Toyota Mark X

Toyota Mark X
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota
Production	2004-present
Body and chassis
Class	Executive car Mid-size luxury car
Body style	4-door sedan
Chronology
Predecessor	Toyota Mark II Toyota Verossa

The Toyota Mark X (Japanese: トヨタ・マークX Toyota Maku X) is an executive car created by Toyota for the Asian market. In Japan, it is sold only at Toyopet Store locations. The Mark X was introduced in 2004 and is manufactured in Kanegasaki, Iwate, Japan. Also sold in China as the Reiz, it is available with either a 253 horsepower (189 kW) 3.0 L or 212 horsepower (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.

The Mark X is the successor to the Mark II which was first introduced in 1968, was known in the North American market as the Corona Mark II starting in 1972 and the Cressida from 1977 to 1992 and was the predecessor to the introduction of Lexus. The Mark X is not pronounced "Mark Ten" but "Mark Ex", though the Mark II is "Mark Two". The Mark X is an alternative to the Toyota Camry for buyers who like the size of the Camry, but prefer a front engine rear drive powertrain 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. In Japan, the Mark X is exclusive to Toyopet Store dealerships, while its front wheel drive alternative, the Camry, is exclusive to Toyota Corolla Store.

The Mark X is a combination of previous Mark II siblings, the sport-oriented Toyota Chaser, and the luxurious Toyota Cresta in one vehicle, letting the Camry appeal to buyers who traditionally purchased the conservatively styled and equipped Mark II in the past, repeating an approach previously attempted by the short lived Toyota Verossa that used straight-6 engines, whereas the Mark X uses V6 engines.

Both the first and second generation Mark X were manufactured at the Motomachi Plant in Japan.^[1]

First generation (2004 – 2009)

First generation
Overview
Production	November 2004 – October 2009
Assembly	Japan: Toyota, Aichi (Motomachi plant) China: Tianjin Japan: Iwate Plant (Kanto Auto Works)[2]
Body and chassis
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
Platform	X120
Powertrain
Engine	2.5 L 4GR-FSE V6 (gasoline) 2.5 L 5GR-FE V6 (gasoline) 3.0 L 3GR-FSE V6 (gasoline) 3.0 L 3GR-FE V6 (gasoline)
Transmission	5-speed automatic (for all-wheel-drive models) 6-speed automatic (for rear-wheel-drive models) Tiptronic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,850 mm (112.2 in)
Length	4,735 mm (186.4 in)
Width	1,775 mm (69.9 in)
Height	1,435–1,445 mm (56.5–56.9 in)
Curb weight	1,500–1,570 kg (3,306.9–3,461.3 lb)

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 discontinue the majority of their straight-six engines used in the Toyota Verossa, more specifically the JZ series and the G series motor and went to the newly developed GR series motor. Either the 2.5 L 4GR-FSE or the 3.0 L 3GR-FSE is made available; both pair to a six-speed sequential 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.^[3]

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 (transliterated into Mandarin Chinese as '锐志'). 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.^[4] A new version was released by FAW Toyota in September 2010, with an exterior restyled after the second-generation Mark X.^[5]

The Mark X Supercharged version uses the 3GR-FSE engine with a supercharger added.^[6] 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.^[7]

Second generation (2009 - present)

Second generation
Overview
Production	October 2009 – present
Assembly	Japan: Toyota, Aichi (Motomachi plant)[8] China: Tianjin
Body and chassis
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
Platform	X130
Powertrain
Engine	2.5 L 4GR-FSE V6 (gasoline) 2.5 L 5GR-FE V6 (gasoline) 3.0 L 3GR-FE V6 (gasoline) 3.5 L 2GR-FSE V6 (gasoline)
Transmission	6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,850 mm (112.2 in)
Length	4,750 mm (187.0 in)
Width	1,795 mm (70.7 in)
Height	1,435 mm (56.5 in)
Curb weight	1,510 kg (3,329.0 lb)

A redesigned Mark X was released on October 19, 2009. Engine options are the 2.5L 4GR-FSE V6 and the 3.5L 2GR-FSE V6 found in the Crown, GS 350 and IS 350 but power was increased from 306 to 318 PS (225 to 234 kW; 302 to 314 bhp). Models available are Standard (250G, 250G Four), Premium and Sports (350S, 250G S). The 250G has all-wheel drive as an option (250G Four).^[9][10][11]

Changes from the X120 generation include the elimination of the exhaust outlet diffuser, 6-speed automatic for AWD models and a return to the hinge design trunk instead of lift support.

As with the last generation Mark X, Toyota's in-house tuning company Modellista installed a supercharger on the 3.5L 2GR-FSE motor to create the Mark X +M Super Charger. Power output is 360 PS (265 kW; 355 bhp) and 50.8 kg·m (498.2 N·m; 367.4 lbf·ft). ^[6]

The Mark X received a facelift for the 2012 year model. Featuring redesigned front and rear end treatment. The specifications, cabin and chassis are the same as the 2009–2012 model.

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  Toyota Mark X 250G (GRX130) 2012 facelift

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  Toyota Mark X GRX130 2012 facelift front

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  Toyota Mark X GRX130 2012 facelift rear

Standard type

The Standard is the entry level and the biggest seller of the three, available only with the 2.5-liter engine, it is available with RWD ("250G", "250 F package" and "Relax Selection") or AWD ("250Four"). New to the base model are The revamped ivory and black interior color and the option of wood-grain panel color. ^[12]

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  2009 Toyota Mark X 250G Standard front

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  2009 Toyota Mark X 250G Standard rear

Premium

This level is available with the 2GR-FSE (or as a lower spec 250G "Premium" or 250Four "Premium") . The exterior, which differentiates itself from other grade by arranging the mall plated grille and trim specific side skirts, unique front bumper design. It also features millimeter-wave radar system for the cruise control and "pre-crash safety system" with brake activation. Plated decorative mat on the front guards and front lower grille area, the seat upholstery is made from Alcantara (with leather being an option). Super UV cut glass and nanoE air ventilation system ^[13] is used on this grade. Other features include a retractable rear sunshade, fully automatic self-parking, Driver's power 8-way adjustable seat + passenger 4-way power seat (with inbuilt heating and cooling). Also standard is electronically adjustable (from in cabin) shock absorbers to give the best quality ride (AVS)^[12]

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  2009 Toyota Mark X Premium

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  2009 Toyota Mark X Premium

Sports

The sports level is available as the 250 "S package" (4GR-FSE) and as the higher spec 350s (with the 2GR-FSE) is designed to replace the "Chaser Tourer V" variant from previous models of the "X" chassis line. Standard on the exterior is a rear boot spoiler, rear diffuser and a resigned front and rear bumper dedicated to improve the aerodynamic performance. In addition, it has a smoked coating on the head lights and tail lights to differentiate itself from the other models. Specific to the 350s is special 18x8J aluminum wheels with 235/45/R18 tires, the brakes are large 334mm large-diameter ventilated disc rotor and 4pot "aluminum monobloc calipers" made by ADVICS Co. Unique to the sports models is VDIM with variable gear ratio steering which changes the ratio of steering input to wheel movement so as to help low speed parking as well as remain stable at high speed. Also standard on the 350s is the Adaptive Variable Suspension System (AVS) which can be controlled from the cabin. This is backed up with other safety features such as VSC & TRC & EBD and ABS ^[14][15] Other standard features include aluminum pedals (accelerator and brake) + aluminum footrest, steering wheel paddle shifters, auto tilt away steering wheel (when the ignition is switched off) is standard on the 3.5-liter car only and hill start assist. Driver's power 8 way adjustable seat + passenger 4 way power seat, seat heating + cooling and leather interior are options.^[12]

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  2010 Mark X 350S GRX133 front

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  2010 Mark X 350S GRX133 rear

Mark X G's

G's is another tuned version of Toyota Mark X based on 350S or 250G. The G's Mark X is very noticeable and distinct with a 3 piece bodykit, rear trunk spoiler, clear smoked rear lights, forged aluminium 19x8J wheels, 4pot 356mm front and 310mm rear ventilated disk brakes, upgraded suspension, red stitching leather interior, carbon style center console and instrument panel, upgraded Alcantara front seats, etc. Full list can be viewed here.

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  Toyota Mark X G's front

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  Toyota Mark X G's (X130) front

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  Toyota Mark X G's (X130) rear

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  Toyota Mark X G's (X130) interior

Mark X Sport Plus

The Sports Plus is a version of the Mark X Sports with a 2.5L engine, sold in Hong Kong and Macau. It includes front and rear spoilers, front fog lamps, gear shift paddles, electronically controlled AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension System), leather seat and front seat heater.^[16][17]

Standard features on all trim levels include (but not limited to) 6:4 split retractable rear seat,^[18] full flat front seat mechanism, 8 cup holders (doors, center console, rear sear armrest), driving mode control switch (Eco Sports Snow), electric power steering, all the doors one-touch power windows (protection + engine OFF after operating functions), vehicle speed-sensitive auto electric door lock (shock sensing door unlock system) push button start and Bi-xenon formula discharge headlamps & LED clearance lamps, front double wishbone suspension and rear multi-link suspension (5 links), stabilizer anti roll bars (front-rear), foot-operated parking brake and dual exhaust tail pipe (with diffuser).^[14]

Special options for all trim levels can be ordered from Toyota partners such as Modellista,^[19] TRD^[20] and Gazoo.^[21] Parts such as wheels, brakes, springs, shock absorbers, aerodynamic additions and chassis bracing parts.

Vertiga

Modellista also produced a non-supercharged version of the Mark X called the Vertiga.^[22]

Vertiga

Mark X ZiO

The Mark X ZiO wagon shares only a name with the Mark X sedan.

References

1. "Product manufacture". Retrieved 2010-04-13.
2. "History of KANTO AUTO WORKS". Kanto-aw.co.jp. Retrieved 2010-07-16.
3. "Affiliates (Toyota wholly-owned subsidiaries)-Toyota Motor East Japan, Inc.". Toyota Motor Corporation. 2012. Retrieved 2014-07-21.
4. "Reiz specs" (in Chinese). Retrieved 2010-03-02.
5. "FAW-Toyota Releases 2011 Reiz". ChinaAutoWeb.com.
6. "MARK X Super Charger". 2006-10-29. Archived from the original on 2006-10-29. Retrieved 2006-10-29.
7. "Mark X 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Pictures". Retrieved 2010-08-17.
8. "Japanese Production Sites". Toyota. 2015-03-06. Archived from the original on 2015-03-18.
9. "MARK X spec". 2009-10-01. Retrieved 2009-10-23.
10. New Toyota Mark X: official details and photos
11. Toyota Mark X rendering: New model to arrive in October
12. http://toyota.jp/markx/002_p_004/spec/equipment/list/index.html
13. http://toyota.jp/markx/002_p_004/interior/utilities/front/index.html
14. "マークX | スペック | 主要装備 | 一覧表" [Mark X | Spec | Main equipment | List] (in Japanese). Japan: Toyota. Retrieved 2013-10-02.
15. http://toyota.jp/markx/002_p_004/safety/active/index.html
16. "The Most Desirable, for Enjoyment of Precision First-Time Overseas Debut of the All-new Toyota Mark X" (PDF). YatFung Motors. Retrieved 2012-03-21.
17. "Toyota Mark X Sport Plus". YatFung Motors. Retrieved 2012-03-21.
18. http://toyota.jp/markx/002_p_004/interior/utilities/side/index.html
19. "マークX | カスタマイズカー | モデリスタセレクション" [Mark X | Customise Car | Modelista Selection] (in Japanese). Japan: Toyota. Retrieved 2013-10-02.
20. "マークX | オリジナルアクセサリー | Exterior dress up" [Mark X | Original accessories | Exterior dress up] (in Japanese). Japan: Toyota. Retrieved 2013-10-02.
21. "マークX | 350S"G’s"/250G"Sパッケージ・G’s" | G’sとは" [マークX | 350S"G’s"/250G"S Package・G’s" | G’s Extra] (in Japanese). Japan: Toyota. Retrieved 2013-10-02.
22. "Mark X "Vertiga"". 2009-10-01. Retrieved 2009-10-23.

External links

• Official website
• Mark X Supercharged (in Japanese)
• Toyota Mark X blog (in Japanese)