Toyota debuted the Crown Sport plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in Japan, adding more power, a sportier chassis design, and an emission-free driving range to the already available self-charging hybrid.
The 21-inch black-finished wheels, the red brake calipers, and the PHEV badges are the unique visual elements that set the Toyota Crown Sport PHEV RS apart. The sports seats and the red rear seatbelts add a sporty touch to the interior's black and red upholstery.
The standard 2.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine is combined with two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack to form the electrified powertrain. While both vehicles have the E-Four electric 4WD system, the combined output of the PHEV and HEV is 302 horsepower and 231 horsepower, respectively.
Additionally, the PHEV's larger capacity battery, which is located under the floor, enables a 90 km zero-emission range between charges. Toyota claims that the model has a driving range of more than 1,200 kilometers when the gas tank is full and the battery is fully charged. A fast charger can get it to 80% charge in 38 minutes, whereas a full charge from a regular outlet will take 5.5 hours.
To increase rigidity, Toyota engineers modified the arrangement of the shock absorbers in the Adaptive Variable Suspension system and added more bracing to the floor. In addition, the six-piston brake calipers and 20-inch ventilated discs offer sufficient stopping force despite the increased weight. Like the rest of the Crown-badged lineup, the 4,720 mm long Crown Sport is built on the TNGA platform.
Although the PHEV weighs 2,030 kg instead of 1,810 kg like the HEV, its increased power yields better performance numbers.
The PHEV powertrain also enables additional features like the 1,500 Watt external power supply function, which can power devices or even an entire household during blackouts or other emergencies, and the "My Room Mode," which lets occupants use the audio system and A/C while charging.
In Japan, the Toyota Crown Sport PHEV is already on the order books. The flagship RS model costs $52,920. This means that even though it is in the lower Z trim, it is substantially more expensive than the Crown Sport HEV, which is priced at $40,814.