Toyota Mark X

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The Toyota Mark X is a mid-size car manufactured by Toyota, and is primarily aimed at the Japanese market and sold in other select Asian markets. In Japan, it is the top level car, sold only new at Toyopet Store locations. The Mark X was introduced in 2004 and is manufactured in Kanegasaki, Iwate, Japan. The Mark X is the successor to the Mark II which was first introduced in 1968, and was known in the North American market as the Corona Mark II starting in 1972, and renamed the Cressida from 1977 to 1992. The Mark X has a loyal following of enthusiasts and owners, as it continues where the Mark II left off when it was replaced in 2004. Internationally, it isn't as well known as the Toyota Crown, which is available new at a different Toyota dealership. The Mark X is not pronounced "Mark Ten" but "Mark Ex", though the Mark II is "Mark Two". The Mark X is a continuation of the previous Mark II and its siblings, the sport-oriented Toyota Chaser, and the luxurious Toyota Cresta in one vehicle, repeating an approach previously attempted by the short lived Toyota Verossa that used straight-6 engines, whereas the Mark X uses V6 engines. The Mark X is currently an alternative to the Toyota Camry, which is the largest sedan new at Toyota Corolla Store locations, for buyers who like the size of the Camry, but prefer a front engine rear drive power-train with the option to add all wheel drive, which the Camry doesn't offer. The Mark X is currently available only in Japan and China (already ended production), where it known as the Reiz, available with either a 253 hp (189 kW) 3.0 L or 212 hp (158 kW) 2.5 L GR series V6 engine. Both engines offer dual VVT-i (variable valve timing) with gasoline direct injection (Japanese models only). The rear-wheel drive models have a 6-speed automatic transmission as standard, and the all-wheel drive models have a 5-speed automatic. Different engine sizes are offered to allow Japanese buyers which annual road tax they were willing to pay; the larger engines offer higher levels of standard equipment and luxury features. Both the first and second generation Mark X were manufactured at the Motomachi Plant in Japan.Toyota unveiled the Mark X sedan, successor to the Mark II sedan which has been on the market since the late 1960s. Instead of being based on a modified Supra chassis "A" series platform, the Mark X continues to use the Toyota "X" platform, and does not share its platform with the Toyota "S" series platform used under the Toyota Crown and the Lexus GS. The continuation of describing this vehicle as the "X" series is a reference to the first dedicated Mark II platform introduced in 1972. Major changes to the Mark series are the engine and footwork. Toyota discontinued the straight-six engines used in the Toyota Verossa, which included the JZ series and the G series engines, and went to the newly developed GR series engine. Either the 2.5 L 4GR-FSE or the 3.0 L 3GR-FSE were available; both pair to a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission. No manual transmission is offered. A first in its class is the rear bumper with integrated exhaust outlet, which later made its way on to the corresponding model year Lexus LS series and the Toyota Crown. A new LED light for the ceiling runs from the front of the vehicle to the rear, creating a "mood" lighting system. The led system is also incorporated into the gear shifter and key area of the vehicle. The former Kanto Auto Works produced the Mark X from November 2004 to September 2006.Minor changes were made in 2006. Mirror-mounted turn signals replaces the fender-mounted turn signal, rear lights were revised and a redesigned grille. Mark X with all black interior deleted the wood trim in favor of the brushed aluminum trim. A formal introduction of the "S package" which gain the three-spoke steering wheel and changes to the exterior lip piece. For model year 2007 on Japanese models only, G-BOOK, a subscription telematics service, is offered as an option. This generation continues to be sold in China by the Tianjin FAW Toyota Motor Co. Ltd. as the Reiz . The Reiz is sold as the 2.5S, 2.5V and 3.0V Premium with 2,497 cc 5GR and 2,995 cc 3GR engines.A new version was released by FAW Toyota in September 2010, with an exterior restyled after the second-generation Mark X. The Mark X Supercharged version uses the 3GR-FSE engine with a supercharger added.Power output is 316 horsepower (236 kW) at 6200 rpm and 42.0 kilogram metres (412 N⋅m; 304 lbf⋅ft) at 3200 rpm, paired to a six-speed auto transmission. A limited edition 50th Anniversary Supercharged Mark X was produced with the Vertiga kit. It has chrome ducts and carbon fiber splitters as standard parts.