22 PM | | Votes: 1

Jugnu=

THE C CLASS IS ALL CLASS.
— xj13 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/16/2007 11:12:23 PM | | Votes: 1

Jugnu,

Not in a million years does this look better than the C. The steering wheel i admit does not look great in the standard models. But everything else is far superior. Especially the exterior styling, which Toyota or the Toyota-Lexus can never compete with.
— Czelinski (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 8:08:52 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

this car wouldnt compete with the c class hence it being alot larger, this is based on the lexus gs and is priced above it, this would be the e class competitor
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 8:37:41 AM | | Votes: 2

I like it. Bring it to the U.S
— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 10:05:17 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

That's the kind of interior the GS should have had.
— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 1:36:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

"But everything else is far superior"

Do u mean the tacky and cheap centre console is far superior or the outdated engine.

This Toyota is better than the Mercedes C.Just accept it.

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 3:37:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

I know the center console looks cheap in pictures... but so far as I've heard, there are no quibbles with the new C's interior in person. Just about as high-quality as a B7 A4. I agree that they could've made the Benz's interior more rounded and elegant rather than so hard-looking, but that is made up for with the exterior, which is fantastic. And don't even start with the engines-- "outdated?" The 3.5L engine came out in 2005! And if it's not fast enough for you, get a C63 AMG! That is, if you can afford it...
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 5:44:39 PM | | Votes: 2

I like the other crowns that are in the JDM for Toyota.
— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 4:25:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

w209,
You ever heard of the Toyota Altezza/Lexus IS300? Yeah, booh to Toyota for copying their own car.
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 10:08:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Hopefully this is what an Avalon hybrid will look like.
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 10:09:03 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Why would they produce an Avalon Hybrid that looks so different from the standard Avalon?
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/16/2007 5:47:29 PM | | Votes: 1

this car is rear wheel drive, it wouldnt be an avalon model.
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2007 9:03:57 AM | | Votes: 1

It looks like an Infiniti G35 and the older LS430 had a child. And it the most boring thing ever....
— jt716 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/15/2007 10:50:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

So which Lexus/Toyota fan says Lexus does not rebadge??? Anyone...hello....you know who you are :)
— Porschinator (View Profile)

Posted on 10/16/2007 2:57:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

they all are, cheap and nasty.
— xj13 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/16/2007 11:14:38 PM | | Votes: -1

According to Consumer Reports the Toyota Crown most likely isn't reliable ;)
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2007 12:23:03 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

http://carspyshots.net/zerothread?id=20553, heres a link to the Crown Majesta a more traditional variant of this car, you can see from these pics, the Crown is every bit as high end as the LS,
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2007 4:09:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I don't like that one. It appears to be on par with the LS430... but the interior wood looks fake, the front end is a bit contrived and the rear end is reminiscent of the Hyundai XG350. The Crown Hybrid looks much better--more athletic, better wheels, less cladding.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2007 10:48:02 PM | | Votes: 1

yeah the majesta is way to traditional luxury exterior wise the interior of the majesta looks alot like the outgoing ls, 4especially with that light wood i can imagine how hard it is to convice consumers to buy the lexus models in japan when they have had luxury cars that we didnt have here for years that were above the toyota models we were getting, i thought it was odd how much the front end and side profile looked like the refresh on the infiniti m, which was odd, the crown came first. there are evidently a few versions of the crown, the athlete, the majesta, and the royal each with slightly different styling, there maybe another version i missed
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2007 11:20:27 PM | | Votes: 1

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SHOULD THIS HAVE BEEN A NEW LEXUS MODEL FOR THE US???

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