Toyota Chaser
The Toyota Chaser (Japanese: トヨタ・チェイサー, Hepburn: Toyota Cheisā) is a mid-size car produced by Toyota in Japan. Most Chasers are four-door sedans and hardtop sedans; a two-door hardtop coupé was available on the first generation only. It was introduced on the 1976 Toyota Corona Mark II platform, and was sold new by Toyota at Toyota Vista Store dealerships only in Japan, together with the Toyota Cresta. The Chaser was produced for six generations, and production ceased in 2001, when it was merged with the Cresta to form the short lived Verossa.
| Toyota Chaser | |
|---|---|
Toyota Chaser Avante | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Production | 1977–2001 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | |
| Layout | |
| Related | |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Toyota Mark II GSS[1] |
| Successor | Toyota Verossa |
The Toyota Chaser has been known as one of the 'triplet sedans' of Toyota, because it shares the same chassis with the Toyota Cressida/Mark II, and the Cresta, and afforded Toyota the opportunity to sell one platform at several different dealership sales channels. At its introduction this series shared MacPherson struts for the front and rear suspension, using Semi-trailing arm suspension with 4 links for the rear suspension until production ended in 2001. The Chaser and its platform sisters are considered a class below the Crown, allowing Toyota to offer a sedan with similar levels of luxury content, yet offering buyers lower tax liability and a more sporty image with a slightly smaller body length.
The Chaser represented a marketing approach of providing a luxurious version of older, established vehicles, by offering a four-door hardtop body style, combined with luxury amenities, powerful engines, enhanced ride quality and performance. Similar vehicles offered were the Corona EXiV, Carina ED, Corolla Ceres and Sprinter Marino. This was offered during the early 1980s before "the bubble economy" took affect, and sales diminished.
X30-X40 series (1977-1980) edit
| Toyota Chaser | |
|---|---|
| Toyota Chaser XL2000 sedan | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | X30 X40 |
| Production | 1977–1980 |
| Assembly | Toyota, Aichi, Japan (Motomachi plant)[2] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style |
|
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,645 mm (104.1 in) |
| Length | 4,500–4,530 mm (177.2–178.3 in) |
| Width | 1,670–1,680 mm (66–66 in) |
| Height | 1,390–1,415 mm (54.7–55.7 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,050–1,175 kg (2,315–2,590 lb)[3] |
The Chaser was first produced in July 1977 with chassis codes X30, X31, X40 and X41, and evolved from the X20 generation Mark II GSS hardtop coupe.[1] They were powered by the four-cylinder 1.8-liter 3T-U, 13T-U and 2-liter 18R-U, and the six-cylinder 2.0 L M-U/EU engines – all single cam engines tuned for economy and clean emissions rather than performance. The Chaser is a lightly redesigned Toyota Mark II, with a wider front grille and without parking lights. The Chaser also has taillights of a different design.[1] Unlike the Mark II, there were no station wagons or commercial models offered. This was the only Chaser offered as a hardtop coupe and was replaced by the Toyota Soarer.
To provide buyers with a luxury sports sedan while minimizing tax consequences, the vehicle was limited to an engine size at 2000 cc as well as dimensions under 4.7 m (15.4 ft) long, 1.7 m (5.6 ft) wide, and 2 m (6.6 ft) high. Engine displacements of 1.8 L and 2.0 L were offered to keep the annual road tax bill affordable to Japanese buyers. The Chaser was offered as a competitor to the Nissan Skyline coupé and sedan. The performance image was shared with the Toyota Celica Camry and Toyota Celica XX, introduced in 1978, and shared the 2.0 L M-U/EU Inline-six engine from the Celica XX.
The Celica XX was exclusive to Toyota Corolla Store with the Celica Camry, then August 1980 the Celica Camry was also added to Toyota Vista Store with the more upscale Chaser.[4]
X60 series (1980–1984) edit
| Toyota Chaser | |
|---|---|
| Toyota Chaser Avante sedan (GX61) | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | X60 |
| Production | October 1980[5] – 1984 |
| Assembly | Susono, Shizuoka (Higashi Fuji) (Kanto Auto Works)[6] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style |
|
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,640 mm (104 in) |
| Length | 4,470 mm (176 in) |
| Width | 1,670 mm (65.7 in) |
| Height | 1,420 mm (55.9 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,055–1,220 kg (2,326–2,690 lb)[8] |
Production swapped to the X60 Chaser in October 1980,[5] with the addition of the new 2.0-litre six-cylinder 1G-EU single cam petrol engine and a 2.2 L four-cylinder L-series diesel engine. Body styles offered were a four-door sedan and 4-door hardtop, no longer offering the 2-door hardtop with this generation having been replaced by the all-new luxury coupe Toyota Soarer. The "Avante" trim level had a sport tuned suspension using Michelin tires. This generation saw a new competitor from Nissan called the Nissan Leopard with a lower asking price in comparison to the Japanese market favorite, the Skyline.
In August 1982, the 2.0 L 6–cylinder 1G-GEU twincam engine was added, and the Celica Camry was renamed as the Toyota Vista and the former Toyota Auto Store dealership was renamed for the Vista.[5][9]
X70 series (1984–1988) edit
| Toyota Chaser | |
|---|---|
| Chaser GT Twin Turbo (GX71) | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | X70 |
| Production | 1984–1988 |
| Assembly | Susono, Shizuoka (Higashi Fuji) (Kanto Auto Works)[10] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,680 mm (106 in) |
| Length | 4,690 mm (185 in) |
| Width | 1,690 mm (66.7 in) |
| Height | 1,370 mm (54.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,230 kg (2,712 lb)[11] |
This series first appeared in August 1984. The "Avante" series previously introduced became a luxury upgrade starting with this generation and body styles were reduced again to a 4-door hardtop only. The exterior dimensions of this car were slightly smaller in comparison to sister cars Mark II and Cresta, but the Chaser was more performance oriented, while maintaining the advanced features and luxurious interior of the Cresta. October 1985, Mark II / Cresta 1G-GTEU vehicles equipped with "GT twin turbo" has appeared. Disc brakes are larger in diameter, and was now equipped with bucket seats, borrowed from the Supra (A60) to distinguish that the Chaser was a performance sedan, and set it apart from the luxurious Cresta,
There were some enhancements introduced in August 1986. The 1G-GEU engine received various improvements, while the LPG-powered engine was changed to the 3Y-PU. As for appearance, larger bumpers and a new front grille accompanied substantial changes to the equipment. The early type rear combination lamps were kept with minor revisions. The TEMS installation shared the same settings used in the 1986 Soarer and the 1986 Supra (A70) to remain consistent with its performance focused market position. The "GT TWIN TURBO S" was only available with a 5-speed manual transmission.
In January 1987 a special edition "Lordly" was released, in May 1987 the special edition "Chaser Avante" was released. August 1987 brought the "New Extra XG Chaser" special edition. In September 1987 new versions of the 2L and 2L-T diesel engines complying with the 1986 car emissions standards were introduced. January 1988 special edition "Avante Supra" released as a companion to the updated, third-generation Supra (A70). In April 1988 special edition "Extra XG with Auto Air Conditioner" was launched.
X80 series (1988–1992) edit
| Toyota Chaser | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Model code | X80 |
| Production | 1988–1992 |
| Assembly | Susono, Shizuoka (Higashi Fuji) (Kanto Auto Works)[12] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,680 mm (106 in) |
| Length | 4,690 mm (185 in) |
| Width | 1,690 mm (66.7 in) |
| Height | 1,370 mm (54.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,420 kg (3,131 lb)[13] |
In August 1988, the X81 series of Chasers were introduced to the Japanese market. The following models were offered: XL, XG, Raffine, SXL, Avante, Avante Twin Cam 24, GT Twin Turbo and Avante G, with the GT Twin Turbo model the most powerful variant, powered by the 1G-GTE engine putting out 210 PS (154 kW; 207 hp) at 6200 rpm. The Avante G model was the highest special edition model in terms of equipment. In August 1989, two more models were added to the Avante lineup: the Avante G-L, an even more luxurious model of the Avante G (which was already highly equipped for a car of the time), and a new Avante G with a 3.0 L normally aspirated 7M-GE engine replacing the 2.0 L supercharged 1G-GZE from the previous model.
The Cresta and Chaser were no longer the top-level cars at Toyota Vista Store when the Toyota Aristo was introduced in 1991, and combined with the economic affects starting with the eventual collapse of the "bubble economy", sales were affected.
In August 1990, there were major revisions to the entire Chaser lineup and some of the models received entirely new engines. The top-range models, Avante G and GT Twin Turbo, received the new 2.5 L 1JZ engine, the same type that powered Toyota's contemporary sports car, the JZA70 Supra, although the 3.0 L Avante G remained part of the line. The Avante G 2.5 received a normally aspirated 1JZ-GE engine with a maximum 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) at 6000 rpm, while the GT Twin Turbo received the powerful twin-turbocharged 1JZ-GTE twin turbo engine capable of 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) at 6200 rpm, the maximum horsepower allowed under Japanese regulations.
X90 series (1992–1996) edit
| Toyota Chaser | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Model code | X90 |
| Production | October 1992 – September 1996 |
| Assembly | Susono, Shizuoka (Higashi Fuji) (Kanto Auto Works)[14] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Layout | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,730 mm (107 in) |
| Length | 4,750 mm (187 in) |
| Width | 1,750 mm (68.9 in) |
| Height | 1,390 mm (54.7 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,450 kg (3,197 lb)[15] |
In October 1992, the X90 Chaser replaced the previous X81 Chaser. It had a larger body, better handling and more engine power. The body was curvier and the car was significantly longer. The Chaser lineup was largely carried over from the X81 Chaser except the GT Twin Turbo, which was abolished and replaced by the new Tourer V. The top-of-the-line Avante G model received a 220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp) natural aspirated 2JZ-GE, the next evolution of the JZ series of engines after the 1JZ. The Tourer V was equipped with the 1JZ-GTE engine as the most powerful offering. Manual transmissions were optional for all engine offerings, from the 1.8-liter 4S-FE and 2.4 turbodiesel 2L-TE up through the 2.0-liter 1G-FE and 2.5-liter 1JZ-GE straight-sixes. The Tourer S trim received the non-turbo 1JZ-GE. In September 1992, the Tourer models received equipment upgrades, although not to the level of the Avante G, and their prices were correspondingly higher. Permanent 4WD, called All-Trac was offered as an option in 1993 to stay competitive with the Nissan Skyline GTS sedan.
With the retirement of the export-market Cressida after the X80 generation, the X90 (in Mark II, Chaser, or Cresta guises) was only offered in the Japanese home market. Each of the members of the Cressida family supposedly had different characteristics - the Chaser was geared towards sporty driving, the Cresta towards luxury, and the Mark II was the baseline model. Apart from trim, the cars mostly differed in front and rear end design, with the Cresta also receiving different doors.
X100 series (1996–2001) edit
| Toyota Chaser | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Model code | X100 |
| Production | 1996–2001 |
| Assembly | Miyawaka, Fukuoka (Miyata) (Toyota Motor Kyushu)[16] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Layout | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,730 mm (107 in) |
| Length | 4,760 mm (187 in) |
| Width | 1,760 mm (69.1 in) |
| Height | 1,400 mm (55.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,450 kg (3,197 lb)[17] |
In September 1996, the X100 Chaser replaced the X90 Chaser. The product lineup consisted mostly of Avante and Tourer trim, with the Avante as the luxury model (with more interior accessories) and the Tourer as the sporty model (with large 16-inch wheels). Toyota's VVTi, the company's version of variable-valve timing, was added to the 1JZ engines; they were also upgraded to have more torque, since they had already reached the agreed voluntary limit set by Japanese Automobile Manufacturer's Association regarding horsepower. The 1JZ-GTE was powered by a single turbo configuration instead of the twin turbo of its predecessors.
New to the lineup was the Avante Four and the Avante Four G Package, which was the Avante 2.5 L installed with All-Trac AWD. These cars were only available with a 4-speed electronic control type (ECT) automatic transmission. The Tourer V and the automatic-only Avante G 3.0 L (2JZ) models had the option of electronic control flex lockup attaching 4-speed automatic (intelligent) (ECT-iE) transmission, besides the ECT-E automatic in the lower-end models.
In 1997, the lineup remained largely unchanged, although three basic models were added: the XL, Raffine and Tourer 2.0 L. The XL and Raffine models were powered by the 1.8 L 4S-FE engine while the Tourer 2.0 L was powered by the 1G-FE engine, rated at 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) at 5,600 rpm.[18] These models were only sold with the 4-speed electronic control type (ECT) automatic transmission.
In mid-late 1998, the base Tourer model received the optional manual gearbox and a 4WD option was added to the base Avante models; the Avante Four S Package received a higher special-edition interior. Additionally, the Chaser received a facelift, with the most significant changes to the rear tail lights. Other changes included new fog lights with a slightly redesigned front bar to accommodate them, different interior fabric, a 3-spoke steering wheel instead of 4 spokes, orange gauge lighting instead of white and a grille with 2 horizontal bars instead of 3. The Chaser continued to be offered as the second-level sedan below the Toyota Aristo, and in 1998 Toyota Vista Store locations were renamed NETZ Store.
The Chaser was discontinued in June 2001.[19] It was replaced with a new model called the Verossa which shared the same model code. The Cresta suffered the same fate, but the Mark II continued for another generation (X110) before it was also discontinued. In 2004, the all-new X120 Mark X was introduced in Japan, incorporating many characteristics of the Chaser and the Cresta.
Motorsports edit
X100 Chasers took part in the Japanese Touring Car Championship in 1997 and 1998. The car did not manage to win a race in its debut season, while the following year, when other manufacturers had left the JTCC, it won the title with Masanori Sekiya and TOM'S. The Chaser became famous in drifting events,[20] due to its traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, and vehicles without AWD installed are more sought after. Numerous Toyota Chasers, especially the later X90s and X100s, have been modified for use in drift.[21]
References edit
- ^ a b c Fujimoto, Akira, ed. (January 1978). "Japanese Cars 1978". Title: Car Styling Quarterly (21). Tokyo, Japan: San-ei Shobo Publishing: 57.
- ^ "TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | 75 Years of TOYOTA | General Status of Plants in Japan | Motomachi Plant". www.toyota-global.com.
- ^ "Toyota Chaser 1st". Toyota. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
- ^ 別冊CG: 自動車アーカイヴ 80年代の日本 [Car Graphic: Car Archives Vol. 11, '80s Japanese Cars] (in Japanese), Tokyo: Nigensha, 2007, p. 47, ISBN 978-4-544-91018-6
- ^ a b c d "75 Years of Toyota | Vehicle Lineage | Chaser". Japan: Toyota. 2012. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- ^ "TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | 75 Years of TOYOTA | General Status of Plants in Japan | Affiliates (Toyota wholly-owned subsidiaries)-Toyota Motor Kyushu, Inc". www.toyota-global.com.
- ^ a b 自動車ガイドブック [Japanese Motor Vehicles Guide Book '82~'83] (in Japanese), vol. 29, Japan: Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, 1982-10-20, p. 127, 053-820029-3400
- ^ "Chaser 2nd (catalogue)". Toyota.co.jp. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- ^ 1代目 ビスタ セダン [1st Vista sedan] (in Japanese). Toyota Motor Corporation. 2012. Retrieved 15 January 2014.
- ^ "TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | 75 Years of TOYOTA | General Status of Plants in Japan | Affiliates (Toyota wholly-owned subsidiaries)-Toyota Motor Kyushu, Inc". www.toyota-global.com.
- ^ "Toyota Chaser 1800Ci Raffine Automatic". Car Folio. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
- ^ "TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | 75 Years of TOYOTA | General Status of Plants in Japan | Affiliates (Toyota wholly-owned subsidiaries)-Toyota Motor Kyushu, Inc". www.toyota-global.com.
- ^ "Toyota Chaser GT Twin Turbo". Car Folio. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
- ^ "TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | 75 Years of TOYOTA | General Status of Plants in Japan | Affiliates (Toyota wholly-owned subsidiaries)-Toyota Motor Kyushu, Inc". www.toyota-global.com.
- ^ "Toyota Chaser 2.5 Tourer V". Car Folio. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
- ^ "TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | 75 Years of TOYOTA | General Status of Plants in Japan | Affiliates (Toyota wholly-owned subsidiaries)-Toyota Motor East Japan, Inc". www.toyota-global.com.
- ^ "Toyota Chaser 2.5 Tourer V (1998)". Car Folio. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
- ^ "トヨタ チェイサー 100系 XL/ラフィーネ 1800cc(SX100)AT FR". IID, Inc. Retrieved 2022-03-29.
- ^ "Affiliates (Toyota wholly-owned subsidiaries)-Toyota Motor Kyushu, Inc". Toyota. 2012. Retrieved 2014-02-14.
- ^ "JDM Toyota Chaser JZX100: When Four Doors and Six Figures Go Sideways". Motor Trend.
- ^ Carbonare, Dino Dalle (2011-06-10). "Daigo Saito's Jzx100 Chaser". Speed Hunters. Retrieved 2015-01-23.
External links edit
- Toyota Chaser Technical Wikipedia (@ JZX World - jzx100.com)