Toyota Crown Majesta

The Toyota Crown Majesta (Japanese: トヨタ・クラウンマジェスタ, Toyota Kuraun Majesuta) is a full-size premium luxury automobile from Toyota. It is an upmarket variant of the Crown and serve as Toyota's flagship model in various countries.

Toyota Crown Majesta
Overview
ManufacturerToyota
ProductionOctober 1991 – April 2018
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size luxury car
Layout
Related
Chronology
PredecessorToyota Crown Royal Saloon G (S130)
SuccessorToyota Crown G-Executive (S220)[1]

The Crown Majesta appeared after the international introduction of the Celsior/Lexus LS in late 1989; the Celsior was exclusive to Toyopet Store locations on a newer platform. The Crown Majesta, positioned as a modern limousine alternative to the already existing Century and shares the flagship role, was exclusive to Toyota Japanese dealerships called Toyota Store. The Crown Majesta appeared before the Aristo/Lexus GS, which was assigned to Toyota Vista Store locations and shared the Crown and Crown Majesta platform.

The Crown Majesta shares a stretched variant of the smaller Crown platform series which is also used in the Aristo/GS, however, it is not just an upper trim level of the Crown sedan, the Majesta is a separate car with unique styling and interior treatment. The Crown Majesta was later released in other countries in Asia such as China.

First generation (S140; 1991)

First generation (S140)
Overview
ProductionOctober 1991 – August 1995
AssemblyJapan: Toyota City, Aichi (Motomachi plant)
Body and chassis
Body style4-door hardtop
Related
  • Toyota Crown (S140)
  • Toyota Aristo/Lexus GS (S140)
Powertrain
Engine
Power output
  • 168 kW (225 hp; 228 PS) (2JZ-GE)
  • 191 kW (256 hp; 260 PS) (1UZ-FE)
Transmission4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,780 mm (109.4 in)
Length4,900 mm (192.9 in)
Width1,800 mm (70.9 in)
Height1,420 mm (55.9 in)
Kerb weight1,670 kg (3,682 lb)

The first-generation Crown Majesta was introduced in Japan as a 4-door sedan in October 1991. It looked very similar to its smaller sibling, the Crown. It also bore a resemblance to the larger Celsior, which was a sedan that appeared in 1989. At first, the Crown Majesta was a trim-level variant of the Crown series, called the Crown Royal Saloon G. The Majesta was a more luxurious variant of the Crown and was slightly wider and heavier, necessitating two engine choices: the 3.0 L 2JZ-GE inline-six, which produced 168 kW (225 hp; 228 PS) and the 4.0 L 1UZ-FE V8, which produced 191 kW (256 hp; 260 PS). The two engine choices gave Japanese buyers the option as to which annual road tax obligation they were willing to pay.

In 1992, four-wheel steering was offered in compliance with the four-wheel drive system, called 4WDi-Four. This boosted handling capabilities and gave increased traction. Advanced for this time, the Crown Majesta had an optional GPS navigation system, electronic instrument cluster, electric power steering, heated front and rear electric seats, a head-up display that projected key information on the inside windshield surface above the instrument cluster, and an i-Four comprehensive vehicle control system.

Second generation (S150; 1995)

Second generation (S150)
Overview
ProductionAugust 1995 – September 1999
AssemblyJapan: Toyota City, Aichi (Motomachi plant)
Body and chassis
Body style4-door hardtop
Related
  • Toyota Crown (S150)
  • Toyota Aristo/Lexus GS (S160)
Powertrain
Engine
  • 3.0 L 2JZ-GE I6 (petrol)
  • 4.0 L 1UZ-FE V8 (petrol)
Power output
  • 168 kW (225 hp; 228 PS) (2JZ-GE)
  • 195–206 kW (261–276 hp; 265–280 PS) (1UZ-FE)
Transmission
  • 4-speed automatic
  • 5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,780 mm (109.4 in)
Length4,900 mm (192.9 in)
Width1,795 mm (70.7 in)
Height1,430 mm (56.3 in)
Kerb weight1,670 kg (3,682 lb)

The Crown Majesta underwent its first redesign in 1995. Notable enhancements were made to the taillamps to distinguish the model from the lower-spec Crown. The redesign made the vehicle similar to the XF20 series Celsior/LS 400, which debuted in 1994. Changes were also made to the engine lineup. The 3.0 L engine stayed the same, but the 4.0 L-powered one received a power increase to 195 kW (261 hp; 265 PS). Due to cost-cutting efforts within Toyota, the list of optional equipment offered was simplified.

The second-generation Majesta is the first Toyota model to be equipped with vehicle stability control in 1995.[2]

At its introduction in 1996, it won the Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference Car of the Year award in Japan which it shared with the 1996 Crown.

In August 1997, the front grille was restyled and HID headlamps were introduced. VVT-i technology was offered on the V8 engine, improving the horsepower to 206 kW (276 hp; 280 PS). A 5-speed automatic transmission was also introduced. Four-wheel steering was no longer offered. In addition, a new two-tone paint scheme offered an upmarket image for the Crown Majesta.

Third generation (S170; 1999)

Third generation (S170)
Overview
ProductionSeptember 1999 – July 2004
AssemblyJapan: Toyota City, Aichi (Motomachi plant)
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
RelatedToyota Crown (S170)
Powertrain
Engine
  • 3.0 L 2JZ-GE I6 (petrol)
  • 3.0 L 2JZ-FSE I6 (petrol)
  • 4.0 L 1UZ-FE V8 (petrol)
Power output
  • 168 kW (225 hp; 228 PS) (2JZ-GE/2JZ-FSE)
  • 216 kW (290 hp; 294 PS) (1UZ-FE)
Transmission
  • 4-speed automatic
  • 5-speed A650E automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,800 mm (110.2 in)[3]
Length4,900 mm (192.9 in)
Width1,795 mm (70.7 in)
Height1,465 mm (57.7 in)
Kerb weight1,670–1,780 kg (3,682–3,924 lb)

This version was released in September 1999 and received a complete redesign, further incorporating styling elements of the popular Celsior/LS. Wider vertical taillamps were incorporated as well as redesigned headlamps, grille and minor aesthetic updates. Four-wheel steering was again offered. The previous two-tone paint scheme options remained as well as Toyota's other top of the line features for this model.

DVD-based GPS navigation was also introduced, as well as an "Ottoman" footrest for the rear passenger seats. This was achieved by enabling part of the seat cushion of the front passenger seat back to tilt rearward towards the rear seat passengers.

The model came in a C-type or an A-type option, the A-type having less standard options with conventional spring and shock suspension as standard, while the C-type had more options as standard such as height adjustable air suspension, TEMS, dual zone climate control, rear wheel steering and power rear seat as standard with leather as optional. Both the 3.0 L and 4.0 L variants also had the option for 4WDi-Four four-wheel drive system.

The S170 series Crown Majesta received an updated version of the 4.0 L engine with VVT-i, now rated at 216 kW (290 hp; 294 PS), while the 3.0 L option was unchanged. The trend among automakers towards large-diameter wheels with low-profile tires was ignored in favour of a more comfortable ride and better handling with smaller wheels. This model also made available with a 5-speed Super ECT automatic transmission.

The S170 series Crown Majesta was made the official company car for senior-level Toyota management. This model of Crown Majesta also had a 10th Anniversary special edition run which was a fully optioned C-type specification model with leather and a sunroof as standard.[4]

Fourth generation (S180; 2004)

Fourth generation (S180)
Overview
Also calledHongqi HQ300/HQ430
Production
  • June 2004 – March 2009
  • 2006–2010 (China)[5]
Assembly
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
PlatformToyota N platform
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Power output
  • 170 kW (228 hp; 231 PS) (3GR-FE)
  • 216 kW (290 hp; 294 PS) (3UZ-FE)
Transmission6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,850 mm (112.2 in)
Length4,975 mm (195.9 in)
Width1,795 mm (70.7 in)
Height1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Kerb weight1,780 kg (3,924 lb)

The fourth-generation Crown Majesta received a complete redesign when it was introduced on 6 July 2004. In August 2006, the Celsior was no longer offered in Japan, due to the introduction of the Lexus brand there. The Crown Majesta replaced the Celsior, despite objections from Japanese customers. It introduced the first Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) integrated vehicle handling and software control system and radar adaptive cruise control with low-speed tracking function.[7] The engine was upgraded to the 4.3 L 3UZ-FE V8, shared with the US-spec LS. The transmission was upgraded to a 6-speed automatic, the four-wheel drive system was improved, and the air suspension was introduced. Intelligent adaptive front lighting and rear curtain airbags were added to improve safety. Enhancements were made to the interior of the vehicle, including a rear-view camera and parking assistance technology. A supercharger option was also offered with a 6-speed transmission, allowing the engine to produce 253 kW (339 hp; 344 PS).

In July 2004, the Crown Majesta introduced both a lane keeping assist and a radar pre-collision system with a single camera to improve the accuracy of collision forecast and warning and control levels.[8][9]

For 2006, G-Book was added to the list of standard features, along with a rear-view camera. A departure from previous models, the two-tone paint scheme was removed to target a younger audience.

Hongqi HQ300/HQ430

In China, this generation of the Crown Majesta was rebadged and has been sold as the Hongqi HQ300/HQ430 from 2006 to 2010, using the same engines as the Crown.[5]

Fifth generation (S200; 2009)

Fifth generation (S200)
Overview
Also calledToyota Crown Royal Saloon VIP (China)
Production
  • March 2009 – September 2013
  • For VIP 2012 (limited edition produced 55 units)
  • 2009–2015 (China)
Assembly
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
PlatformToyota N platform
Related
Powertrain
Engine
  • 2.5 L 5GR-FE V6 (petrol, China)
  • 3.0 L 3GR-FE V6 (petrol)
  • 4.3 L 3UZ-FE V8 (petrol)
  • 4.6 L 1UR-FSE V8 (petrol)
Power output
  • 145 kW (194 hp; 197 PS) (5GR-FE)
  • 170 kW (228 hp; 231 PS) (3GR-FE)
  • 216 kW (290 hp; 294 PS) (3UZ-FE)
  • 255 kW (342 hp; 347 PS) (1UR-FSE)
Transmission
  • 6-speed automatic
  • 8-speed AA80E automatic (4.6 L)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,925 mm (115.2 in)[10]
Length4,995 mm (196.7 in)
Width1,810 mm (71.3 in)
Height1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Kerb weight1,770–1,810 kg (3,902–3,990 lb)

On 26 March 2009, the fifth-generation Crown Majesta was introduced. Although it was initially reported that the name "Crown" would be removed, establishing the Majesta as an independent car, this did not happen and the car remained the Crown Majesta. The body size expanded from the previous generation, now comparable to the LS.

As with the GS and LS, the 4.6 L 1UR-FSE V8 engine is standard, however, four-wheel drive system employed the 4.3 L 3UZ-FE one. The larger engine incurs a higher road tax liability than the smaller 4.3 L engine.

In China, FAW Toyota assembled a limited number of left-hand-drive S200 series Crown Majesta, which is called Crown Royal Saloon VIP.[11] Another car based on the Crown was called the Hongqi H7 and has been in production since 2013.

Sixth generation (S210; 2013)

Sixth generation (S210)
Overview
Production
  • September 2013 – April 2018
  • 2015–2020 (China)
Assembly
Body and chassis
Body style4-door sedan
PlatformToyota N platform
RelatedToyota Crown (S210)
Powertrain
Engine
Power output
  • 131 kW (176 hp; 178 PS) (2AR-FSE; petrol engine only); 162 kW (217 hp; 220 PS) (2AR-FSE; combined system output)
  • 215 kW (288 hp; 292 PS) (2GR-FXE; petrol engine only); 252 kW (338 hp; 343 PS) (2GR-FXE; combined system output)
TransmissioneCVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,925 mm (115.2 in)
Length4,970 mm (195.7 in)
Width1,800 mm (70.9 in)
Height1,460 mm (57.5 in)
Kerb weight1,810–1,830 kg (3,990–4,034 lb)[12]

Launched in Japan on 9 September 2013, the sixth-generation model replaced the outgoing model's V8 engine in favour of Toyota's 2GR-FXE 3.5 L V6 hybrid powerplant shared with the L10 GS 450h sedan, plus an additional 2.5 L 2AR-FSE inline-four hybrid engine for the four-wheel drive version. The elimination of the V8 engines reduced the annual road tax liability for large engine displacement. The Crown Majesta was given an all-new appearance after the reintroduction of the Y51 series Nissan Cima in April 2012. Fuel economy is improved to 18.2 km/L (51 mpgimp; 43 mpgUS) under the JC08 test cycle. The wheelbase is 75 mm (3.0 in) longer than the corresponding Crown Royal and Athlete, but 100 mm (3.9 in) shorter than the Century, and incorporates advanced safety and convenience equipment such as blind spot monitoring and a collision avoidance system.[13]

The Crown Majesta was discontinued on 27 April 2018 in favour of the fifteenth-generation Crown.[1]

References

  1. Lim, Anthony (26 June 2018). "2018 Toyota Crown - fully-redesigned S220 debuts". paultan.org. Malaysia. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  2. "75 Years of TOYOTA | Technical Development | Chassis". Toyota. 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2018.
  3. "75 Years of TOYOTA | In-depth Vehicle Information, Specification | Crown Majesta 3rd". Toyota. 2012. Retrieved 23 July 2017.
  4. "J-Spec Imports". www.j-spec.com.au. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  5. "A Moving Launch for FAW's New Hongqi HQ3". First Automobile Works. 20 December 2006.
  6. "General Status of Plants in Japan | Motomachi Plant". Toyota. 2012. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  7. "75 Years of TOYOTA | Technical Development | Electronics Parts". Toyota. 2012. Retrieved 2 January 2015.
  8. "Toyota Crown Majesta undergoes complete redesign". The Auto Channel. 6 July 2004. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
  9. Frank, Randy (11 October 2004). "Really Playing it Safe". Design News. Archived from the original on 27 October 2008. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
  10. "75 Years of TOYOTA | In-depth Vehicle Information, Specification | Crown Majesta 5th". Toyota. 2012. Retrieved 23 July 2017.
  11. "Toyota Crown Royal Saloon VIP (China)".
  12. "クラウン マジェスタ | スペック" [Crown Majesta | Spec] (in Japanese). Japan: Toyota. Archived from the original on 13 April 2014. Retrieved 10 April 2014.
  13. "TMC Launches New 'Crown Majesta' Sedan in Japan" (Press release). Japan: Toyota. 9 September 2013. Retrieved 10 April 2014.
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