by Designer Reimagines Toyota Crown as a Sports Sedan
It seems Toyota believes the numbers won’t add up, so the Crown sedan remains in Japan instead of crossing the ocean to the US, as it does in its home market. However, if transformed into a sporty rear-wheel-drive sedan, it could find its niche in the States.
Although there are no indications that Toyota is working on a similar model, that hasn’t stopped designer Theottle from creating an image of a Crown sports sedan. Since the dimensions of the standard Crown are very close to the current BMW M5, the designer used this all-conquering sports sedan as the basis for his model.
The front end looks completely different from the existing Japanese Crown sedan, featuring sharper, more aggressive headlights that greatly enhance the overall design. It also sports a new grille, splitter, and air intakes, giving the sedan a sporty look that would be the perfect place for a TRD badge, or perhaps even a GR badge.
Although the shown sedan is based on the M5, it features new door panels with smooth lines rising from the side skirts to the rear fenders. As for the rear, it includes a small spoiler on the trunk lid, darkened taillights, and a darkened bumper.
Is a Crown GR Possible?
There is no information on whether such a car is planned, but we wouldn’t rule it out, knowing how committed Toyota is to creating exciting models. The company recently filed a trademark application for the Camry Apex in the United States, indicating that its commitment to sporty cars extends to sedans, in addition to the hatches and two-door sports cars it already sells.
Of course, a sharp-looking Crown sedan wouldn’t guarantee the success of such a model. Toyota would need to equip it with a powertrain to match the design. The best candidate would likely be the new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that GR is developing, which will likely power the new MR-2, Celica, and possibly future generations of the GR Yaris and GR Corolla.
Such a move could be a logical continuation of Toyota’s strategy to expand the GR lineup. If the company truly aims to compete with European and American sports sedans, a Crown GR could become a unique offering that combines the comfort of an executive car with the dynamics of a true sports car. Given the success of the GR Yaris and GR Corolla, the arrival of a powerful sedan with the same engine could attract a new audience looking for a practical yet thrilling vehicle.
