Despite the comparatively steep worth (a 1955 Chevy Bel Air convertible began at simply $2,321), Ford offered 3,500 1955 Thunderbirds within the first 10 days they had been accessible. In its first three years, the Thunderbird outsold the Chevy Corvette by a margin of greater than 4.5 to 1. In that span, Ford made regular adjustments to the Thunderbird, even morphing it from a two- to four-seater in 1958. Other updates included the addition of a rear window, energy seats, and a radio that mechanically adjusted its quantity in response to the automotive’s pace. In the primary yr, solely a 292 cubic inch V8 was accessible, however a 312 cubic inch engine was added as an possibility for the 1956 mannequin yr. The following yr, Thunderbird consumers may additionally go for a supercharged model of the 312 that produced 340 horsepower and a spine-jiggling 450 pound-feet of torque. Ford introduced the T-Bird to NASCAR in 1959, and it gained six races that yr in what was then generally known as the Grand National collection.
The Thunderbird has gone by 10 generational updates, with every one drifting farther from the unique. The eleventh technology was an attempt to reimagine the styling of the original, however missed the mark this misfire led to the mannequin being dropped in 2005.
First technology 1955 to 1957 fashions stay probably the most coveted to at the present time, with examples in prime situation routinely promoting for greater than $100,000.
Not solely has the Toyota Crown been an iconic nameplate since 1955, but it surely’s seen a significant revival for 2023. This newest-generation mid-size automotive returns to the market with a facelift, beautiful inside and exterior, highly effective engine, and loads of enjoyable bells and whistles that make it price buying. The highest-trim, the ‘Platinum’ mannequin presents a “Hybrid Max” configuration, pairing with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with a rear-mounted electrical motor.
The car has highly effective, easy dealing with and is a good way to revive a basic however higher. It’s additionally completely compact, permitting you to suit into small locations whereas driving and parking. The Toyota Crown has at all times been a enjoyable, quick, and understated choice for drivers, and with a 2023 MSRP for the best trim being simply over $50,000, there’s infinite chance for long-time followers.
The FT-Se idea is a glimpse into the way forward for Toyota’s electrical sports activities vehicles, with a glossy design and driver-centric inside.
In order to provide the most recent and correct info doable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from varied producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Toyota, the EPA, and different respected retailers.
The Toyota Crown Is Back, And We Can’t Get Enough Of The Platinum
The 2023 Crown comes customary as a hybrid, providing a ‘Hybrid Max’ setup in Platinum trims.
You have as much as 340 mixed horsepower within the Platinum trim Crown, whereas these with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine boast 236 horses.
For 2023, Toyota followers get to expertise the latest period of Crown, with this ultra-sporty four-door being a hybrid powertrain, getting a little bit of a facelift, and hinting in direction of the way forward for the already iconic nameplate.
For this newest-gen launch, the Toyota Crown comes customary as a hybrid, with the top-tier ‘Platinum’ trim providing an enhanced Hybrid Max setup, boasting a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder and an electrical motor on the rear axle for a powerful 340 horsepower. Of course, even at the usual degree, the 2023 Crown is a good alternative, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electrical motors. You’ll get round 236 horsepower output with the bottom model and transfer by means of till you hit the best trim with the Hybrid Max setup.
Of course, we will dive deeper into the Platinum mannequin, which you may get for $52,350 this yr. Toyota has long inspired even luxury manufacturers with its grit and designs, which is not any totally different for the Crown.
To summarize, the 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum presents a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder and an electrical motor.
2023 Toyota Crown Platinum Specs
Engine
2.4-liter four-cylinder engine turbocharged mill with an electrical motor
Toyota expands its U.S. lineup with the brand new 2025 Toyota Crown Signia SUV, providing a hybrid drivetrain, and AWD mixed with a trendy exterior.
The 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum Is Not Your Typical Sedan
The 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum mannequin sees top-of-the-line parts and upgrades.
Drivers get a style of the finer issues on this sedan, all for ~$50,000.
Although the Toyota Crown has lengthy been an underdog within the middle-tier sedan market, 2023 marks a brand new age. With fast speeds, quick dealing with, and premium efficiency, this mannequin places its historical past to good use, and with the Platinum trim, every thing falls into place.
The 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum sees luxury and innovation from start to finish, particularly concerning inside and exterior options. From high-end finishes, glossy curve design, and even expansive infotainment at your beck and name, there’s one thing for everyone inside this car.
Interior Specs For The 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum Sedan
Inside the 2023 Toyota Crown, luxurious features become obvious. The cabin, with premium options, presents an elevated driving place, reminding us of an SUV. All Platinum fashions come outfitted with the next:
12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
A panoramic sunroof
Leather upholstery
Ventilated entrance seats
Four USB-C cost ports: two entrance/two rear
LED entrance and rear studying lights and a cargo space gentle
Heated entrance and rear seats
Heated steering wheel
Again, the Platinum trim will probably be your nicest, most upgraded of the lineup. It’s definitely worth the cash.
Exterior Specs For The 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum Sedan
Moving exterior a 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum sedan, drivers have plenty of nice features. With premium alloy wheels, the sharp line of the Daytime Running Lights, a contemporary grille, and a refined taillight throughout the rear, there’s nothing fundamental with this sedan. One of the important thing standouts of this Platinum Crown mannequin is that it boasts an obtainable bi-tone end, giving it that further oomph on the highway. It’s a automotive you will not wish to miss: driving or passing by.
Moreover, you may count on gas rankings of 29 MPG within the metropolis and 32 MPG on the freeway, only a bit lower than the usual, non-Hybrid Max Crown trims. Typically, efficiency autos undergo within the gas economic system class as a result of they’re made to go quick, however even with that, the 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum feels environment friendly.
2023 Toyota Crown Fuel Economy
City
29 MPG
Highway
32 MPG
Combined
30 MPG
(Figures sourced from Toyota and EPA)
For a 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum sedan, you’ll get roughly 3.3 gallons/100 miles. This is barely lower than the non-Hybrid Max configurations, however with Platinum, there’s pace.
The Toyota Crown FCEV is a revolutionary sedan with a sophisticated gas cell system, providing efficiency effectivity, and environmental consciousness.
The 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum: Sleek, Sexy, Powerful
The 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum marks a brand new, luxurious chapter for Toyota.
This nameplate will see new editions and even an SUV configuration.
For these after a reasonably affordable car this yr and past, the 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum sedan is a best choice. With spectacular efficiency, a normal hybrid construct, and a “Hybrid Max” choice for drivers, the Crown is returning to regain its royal title. Toyota had let this nameplate relaxation for a while, ignoring the US market for a few years. However, with the 2023 Crown doing nicely, there are lots of additions to be anticipated within the household.
For the Platinum, nevertheless, you wish to keep in mind that is a luxurious four-door for $52,350, which, if it have been any luxurious model, would simply surpass the 60, if not 70,000, mark. 340 ponies, 400 pound-feet of torque, and infinite turbocharged output give the 2023 Crown Platinum an added degree of regalness we have come to admire about it.
The Crown Will Soon Become An SUV
Even extra thrilling information for Platinum Crown followers, this iconic mannequin is ready to develop into an SUV as nicely in 2025. The Toyota Crown Signia will mark the first-ever SUV edition to the lineup and can function as many (and extra) bells and whistles as this earlier technology. It’s actually an thrilling time to be a driver and fan of the Crown household. Onwards on upwards, Toyota!
In 1955, Jean Rédélé decided to name his new sports car company Alpine as a tribute to his successful performances in the Alpine Rally, where he drove his highly modified Renaults.
However, despite the company’s name, Alpine cars were unable to win the famous race held in the mountains of southern France. The cars often faced mechanical issues, which prevented them from achieving victory.
Eager to overcome this ongoing challenge, Alpine entered five factory-prepared A110s, along with 13 other Alpine vehicles, into the 1968 event. They faced tough competition from Renault-Gordini 8s, Ford Escorts, Lancia Fulvia Coupés, Daf 55s, Alfa Romeo GTAs, Porsche 911s, and more. Surprisingly, there were no Mini Coopers, but there were some unusual entries like a “simply hideous” truncated Citroën DS and a Vauxhall Ventora.
Unfortunately, the race was marred by heavy rain and fog during the first leg, resulting in accidents and failures for many participants. Out of the initial 64 vehicles, only 25 managed to survive the 845-mile journey from Marseille to Aix-les-Bains. At the front, three Alpines battled with two Alfas.
For the following 520-mile mountain loop, the treacherous conditions persisted, reducing the number of remaining competitors to just 16 by the end of the night. An Alpine led the race, followed by a Lancia and an Alfa Romeo.
The final leg involved a 955-mile journey back down to Antibes. The focus was on the intense competition between René Trautmann and Jean-Louis Barailler, who were separated by a mere 15 seconds. Meanwhile, Jean Vinatier was already 11 minutes behind. To everyone’s delight, Vinatier achieved victory in the glorious sunshine, redeeming the disappointment of previous years.
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