The model debuted in Japan featuring an extra layer of protective coating that makes the matte finish more durable
In a quest to further expand the customer base of the Crown Series in Japan, Toyota is set to unveil limited-production special editions with cool and attractive features. The first one is the Crown Crossover Limited Matte Metal, coming with a new kind of paint that is easier to live with compared to your typical matte wraps and finishes.
The “Limited Matte Metal” edition is based on the high-spec Toyota Crown Crossover RS Advanced, adding a few unique touches in terms of the exterior and interior design. The highlight, of course, is the Matte Metal finish which is said to overcome the shortcomings usually associated with matte paints. This happens thanks to a new surface treatment called “TM Coat” – an extra thin coating that protects the matte paint and makes it stain-resistant.
Toyota
While the special paint will need to be recoated around once per year, it is still a lot more durable than most matte finishes that require owners to wash by hand and make sure stains are removed immediately. This means you can even thank your Crown Limited Matte Metal to the car wash without worrying about the outcome. More importantly, it makes the Crown Crossover look better than ever, in combination with the matte metal cladding and the matte black 21-inch alloy wheels.
Miyuki Takeya who works at Toyota’s materials technology department, admitted that the extra coating for the Matte Metal paint was not well received by factory workers at first, due to the fact it requires one extra hour of work compared to the standard options in the Crown’s color palette. However, as reported by Car Watch Impress, the cool looks of the prototype convinced everyone to go the extra mile.
Toyota
Inside, Toyota designers opted for a “Black Lumish” theme, featuring black leather, red stitching, black accents, and “warm steel” inserts on the dashboard. Furthermore, a soft-padded material has been applied on the center console, door cards, and dashboard for a more premium feel, alongside the discreet “Matte Metal” lettering. Owners will also have access to a silver key, and a stylish case for the manual made of recycled leather.
The special edition is fitted with the more potent version of the hybrid powertrain producing a combined 345 hp (257 kW / 349 PS) and 542 Nm (400 lb-ft) of torque from a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and dual electric motors. Power is transmitted to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox and the electronic “E-Four Advanced” system.
The Crown Crossover Limited Matte Metal is exclusively available via Toyota’s new Crown-dedicated flagship dealerships in Japan, starting at ¥7,500,000 ($51,410). This represents a significant premium over the Crown Crossover RS Advanced which is priced from ¥6,400,000 ($43,945). The company didn’t announce the number of units they will produce, but according to the description, it will be “limited”.