I was more interested in the Nissan Skyline and this:
June 9, 2001
Toyota Brevis
Toyota Brevis is the twins sister of Progres, hence an enlarged Lexus IS. Unlike Progres, the new Brevis aims at younger customers and compete directly with imports like BMW 3-series and Mercedes C-class. Basically, the chassis and powertrains are identical to Progres. What makes it more appealing is a (relatively) handsome exterior styling and a beautifully trimmed interior. The stylish center console houses a LCD monitor and an alloy-effect sound system consists of on-dash CD changer, DVD and MD, with 7 speakers on top model. Besides, like Ford Taurus, it provides power pedals which can adjust across a range of 70mm to suit drivers of different height. Better than Taurus, the position of pedal, steering wheel and driver?s seat are memorised.
Brevis rides on the same rear-drive platform as Lexus IS, with wheelbase extended to 2780 mm to better all its European rivals. In terms of size and weight, it stand between a BMW 3-series and 5-series, so cabin space is plenty. However, dynamically speaking it can hardly match the European rivals (that role is left for Lexus to fulfill), although rides on double-wishbones suspensions. Suspension is set softer than the Lexus, steering is less direct, and its 1550 kg kerb weight also hurt handling agility.
There are two choices of power plant: 2.5-litre or 3.0-litre straight-six, pumping out 200 hp and 220 hp respectively. Both are equipped with VVT-i and D-4 direct injection. In contrast, there is only 1 transmission available - 5-speed ECT automatic without Tiptronic-style manual override, the same one as IS300.
Of course, Brevis is bounded in domestic market.
