Collaboration Among Test Drivers and Engineers Fosters Technology Advancements
In an ambitious endeavour to create a vehicle that provides a **fatigue-free long drive experience**, Toyota's development team has crafted the latest iteration of the Crown Estate model. The team meticulously balanced several key factors to ensure the vehicle delivers a smooth ride, steady handling, and engaging cornering dynamics.
At the heart of the development process was a focus on **straight-line stability**. The team aimed to create a vehicle that remains steady and composed during long stretches of driving, reducing the physical and mental effort required to maintain control. To achieve this, they engineered the vehicle to respond smoothly to steering inputs, minimizing any unwanted sway or movement.
**Ride comfort** was another crucial aspect of the Crown Estate's design. The suspension and chassis were optimized to absorb road imperfections smoothly, minimizing vibrations and jolts that contribute to driver fatigue. This was achieved through extensive testing and fine-tuning, including wind tunnel sessions and track tests, to ensure the car could perform well on various road surfaces.
The handling characteristics were designed to give drivers **confidence and enjoyment through corners** without compromising stability or comfort. To deliver this, the team sought a balance between a natural roll feel during cornering and straight-line stability. This balance was extended to the vehicle's body shape, with aerodynamic devices such as contoured airflow panels and fins added to the car's underbody.
One of the unique features of the Crown Estate is the **Rear Comfort mode**. This mode focuses on providing a pleasant ride in the back seats, reducing swaying through AVS (electronic suspension control) and lateral rocking with DRS (rear-wheel steering). At high speeds, the turning angle is increased considerably, causing the car to move diagonally forward in a kind of crab walk, reducing lateral sway. However, this mode initially received harsh feedback due to an unnatural feel for the driver, leading to extensive calibration efforts to address this issue.
The development team harnessed the know-how gained from the Crossover and Sport models to craft the feel of the Crown Estate. Engineers like Takuya Iwata contributed to the handling stability and ride comfort, while test drivers like Atsushi Nishino ensured the car felt good when cornering. The result is a vehicle that is not only comfortable and stable but also fun to drive.
The 16th generation Crown comes in four different body types, signifying its versatility. It is described as a fusion of wagon and SUV, offering a spacious interior and a commanding driving position. The expertise gained from developing the Sport and Estate models has been incorporated into an improved version of the Crossover, signifying the ongoing collaborative effort between test drivers and engineers at Toyota.
In conclusion, the new Crown Estate offers a unique blend of comfort, stability, and fun for long-distance driving. The development team's extensive testing and fine-tuning have resulted in a vehicle that delivers a smooth ride, steady handling, and engaging cornering dynamics, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
The innovative Rear Comfort mode, utilizing AVS and DRS, was designed to provide a comfortable ride in the rear seats of the Crown Estate by reducing sway and lateral rocking, even at high speeds, showcasing the vehicle's advanced technology in suspension control and steering. The development team, drawing from expertise in the Crossover and Sport models, seamlessly integrated elements from the Estate models to enhance the Crossover's performance, signifying a collaborative approach to vehicle development within Toyota's automotive industry.
In a strategic move to attract finance, Toyota's goal of providing a fatigue-free driving experience through the Crown Estate aligns with the transportation sector's growing focus on safety and comfort, positioning the car as a competitive player in the global automotive market, where technology plays a significant role in meeting evolving customer needs.
