Toyota Chaser

The Toyota Chaser is a notchback sedan in the upper middle class that has been manufactured by Toyota in Japan from 1977 to 2000. It was based on the platform of the Toyota Corona Mark II (later Toyota Mark II) and was offered only in Japan. The Chaser has been known as one of the " triplets " or " quadruplets " of Toyota, because it has the same floorpan as the models Corona Mark II, Cressida and Cresta. Most models feature double wishbones and coil springs, especially from the X81 series. The Chaser and its sister models are classified one level below the Crown, but have a more sporty image with its slightly lower bodies and powerful engines (most of Toyota's 2.5 liter displacement are powered by the 1JZ engine ). Competing model to the Chaser was the Nissan Skyline.

1st Generation ( 1977-1980 )

Toyota Chaser, 1st generation

The first Chaser appeared in July 1977 with the chassis designations X30, X31, X40 and X41. When driving a 1.8 liter four- cylinder engine (3T -U ), a 2.0-liter motor ( 18R -U) and two 2.0-liter six-cylinder in-line engines (MU and M -EU ) served - all machines with an overhead camshaft which were rather designed for economy rather than maximum performance. All these models were typical big Toyota sedans.

2nd Generation ( 1980-1984 )

Toyota Chaser, 2nd generation

1980, the new Chaser was presented with the chassis designations X51 and X61. New were two 2.0-liter six-cylinder in-line engines, the 1G -EU with an overhead camshaft and the 1G -GE double overhead camshafts.

3rd Generation ( 1984-1988 )

Toyota Chaser ( GX71 )

The slightly edgy, but nonetheless elegantly styled X70 appeared in 1984.

4th Generation (1989-1992)

Toyota Chaser (1990 )

1989 Chaser Series X81 was introduced to the Japanese market. The model names were: XL, XG, refineries, SXL, Avante, Avante Twin Cam 24, GT Twin Turbo and Avante G. The GT Twin Turbo was the most powerful version, the 1G - GTE engine 210 bhp (154 kW) at 6,200 min -1 made ​​. The Avante G variant was best equipped. In August 1989, two new models came to the Avante spectrum for you: the Avante GL, an even more luxurious model than the Avante G (which was for its time very well equipped), and the new Avante G with 3.0 liter R6 naturally aspirated (7M - GE), which replaced the turbo engine 1G - GZE of the old model.

In August 1990, the entire Chaser series has been revised and some models got this new engines. The most expensive models Avante G and GT Twin Turbo received the 1JZ engine, the drive and the model of contemporary sports car JZA70 Supra, but also the Avante G with the 3.0 liter R6 engine was still built. The Avante G 2.5 received the naturally aspirated 1JZ -GE, the (132 kW) made ​​180 bhp at 6,000 min-1, and of the GT Twin Turbo received the powerful turbocharged 1JZ - GTE engine with two turbochargers, the 280 bhp (206 kW) at 6,200 min-1 gave (the highest was legal in Japan). Both models were only available with four -stage automatic transmission.

5th generation (1992-1996)

Toyota Chaser (1992 )

In October 1992, the series replaced the old X90 Series X81 Chaser. He offered a spacious body, better performance and greater engine performance. The body was more rounded and become much longer. The model range was largely taken over from its predecessor, only the GT Twin Turbo was replaced by the Tourer V. The top model Avante G was powered by a 2JZ -GE- aspirated engine with 220 bhp (162 kW), an advanced engine of the JZ- series ( the strongest of these evolutionary step was the 2JZ - GTE with two turbochargers that drive the Supra JZA80, which in came out the same year ). The Tourer V 1JZ - GTE took over the engine from the GT Twin Turbo. There was also a manual transmission version of the Tourer V, which is particularly well suited for sporty characteristics of the vehicle, and a Tourer S, essentially a Tourer V without turbochargers. In September 1992, got all touring models improved equipment, but was still a level below that of the Avante G; therefore rose and sales prices.

After the Cressida had been adjusted with the X81 generation, only the Mark II, Chaser and Cresta in the Japanese market were offered. Each member of this family offered a different interpretation: The chase was intended more for sporty drivers, the Mark II was luxurious and the Cresta was the base model when the models significantly at front and rear ( the Cresta also on the doors ) distinguished.

6th Generation (1996-2000)

Toyota Chaser (1998, after facelift )

In September 1996, the chaser was replaced by the new X90 model X100. At this time, the Chaser had become a more sporty; for many, this generation is the definitive Chaser with the best appearance. The palette consisted mainly of Avante and Tourer models, with the Avante, the luxurious versions ( with better interior ) and the Tourer sports versions (with large 16 "wheels ) were. Toyota built the VVTi system, variable valve control of the manufacturer, in his 1JZ engines and in addition the engines were tuned for more torque, since they had already reached the allowable maximum power in Japan. The 1JZ - GTE now had a single turbocharger, instead of two of its predecessor. The models Avante Four and Avante Four G were newly offered (both Avante 2.5 L with permanent four-wheel drive ). These cars were only available with four -stage, electronically controlled automatic transmission. The Tourer V and the model available only with automatic Avante G 3.0 l were available on request with self-locking differentials in conjunction with the 4- speed automatic (ECT - iE ), while the inexpensive ones only had the normal automatic (ECT -E).

In 1997, the model range remained largely unchanged, only the basic model Tourer 2,0 l came about. This Tourer is powered by the 1G - FE engine (103 kW ) carried out 140 bhp at 5,600 min -1. He also had the simple 4- speed automatic ECT.

In 1998, this basic model to request a manual transmission and all-wheel drive from the Avante models, the Avante Four S was supplied as a special model with improved interior. The entire series Chaser received a facelift; the most noticeable change was new tail lights. In addition, new fog lights came in a slightly modified vehicle front, other upholstery inside, a three-spoke steering wheel instead of the previous four-spoke, orange instead of the previously white instrument lighting and a radiator grille with two instead of three cross bars.

End of 2000, Toyota Production of the Chaser one. The new model in this class was Verossa and received the same model code as the chaser. Even the Cresta suffered the same fate, only the Mark II was built in a further generation ( X110 ). 2004, the all-new Mark X was introduced X120 in Japan, united in itself many features of the earlier models Chaser, Mark II, and Cresta. The Mark X was created to unite these three model series in a.

Toyota Chaser on the track

Although the X100 Chaser took part in the 1990s, the Japanese Touring Car Championship, he was more used because of its design with a front engine and rear wheel drive for drifting race. Several generations of the Toyota Chaser X90 and X100 were rebuilt for Drifting race. Some versions of the Chaser have also been completely rebuilt for participation in the Super Battle series in Japan.