Toyota Curren – The Pinnacle of Japanese Luxury Grand Touring
Among discerning Japanese luxury car enthusiasts, few nameplates garner more respect than the Toyota Curren. Sold exclusively in Japan from 1992 to 1996, this range-topping sedan aimed directly at premium European makes by mating a smooth inline-six engine to a comprehensively appointed cabin. As the most expensive Toyota-branded vehicle ever sold into dealerships, the Curren marked previously uncharted territory for the brand.
Toyota Curren Bringing Global Influences Together
To craft their finest luxury offering yet, Toyota designers incorporated influences from prestigious vehicles around the globe. The large Curren took aim at German sedans with proportions approximating a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Delightful curves and tapering greenhouse nod towards Jaguar. Lexus SC underpinnings imbue a foundation of quality. Underhood, the renowned 2.5-liter 1JZ straight-six delivered over 200 horsepower through an electronically-controlled automatic transmission.
This pairing optimized the Curren formula for one singular focus — devouring kilometers in isolated comfort. Exceptionally low levels of noise and vibration penetration contribute to its grand touring aptitude. Toyota fitted thick window glass, generous sound insulation, and vibration-reducing suspension bushings to erase unwanted interior disturbances.
Relaxation Reigned Supreme On Board
Slipping behind the wood and leather-lined helm, the sense of well-being borders on otherworldly. Power-adjustable rear seats allow passengers to find the perfect position for maxing out their legroom. Dual-zone climate control keeps occupants regulated at preferred degrees Celsius. The cassette stereo and factory car phone link passengers with the outside world without letting external commotion impinge the cabin calm.
Through elongated wheelbases optimized ride quality over uneven pavement, providing pillowy compliance without wallowing. Trust in this magic carpet ride lets drivers stretch the powerful six’s legs between stoplights.
Generous dimensions dominated the exterior visuals too – American full-sizers served as anthropomorphic inspiration. Stamped steel gave way to extensive fender flares and chrome accents befitting flagship status. With delicate attention given to insulation and sound damping, the Curren created an impenetrable sensory deprivation chamber for the height of 1990’s luxury motoring.
Toyota Curren Attaining the Pinnacle
As the originator of Lexus itself along with a key player in Japan’s booming 1980’s bubble economy, Toyota held nothing back for the Curren. Priced around $55,000 when new, it remains one of Japan’s most expensive domestically sold Toyotas.
Rarity compound’s desirability today– under 5,000 units were produced across its 4-year model run. Survivors trade hands for impressive sums as the brand’s aspirational halo reminds us what Toyota can create when left unconstrained. For a brief moment before Lexus formalized, the extravagant Toyota Curren represented the zenith of Japanese luxury grand touring.
