2010 Toyota Mark-X: New Sporty RWD Mid-Size Sedan Launched in Japan

A few days before its formal debut at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Salon, Toyota revealed its new Mark X that has been redesigned for the 2010 model year. The Mark X is a mid-size sports sedan that shares the same rear-wheel drive platform with the JDM Toyota Crown and Lexus GS models. It is offered in Japan and certain Asian markets. In addition to the refreshed exterior that gains newly styled front and rear ends, Toyota has also updated the interior with a revised instrument panel and center console.

Furthermore, Toyota claims that shoulder portion of the door trim for the front and rear seats has been pushed outward by 25 mm (total for left and right), while the distance between the front seats has been increased by 20 mm, resulting in a roomier interior.

The Mark X is offered in Japan with a choice of two engines, a 2.5-liter V6 that makes 203HP and 24.8 kgm of peak torque, and a 3.5-liter V6 with 318HP and 38.7 kgm. Both engines are coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The 2.5 V6 model can also be combined with an all-wheel drive system.

Other highlights include a new Radar Cruise Control system, equipped with a brake-control function that can maintain a fixed distance with a car in front, an Adaptive Front-lighting System and the Hill-start Assist Control.

In Japan prices range from 2,380,000 yen for the basic 250G with the 2.5 V6 and rear-wheel drive to 3,800,000 yen for the top-spec 350S L-Package. Buyers can also opt for factory-customized versions of the Mark X.