Why Does Toyota Think that a Pink Crown Athlete Symbolizes its…Athletic Nature? [w/Videos]

Perhaps you can help us figure out what’s with the pink-colored 2013 Toyota Crown Athlete that was presented this week in Japan under the soothing sounds of Frank Sinatra's "Strangers in the night", since our knowledge of the Japanese language is limited to words like "Konnichiwa" and "Sayōnara" and the company doesn't allow access to its "Re-Born" website for visitors outside of Japan.

We looked up the available colors for the new Crown Athlete, and pink wasn't among the shades offered on the car's online configurator.

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Toyota Reveals New 2013 Crown Royal and Crown Athlete Sedans in Japan

One of Toyota's oldest running nameplates that has been around since 1955, has just entered its 14th generation with the introduction of the new 2013 Crown series in Japan.

As with its predecessor, the new Crown, which is about the same size as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class measuring 4,895mm (192.7 inches) in length, is offered in two basic flavors, the more luxurious Royal model and the sportier looking Athlete.

"To attract people to the car today, we had to redesign it," the Japanese company's President Akio Toyoda, told the press during the presentation of the car in Japan on Tuesday.

Toyota says both Crown models feature fresh styling inside and out adding that all major components have been updated, while there's also a new 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain, and new tech goodies such as the Toyota Multi-Operation Touch, which combines various vehicle functions into one touch panel on the center console.

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Identity Crisis: A Honda Civic Sedan with Lexus IS Buttocks and Toyota Crown Fascia

To be honest, we are not sure if we should shake our head with a smile or applaud the owner of this latest find. What you see here is a latest generation Honda Civic sedan from Thailand with a Toyota Crown face transplant, and a Lexus IS350 rear end, modded in the so-called VIP style. What a mix... Apparently, Japan's "Junction Produce" tuning shop had something to do with the build. While the styling may not appeal to all, there's little to find fault with the execution. More pictures after the break.

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Toyota May Recall Up to 270,000 Cars Including Lexus IS, GS & LS Over Engine Problems

It looks like Toyota might be hit by another recall (the second one in a week after the HS 250h announcement) as the Japanese automaker admitted today that about 270,000 of its Lexus IS, GS and LS, and Toyota Crown vehicles may have a problem causing engines to stall.

In particular, the world's biggest carmaker said it discovered "improperly functioning valve springs" in some engines that could lead to abnormal engine noise or unstable idling, and in some instances, even cause the engine to stop while in motion. Toyota said that there are no reported accidents related to this issue.

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New Toyota Crown Hybrid Special Edition: Since When does 'Special' mean 'Entry-Level'?

Correct us if we are wrong, but doesn't 'Special Edition' denote that a specific model is equipped with extra features beyond the usual and perhaps even some unique styling cues? Maybe for you and me, but not for Toyota. The same firm that has been (ab)using meaningless groups of letters like GLi, XLE, LS and SE to describe the grade level of its models for decades now, decided to release an entry-level, cut price domestic version of its Crown Hybrid model called 'Special Edition' to help boost sales.

Compared to the standard Crown Hybrid that was introduced in Japan in early 2008, the Special Edition model has given up an array of comfort, convenience and even safety features such as leather upholstery, Toyota's Pre-Crash Safety System, automatic wipers and some other elements that we were unable to translate from Toyota's site.

The result is a reduction in price of around 10 percent, to 5.4 million Yen or roughly $56,100 US at today's exchange rates.

The full-size, rear-wheel drive Crown Hybrid sedan is moved by a 292HP 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine and a 48HP electric motor producing a maximum combined output of 340HP. As stated by Toyota, the Crown Hybrid achieves a fuel efficiency of 14.0 km/l (7.2lt/100km or the US equivalent of 32.9 mpg) according to the Japanese test cycle.