Toyota Chaser

| Toyota Mark II (X30) | Toyota Cressida (export) }} | 1.8 L 3T-U I4 (TX30) | 1.8 L 13T-U I4 (TX40) | 2.0 L 18R-U I4 (RX30/31) | 2.0 L 21R-C/U I4 (RX40/41) | 2.0 L M-U/M-EU I6 (MX30/40/41) }} | 4/5-speed manual | 3-speed automatic }} }} 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 coupé. The X30-series chassis numbers were the original codes shared with the third-generation Mark II, with X40 numbers gradually introduced about halfway through the model's life for cars that could pass the new emissions rules. All vehicles sold with Toyota's TTC-C technology had a badge on the boot lid to indicate it complied with the Japanese Government's Clean Air Act of 1975. It was 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 and M-EU engines – all single cam engines tuned for economy and clean emissions rather than performance. The M-EU engine came standard with multi-port electronic fuel injection and was Toyota's first engine which could meet the upcoming 1978 emissions standards. 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; at the inside the only noticeable change was rectangular rather than round gauges on the instrument panel. All body styles were now integrated with a safety cage with crumple zones for the front and rear, a body-on-frame chassis was abandoned, and unitary construction was now used. The first Chaser came with power express down for the driver's window, a tilt steering wheel, a system monitor that would inform if the disc brake lining needed to be serviced, an AM/FM Stereo radio with four speakers, and a separately available cassette player or 8-track cassette, full instrumentation including a volt meter and oil pressure, cruise control, and the rear seatback that could fold down to accommodate long items in the trunk. • Hardtop coupé trim packages • SG Touring, SGS, SXL, GS, XL • Sedan trim packages • SG Touring, SGS, GS, XL, DX == Second generation (X60; 1980-1984)==

| 4-door sedan | 4-door pillared hardtop sedan }} | Toyota Mark II (X60) | Toyota Cressida (export) | Toyota Cresta (X50) }} | Petrol: | 1770 cc 13T-U I4 (TX60) | 1832 cc 1S I4 (SX60) | 2.0 L 18R-GEU I4 (RX63) | 2.0 L 21R-U I4 (RX60) | 2.0 L M-TEU turbo I6 (MX61) | 2.0 L 1G-EU I6 (GX60/61) | 2.0 L 1G-GEU I6 (GX61) | Diesel: | 2188 cc L I4 (LX60) | 2446 cc 2L-TE I4 (LX65) }} | 4-speed manual | 5-speed W58 manual | 3-speed automatic | 4-speed A40D automatic }} | (hardtop) | (sedan) }} | (hardtop) | (sedan) }} | (hardtop) | (sedan) }} }} The X60 Chaser began sales in October 1980, with the addition of the new 2.0-liter six-cylinder multi-port fuel injected 1G-EU single cam gasoline engine and a 2.2 L four-cylinder L-series diesel engine. The Chaser continued as the performance sedan and shared many technical improvements introduced on the Celica XX. Body styles offered were a four-door sedan or 4-door pillared hardtop, and no longer offered the 2-door hardtop, which was replaced by the all-new luxury coupé Toyota Soarer. The top trim package "Avante" was introduced and remained until the Chaser was discontinued in 2001; "avante" is Latin and means to go forward or to lead ahead. The lower-priced XL and DX received flat bumpers which shortened their overall length. The cloth-only interior offered a power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support. The rear seat had a fold-down armrest and a 60/40 split rear seatback that could accommodate longer items. Each trim package offered seven exterior colors, and one two-tone color choice of dark gray over silver was only available on the Avante. Interior color choices of blue, gray, or brown were offered, but each trim package had a unique upholstery pattern in cloth, and leather was unavailable. The body color dictated the interior color unless specially ordered, and the availability of standard equipment for each trim package grew as the selection was elevated. The front suspension consisted of MacPherson struts with a lower control arm, and the rear suspension used a semi-trailing arm with coil springs and separately installed shock absorbers. Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes and speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering were standard. Fourteen-inch aluminum alloy wheels were standard on the Avante and SG Touring trim packages while thirteen-inch steel wheels were installed on other trim packages. The Avante was available with ESC (Electronic Skid Control) and was later added to other trim packages over time. Optional items included several sound system choices, including an AM/FM stereo cassette with integrated equalizer, a trip computer, power windows with standard equipped express down for the driver's window, glass sunroof, cruise control, digital clock with an alarm feature, a rear window wiper with electric defrost, headlight washers for the halogen headlights, and three-point seatbelts for front and rear passengers with ELR safety lock-down in case of a collision. This generation saw the introduction of a new companion called the Cresta to compete with the Nissan Leopard, while the Chaser continued to be the alternative to the Skyline. In August 1982, the 2.0 L 6-cylinder 1G-GEU twincam with the new engine family name LASREα (lightweight, advanced, super response, and engine) was added, and the series R and M engines were phased out. In 1980, the Celica Camry, which was offered at Toyota Corolla Store and Toyota Auto Store, was renamed the Toyota Vista and a new dealership, Toyota Vista Store was created for the Vista. • Hardtop trim packages • Avante, SG Touring, SXL, GT, XG, XL • Sedan trim packages • Avante, SG Touring, SXL, GT, XG, XL, DX • Diesel Sedan trim packages • XL-Extra, XL, DX == Third generation (X70; 1984–1988)==

| Susono, Shizuoka (Higashi Fuji) | (Kanto Auto Works) The Cresta, Chaser, and Mark II would now share a model code for the entire production series. The Chaser was marketed for the growing private ownership market, while the Crown offered additional amenities focused toward chauffeur-driven corporate ownership and premium-level taxi service. Side turn signal lights were installed above the headlights to enhance pedestrian safety. 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 1986 Supra (A70) to remain consistent with its performance-focused market position. The four-wheel independent suspension was improved and given the name PEGASUS, which first appeared on the Soarer. The "GT TWIN TURBO S" was only available with a 5-speed manual transmission. There were three kinds of four-speed automatic transmissions on offer labeled as ECT-S. The conventional automatic for the 1800 and turbodiesel engines (the naturally aspirated diesel did not come with an automatic option), a four-speed with a two-way overdrive for the 2-litre petrol engine, and an electronically controlled overdrive unit for the twin cam and turbo models. The ECT-S setting was linked to the TEMS setting, and the vehicle speed-sensitive power steering was modified. Optional items introduced from the previous generation continued while new enhancements appeared. The trip computer was now integrated into a digital instrument cluster, which incorporated the TEMS setting and the ECT-S gear selection to include whether the transmission was in "Normal," "Power," or "Econ" settings and whether the overdrive was disengaged. Six different stereo choices were offered along with simple satellite controls on the left side of the instrument cluster within reach of the driver's hand that controlled stereo volume, fan speed, and airflow direction, an illuminated ignition key slot, power-folding side-view mirrors installed on the doors, fully automatic climate control, and an air purification system installed behind the rear seats. Bucket seats, borrowed from the Supra (A60), were only available on GT Twin Turbo trim packages. In January 1987, the "Avante Lordly" variant was released, and in September 1987, new versions of the 2L and 2L-T diesel engines complying with the 1986 car emissions standards were introduced. In January 1988 the "Avante Supra" special edition was released as a companion to the updated, third-generation Supra (A70). • Trim packages (2.0L and 1.8L) • XL (1.8L), XG (1.8L), XG-Extra (1.8L), SXL (2.0L), Avante (2.0L), Avante TwinCam (2.0L), Avante Turbo (2.0L), GT Twin Turbo (2.0L) • Diesel Sedan trim packages • XL (diesel and turbodiesel), XG (turbodiesel) == Fourth generation (X80; 1988–1992)==

| Susono, Shizuoka (Higashi Fuji) | (Kanto Auto Works) Exterior dimensions increased to the maximum limit under Japanese Government dimension regulations and now matched the Crown. To reduce weight and improve structural rigidity, High-tensile steel was used in key areas and the suspension. Five studs were added to each wheel to cope with the additional torque from the larger engines. The top-of-the-line model, called "Avante G" had two variants. The base variant "2.0 Avante G" included a supercharger equipped 2.0 L 1G-GZE straight six engine, while the "3.0 Avante G" included the 3.0 L 7M-GE straight six shared with the Soarer. The supercharger was belt-driven but actuated by an electromagnetic clutch so that it would not be driven except when needed, increasing fuel economy. The suspension continued to offer MacPherson struts for the front, but the rear suspension was upgraded to a new double-wishbone design. The optional TEMS electronic shock absorbers and specially modified MacPherson struts were available on the top-level trim package Avante G. The new rear suspension was shared with the Soarer, including a limited-slip differential on the GT Twin Turbo. ESC anti-lock brakes and the ECT-S automatic transmission continued and was available on more trim packages. The options list continued to offer the digital instrument cluster, front and rear parking sensors, and seven AM/FM stereos with available cassette players could be selected, along with a CD player. The stereo controls were separated by a second row of switches just above the automatic climate control that performed simple functions. A trunk-mounted spoiler with a third brake light could be added. The cloth upholstery was unique to each trim package but without leather. The sport bucket seats used in the Toyota Supra (A70) were offered only on GT Twin Turbo equipped cars. In August 1990, major revisions were made to the Chaser lineup, including a revised grille and headlights. Some of the models received entirely new engines: The top-range Avante G and GT Twin Turbo received the new 2.5-litre 1JZ engine, which was shared with the JZA70 Supra. The Avante G 2.5 received a normally aspirated 1JZ-GE engine with a maximum at 6000 rpm, while the GT Twin Turbo received the parallel twin-turbo 1JZ-GTE capable of at 6200 rpm, the maximum horsepower allowed under Japanese regulations. The 3.0 Avante G with the normally aspirated 7M-GE engine was the last generation that used the venerable Toyota M engine. In 1990 the 3.0 Avante G came with the 2JZ-GE. The Avante 2.5 and 3.0-litre engines incurred more annual road tax and came equipped with optional items on other trim packages as standard to compensate for the ownership costs. • Trim packages (petrol): • XL (1.8L), XG (1.8L), Raffine (1.8L), SXL (2.0L), Avante (2.0L), Avante TwinCam24 (2.0L), GT Twin Turbo (2.0/2.5L), Avante G (2.0/2.5/3.0L) • Diesel trim package: • XL (turbodiesel) 1990 Toyota Chaser Avante in Super White IV, front right.jpg|Toyota Chaser 2.0 Avante (GX81; pre-facelift) Toyota Chaser X80 rear.jpg|Rear of Toyota Chaser 2.0 Avante (GX81; pre-facelift) == Fifth generation (X90; 1992–1996)==

| Susono, Shizuoka (Higashi Fuji) | (Kanto Auto Works) and 2.4 turbodiesel 2L-TE up through the 2.0-liter 1G-FE and 2.5-liter 1JZ-GE straight-sixes. In September 1992, the Tourer models received equipment upgrades, although not to the level of the Avante G, and their prices were correspondingly higher. The traditional MacPherson strut front suspension added double wishbone technology with this series. Permanent all-wheel-drive, called i-Four, was offered as an option in 1993 to stay competitive with the Nissan Skyline GTS sedan. The system typically provided 30 percent to the front and 70 percent to the rear wheels, incorporating a center differential lock feature. It was described as a safety feature linked to the anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronically controlled transmission, and electronic fuel injection, and it was offered on the Avante Four trim package. Supplementing the safety enhancement, a driver-side airbag was now standard for all trim packages. The ECT electronically controlled automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential (LSD) unit were now standard on all rear-drive drivetrain installations. The Avante G was available with Electro MultiVision, a 6-inch color LCD screen that displayed TV broadcasts, stereo settings, climate control settings, fuel economy and cruising range, and maintenance reminders. This was the first version to offer a touch-sensitive screen, which was previously introduced in the Crown. CD-ROM updated maps, and VICS local traffic conditions were integrated, and GPS location information was used to display the vehicle's position. Four stereo choices were offered, including two different versions that provided an in-dash CD player, along with DSP (Digital Sound Processing) that would modify the sound to simulate different venues. Ten speakers were available, including a subwoofer. Front and rear parking sensors, remote keyless entry, cellular phone handset in the front armrest with hands-free voice dialing, and the first-time leather interior was offered, were all optional equipment. After the X80 generation, the export-market Cressida retired, and the X90 (in Mark II, Chaser, or Cresta guises) was only offered in the Japanese home market. Each member of the Mark II family supposedly had different characteristics—the Chaser was a pillared hardtop geared towards sporty driving, the Cresta was a stylish opulent luxury sedan, and the Mark II was a traditional luxury sedan. • Trim packages (3.0L, 2.5L, 2.0L and 1.8L) • 3.0 Avante G, 2.5 Avante G, 2.5 Tourer V, 2.5 Tourer S, 2.5 Avante, 2.5 Avante Four, 2.0 Avante, 1.8 Raffine, 1.8 XL • Diesel Sedan trim packages • Raffine, XL (turbodiesel) == Sixth generation (X100; 1996–2001)==

| Miyawaka, Fukuoka (Miyata) | (Toyota Motor Kyushu) }} | Front engine, rear-wheel drive | Front engine, all-wheel drive }} | 1.8 L 4S-FE I4 | 2.0 L 1G-FE I6 | 2.5 L 1JZ-GE I6 | 2.5 L 1JZ-GTE turbo I6 | 3.0 L 2JZ-GE I6 | diesel: | 2.4 L 2L-TE turbo-diesel I4 }} | 5-speed R154 manual | 5-speed W55 manual | 5-speed W57 manual | 4-speed A340E automatic }} }} 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 i-Four all-wheel-drive. These cars were only available with a 4-speed electronically controlled 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. These models were only sold with the 4-speed electronic control type (ECT) automatic transmission. 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. == See also ==