Toyota's Crowning Glories

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When Toyota released the original Crown in 1955, it never would have guessed that, 56 years later, the model's 13th generation would still enjoy the privilege of being Japan's top luxury car. Not only is the Crown one of Japan's longest lasting models, but it also sports the most advanced technology of its time. In the 1980s, the Crown passed its luxury car status onto the Celsior, also known as the "Lexus LS" internationally. But when the Celsior adopted the LS name in 2005, the Crown rose once again to the summit of Japan's luxury model list.

The Crown is also one of the most renowned Japanese models worldwide. When the 12th generation Zero Crown was released in 2002, its functionality and ride surpassed even those of European sedans. Unfortunately, it was sold mainly in Japan. But its influence seemed to transcend geographical boundaries: In China, the Crown inspired FAW Hongqi to develop its own luxury car, which, like BMW's 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz's E-Class, is a status symbol.

The Crown is due for another full revamp next year. Codenamed "480A", the 14^th generation Crown's development has been progressing smoothly, and its final design have only recently been finalised.

In the last few years, the designs of Toyota's cars have been widely discussed, especially its mass-produced sedans like the Corolla Axio, Premio, Allion and even the much smaller Vitz. The automaker's latest project was the LF-Gh, which is the design prototype for the next Lexus GS and was exhibited at the New York Auto Show last April. Its distinctive feature is its front mask, which is imposing because of its so-called "spindle" grille. The production model will have an additional bumper, which will separate the top and bottom portions of its front mask.

Toyota has already planned the Crown's design until the 30th generation, so the next model's drastic makeover is only a matter of course. Insiders claim that it will have a large front grille similar to those seen on Audi, Bentley and Jaguar cars - a first for the Japanese automotive industry. Should this be approved, it will go directly to the production line. Whereas the current Athlete has a sporty mesh-type grille and the present Royal sports a horizontal line type, the new Crown will have its own unique front mask and grille.

The 14th generation Crown will be downsized in response to consumer requests. This will make it more accessible to younger users without sacrificing any of its ap­peal. Despite its smaller frame, its cabin will still be large and comfortable.

The Crown's modification in size will accommodate its newly developed inline 4-cylinder hybrid system. Its 2494cc 2AR-FXE engine - based on 2009's 2AR engine - generates 170bhp and 225Nm of torque and will be paired with an electric motor and the FR layout. We are confident that its performance will be starkly different from the current figure, but the extent of this difference remains to be seen.

The current Crown Hybrid has a 3.5-litre V6 engine that generates 296bhp and an electric motor - certainly a tough cookie, at least where performance is concerned. However, its nickel hydride battery puts on an extra 180kg, raising its weight to 1830kg. Since its successor will be fitted with a much lighter lithium-ion cell, a lower powered engine and electric motor combination will be more than sufficient.

The next Crown's fuel efficiency will also be vastly improved compared to the current model. Even if its engine will be able to achieve just 170bhp, its advanced technology will allow it to maintain the performance, pickup and acceleration that the present model is famous for.

Initially, the next generation Crown's debut was scheduled for next summer, but this has been pushed back to autumn or the end of the year. One-and-a-half years may seem like a long wait, but we are confident that Toyota is poised to surprise the automotive world with its latest offering.

Lexus LS

Lexus's flagship model, the LS, is scheduled for a full revamp in 2014. The LS600h hybrid will receive a 5.0-litre V8 engine, the LS450h hybrid will be fitted with a 3.5-litre V6 engine and the LS350h hybrid will be equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 gasoline engine.

But before then, the automaker is focusing on a minor revamp of LS600h. Fuel consumption will be improved by 20 per cent, and its 4WD powertrain will be replaced by the FR layout, thereby shaving off 100kg. In terms of design, not much has changed, with the exception of the sharp-edged bumper that is reminiscent of the CT200h. This feature will also be shared by the next GS, which debuts in January. Clearly, such an image is crucial to the identity of the coming Lexus.

The next LS's 3.5-litre V6 engine will not be of the 2GR-FSE variety. Rather, it will also be equipped with the new GS's engine. This will permit it to generate a maximum power and torque of 320bhp 377Nm respectively, which is slightly higher than the Toyota Crown's output. The LS will also have 8-speed automatic transmission and impressively low fuel consumption.