There’s speculation about a new addition to Toyota’s GR Yaris and Corolla lineup, this time taking the form of the Crown with a hybrid powertrain.
Toyota has recently launched its Crown family in Japan, consisting of sedan-ish and wagon-ish crossovers and an SUV. Although the current series may not be the most successful, rumors suggest that Toyota’s GR department is working on the next Crown Crossover. While the limited GR Sport trim seems suitable for the regular Crown, reports from Japanese media indicate that Toyota is developing a GR model, potentially the first to have a self-driving hybrid powertrain.advertisement to continue
Photos Thanos Pappas/CarScoops No official teasers or spy shots of the first GR Crown have been released. Speculation about its appearance includes a lower version with new alloy wheels and a more powerful powertrain. Details: Toyota Crown Sport SUV Launches In Japan With Ferrari Purosangue Flair For $40k It also features front and rear bumpers with larger intakes and body-colored plastics, similar to other GR models such as Yaris and Corolla. These design changes give the Crown a more stylish appearance. Inside, it is likely to have a black theme with red accents instead of black upholstery. It can be assumed that the front seats will be upgraded and GR badges will be included around the cabin.
The Toyota GR Crown is expected to feature the most powerful AWD hybrid powertrain, including an updated version of the turbocharged 2.4-liter petrol engine that produces 296 hp, an increase from 268 hp. With the addition of dual electric motors, battery, and eCVT box, the combined output is expected to reach or exceed 375 hp. For reference, the Crown Crossover RS with the optional Hybrid Max powertrain currently produces 344 hp. More: Toyota Crown May Get New Off-road Special Edition More essential than the extra power are the chassis improvements that Toyota’s GR engineers are reportedly working on, such as revised suspension, additional bracing, enhanced brakes, and responsive steering, all aimed at improving the handling and driving experience of the Crown Crossover. This GR treatment could widen the Crown family, making the Crown Sport SUV in Purosangue color a promising addition. Is It Coming Soon? The rumored Toyota GR Crown Crossover is expected to be available for purchase in early summer 2024, with an estimated price tag of ¥7-7.5 million (about US$47,000-$51,000 at current prices) in the Japanese market. While the Crown is available in North America, it is uncertain if Toyota will bring this hybrid offering to the region at this point. The GR model isn’t the only rumored addition to the Crown Crossover lineup. A Toyota executive has hinted at a more aggressive model inspired by the Crown Outdoor Concept shown in 2023. Note: This independent rendering is not affiliated with or endorsed by Toyota.
Toyota Crown Crossover Limited Matte Metal.
