The new Crown hybrid combines a rear-wheel drive THS II hybrid system with a 2GR-FSE D4-S 3.5-liter V6 engine (also used in the Lexus IS and GS 350) and a NiMH battery pack. The hybrid goes on sale in Japan on 6 May.
The D4-S combines port and direct injection, with two injectors per cylinder—one injector installed in the combustion chamber and a second mounted in the intake port. The combination of direct injection with port injection enables a more precise mixing of air and fuel under low- and medium-load conditions. Under high-load, the engine will use direct injection alone. The engine as applied in the Crown Hybrid is rated at 218 kW (292 hp) at 6,400 rpm and 368 Nm (271 lb-ft) of torque at 4,800 rpm.
The Crown’s THS II system features a two-stage motor speed reduction device, also used in the motors of the GS 450h and LS 600h, to generate maximum low-gear torque for significantly enhanced acceleration, as well as extended high-gear performance for high speed cruising with improved fuel efficiency. The 147 kW electric motor delivers 275 Nm (203 lb-ft) of maximum torque.
Toyota says that the Crown Hybrid has the driving performance of a 4.5-liter vehicle with the low fuel consumption of a 2.0-liter vehicle.
The Crown Hybrid achieves a fuel efficiency of 14.0 km/l (33 mpg US or 7.1 L/100km) according to the newly introduced JC08 test cycle outlined by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT). It is among the first vehicles to meet the new 2015 Japanese fuel efficiency standards. The vehicle also achieves the equivalent of 166 g/km of CO2 emissions.
Under the traditional 10-15 test cycle, the fuel efficiency is 15.8 km/l (37 mpg US, 6.3 L/100km), surpassing the existing 2010 fuel efficiency standards by 20%, with CO2 emissions of 147 g/km.)
An electric vehicle (EV) driving mode permits the driver, by pressing a button, to operate the vehicle using the electric motor only. An Active Noise Control function uses the speakers to cancel out low-frequency engine noise) to provide an even quieter ride.
The Crown Hybrid is priced at ¥6,190,000 (US$57,239).