Tokyo 2010: Toyota Mark X G Sports Concept

The recently revealed 2010 Toyota Mark X was given a sporty makeover at the Tokyo Auto Salon with the presentation of the G Sports branded concept model. The rear-wheel drive sport sedan that's based on the Lexus GS boasted a full body kit with a new front bumper that incorporates LED daytime lights, hood and fender vents, chunky side skirts, carbon fiber roof and trunk spoiler, and a new rear bumper with side air outlets and a diffuser.

The carbon fiber exterior mirrors, four-pipe exhaust system and the 20-inch aluminum wheels in Yokohama Advan Sports tires complete the list of the exterior mods.

Inside, the sedan's cabin is spiced up with Recaro sport seats, a new leather steering wheel and transmission lever with red stitching and plenty of carbon fiber decorative trim.

Toyota's G Sport division kept the standard Mark X's 318HP 3.5-liter V6 engine but upgraded the mid-size saloon's braking system and suspension hardware while they also added underbody panels to improve the vehicle's aerodynamics.

The automaker is planning to launch G Sport versions of most of its JDM models starting from this summer. Aside from the Mark X, Toyota also showed G Sport concepts based on the FT-86 coupe, Noah and Voxy vans and the Prius Hybrid.

Photos by Phil Alex with the help of friends Mike and Aaron

Posted on 12.11 / 0 comments / Read More

Tokyo '09: Redesigned Toyota Mark-X RWD Sports Sedan - Think Budget Rival to BMW 5-Series

The 41st Tokyo Motor Show saw Toyota and its affiliate Lexus revealing many new cars including the redesigned 2010 Toyota Mark-X, a sporty rear-wheel drive sedan based on the Lexus GS architecture that will only be available in Japan and in some Asian countries. For the 2010 model year, Toyota's affordable alternative to the BMW 5-Series has received a cosmetic makeover, mainly up front and the rear along with a refreshed interior boasting a restyled dashboard.

The new four-door saloon is available in Japan with two V6 gasoline engines matched to a standard six-speed automatic transmission; a 203HP 2.5-liter unit sourced from the Lexus IS250 and a 3.5-liter unit with 318 horsepower from the Lexus GS350.

All Photos Shot by our Tokyo Motor Show man Phil Alex

Posted on 17.05 / 0 comments / Read More

2010 Toyota Mark-X: New Sporty RWD Mid-Size Sedan Launched in Japan

A few days before its formal debut at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Salon, Toyota revealed its new Mark X that has been redesigned for the 2010 model year. The Mark X is a mid-size sports sedan that shares the same rear-wheel drive platform with the JDM Toyota Crown and Lexus GS models. It is offered in Japan and certain Asian markets. In addition to the refreshed exterior that gains newly styled front and rear ends, Toyota has also updated the interior with a revised instrument panel and center console.

Furthermore, Toyota claims that shoulder portion of the door trim for the front and rear seats has been pushed outward by 25 mm (total for left and right), while the distance between the front seats has been increased by 20 mm, resulting in a roomier interior.

The Mark X is offered in Japan with a choice of two engines, a 2.5-liter V6 that makes 203HP and 24.8 kgm of peak torque, and a 3.5-liter V6 with 318HP and 38.7 kgm. Both engines are coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The 2.5 V6 model can also be combined with an all-wheel drive system.

Other highlights include a new Radar Cruise Control system, equipped with a brake-control function that can maintain a fixed distance with a car in front, an Adaptive Front-lighting System and the Hill-start Assist Control.

In Japan prices range from 2,380,000 yen for the basic 250G with the 2.5 V6 and rear-wheel drive to 3,800,000 yen for the top-spec 350S L-Package. Buyers can also opt for factory-customized versions of the Mark X.

Posted on 09.34 / 0 comments / Read More