Just a month after Toyota unveiled the Century SUV, yet another luxury sedan from the brand is getting an SUV variant. This time, it’s the Crown, and its new variant is called the Crown Sport Z.

The Crown Sport Z is described as a sporty SUV and is just one the many models Toyota hopes to offer that carry the Crown name. In essence, Crown will now be a sub-brand of Toyota with a sedan, station wagon, and a couple of crossovers variants. The Crown Sport Z is set to be launched in November 2023, though for now, it might only be available in Japan.

Toyota describes this model as the “most creative model within the Crown Series.” It’s evident in its design, bearing a façade that seems to have taken inspiration from Ferrari and Lamborghini sporty crossovers. It calls the front a “hammerhead shark-like face,” bearing unique narrow-lens daytime running lamps. As expected, there are large aero intakes and slots throughout the front. 

Towards the side, it uses a similar Coke-bottle shape and haunches to the Supra sports car. In fact, the rear styling is very reminiscent of it. To top it off, it rolls on 21-inch aluminum wheels.

For the interior, Toyota has employed an “island architecture design.” In essence, the driver and passenger seats are asymmetrically coordinated to assert individuality. The driver's side is uniformly black to help him concentrate on driving. The passenger side features a special material and color scheme to create a relaxing atmosphere. The vehicle’s interior also features Toyota's first sound-regulating ceiling that bounces sound waves and makes it easier for occupants to talk in the cabin.

Powering the Crown Sport Z is a choice of hybrid or plug-in hybrid system. There aren’t that many details revealed other than it being a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine. It will have large-capacity lithium-ion batteries for extended EV-mode cruising range.

Of course, to match the Sport Z name, the Crown will ride on a McPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear setup for a truly independent ride on all four corners. The suspension is specially-configured to provide the grounding and damping force that enables the driver to accurately understand the car's intention and reactions. This model comes with Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) that has been optimally tuned to the car. 

As expected, it will have the latest version of Toyota Safety Sense, which includes Proactive Driving Assist, Toyota Teammate Advanced Drive, Blind Spot Monitor, Panoramic View Monitor, Safe Exit Assist, Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and Connected Navigation support. Unique to the Sport Z is Proactive Driving Assist (PDA), which supports the driver's deceleration and steering in response to a preceding vehicle or curve. 

The order books for the Crown Sport Z are already open for Japanese customers. The vehicle is only available in Japan for JPY 5.9 million (P2.241 million). Toyota has yet to announce if it will be made available outside of their domestic market.

The Crown Sport Z is not the last. Toyota will be unveiling more Crown-branded models in the future, such as the Crown Sedan next month and the Crown Estate by the first quarter of 2024.