Aug. 31, 1973

TOYOTA CORONA SERIES COMPLETELY REDESIGNED

"Preventive Safety-Care" Concept Featured in Updated Line

 

TOKYO―Toyota Motor Sales Company has announced a comprehensive redesigning of the popular TOYOTA CORONA series, the first major change in over 3½ years. Japan-wide marketing of the new TOYOTA CORONA's will start on August 31.

In designing the new TOYOTA CORONA series, Toyota first re-studied the basic functions of vehicles and subsequently evaluated each operating part and design feature of existing models.

They then redesigned the series "from the ground up" in relation to current and future requirements. As a result the new TOYOTA CORONA's are greatly improved in mechanical performance, as well as in the number of incorporated safety features.

The TOYOTA CORONA series now embodies Toyota's advanced concept of "Preventive Safety-Care," which aims at assuring greater driver and passenger security through preventing accidents and troubles from happening.

All models in the redesigned series are also engineered to take full advantage of Toyota's advanced anti-pollution technology. They feature simple but innovative styling, which imparts an impression of stability and reliability.

Key features of the new TOYOTA CORONA series are:
  1. Improved performance engines

    All engines mounted on prototype versions of the new series surpassed the standards set forth in the 1973 Exhaust Gas Control Regulation when they were tested last April. Further improvements have been made since then. The engines have been redesigned so that, in addition to meeting the 1973 standards, they also provide better performance and increased horsepower.

  2. Electro-Sensor Panel (OK Monitor)

    In line with the "Preventive Safety-Care" concept, an Electro-Sensor Panel ("OK Monitor") has been mounted on the 1800 GL and 2000 GT models of the new TOYOTA CORONA line as standard equipment. This device can also be mounted on the 1800 SL and 2000 SL models as optional equipment (see "Fact Sheet" for details on Electro-Sensor Panels).

  3. Additional "Preventive Safety-Care" devices

    Other "Preventive Safety-Care" equipment installed on all models (except the 1600 Standard and 1600 Deluxe) include: a fuel warning lamp, a seat belt warning lamp, and a door warning lamp.

  4. Basic structural improvements for passenger safety

    Interior reinforcement and "controlled crushing" upon impact are outstanding safety features that protect the driver and passengers. The passenger compartment has been structurally redesigned to reinforce its resistance to crushing; the front and rear ends have been engineered to simplify crushing in a collision and allow for controlled compacting.
    This facilitates impact absorption at both the front and rear ends and greatly enhances passenger safety. The effects of side impacts are lessened by providing a wider clearance between the door and the seat. The design of the body makes possible a narrower roof and a wider wheel track; these features increase stability and serve to prevent roof collapse in the event of an overturn.

  5. Shock-absorbing steering wheel

    A recirculating ball type shock-absorbing steering wheel is standard equipment on all models in the CORONA line. Thousands of tests have shown that this advanced steering wheel smoothly absorbs the impact of major collisions.

  6. Shock-absorbing bumpers

    Large-sized shock-absorbing bumpers have been mounted on the 1800 GL, 1800 SL, 2000 SL and 2000 GT models. These larger bumpers are functionally stable and provide complete protection for passengers in collisions at less than 8 km/h.

  7. Monobloc welded structure

    The bodies of all cars in the line are of monobloc welded structure. This makes possible a beautiful finish and additional strength for passenger safety. The roof is of the moulded type, which allows for additional head clearance, better insulation against heat and improved soundproofing.

  8. Improved suspension

    A newly designed, leaf type 4-link device has been incorporated into the rear suspensions of the SL, SR and GT models in the re-engineered series. The change has substantially improved rear anti-lift and front anti-dive characteristics during acceleration and braking, as well as cornering performance in general and riding qualities on unpaved roads.

  9. Enhanced styling characteristics

    A stronger horizontal axis, wider wheeltread, lower body height and increased glass area are features of the new body styling, in which a low center of gravity and improved stability are evident.

Toyota Motor Sales Company's initial domestic sales goals for the new TOYOTA CORONA series are 18,000 units per month for passenger cars and 6,000 units per month for commercial vehicles, for total sales in Japan of 24,000 units per month.

Exports of the TOYOTA CORONA are scheduled to start in October, with a shipment during 1973 of 13,000 vehicles per month.

NEW TOYOTA CORONA SERIES DESCRIPTIONS
HARDTOPS
VANS AND WAGONS

Fact Sheet II
Electro-Sensor Panel (OK Monitor)

The Electro-Sensor Panel or "OK Monitor" is a unique, computerized malfunction diagnosing device installed in the vehicle, which monitors 11 key points while moving, or when standing still, in order to give the driver timely warning of any existing or potential trouble.

The primary parts of the "Electro Sensor Panel" unit are: the "Sensor" (which detects irregularities); the "computer" (which processes the information); the "Primary Warning Lamp" (which indicates initially the presence of trouble or potential trouble); and the "Panel or "Secondary Warning Lamp" (which indicates the specific part or system where trouble is being experienced).

When the engine is switched on the primary and secondary warning lamps are instantly illuminated and the automatic checking process is started. If trouble develops during the operation of the vehicle, the primary warning lamps will flash a rhythmic signal as long as the condition continues. A lamp within the Panel will simultaneously indicate the defective part or type of irregularity.

The 11 checkpoints are listed below.

Checkpoint Warning lamps are lit
BRAKES Brake lining
  • when the thickness of the pad in either of the front disc brakes becomes less than 2.5 mm.
Brake booster
vacuum
  • when the vacuum inside the brake booster chamber falls below the specified value (mmHg).
Brake fluid
  • when the volume of either front or rear brake fluid reservoir falls below the specified volume.
FLUIDS (Misc.) Engine oil
  • when the volume of oil in the oil pan falls below the specified level during operation (and when engine oil is heated, viz, "L" of oil level gauge, with the engine in stalled condition).
Radiator coolant
  • when the radiator/engine coolant falls below a specified volume in the reservoir tank.
Battery electrolyte
  • when the electrolyte fluid falls below a specified level in the pilot cell of a 6-cell battery.
Windshield-washer
solution
  • when the windshield cleaning solution falls below a specified level.
LIGHTS AND LAMPS Headlights
  • when one or more bulbs of the main headlights (4 bulbs) or parking lights (2 bulbs) are open-circuited, with the switch in the "on" position. And, when all bulbs of the main headlights and parking lights are open-circuited, with the switch in the "off" position.
Tail lights
  • when one or more bulbs of the tail lights (4 bulbs) are open-circuited, with the switch in the "on" position.
Parking lamps
  • when the parking lamps are off, or when the wire is disconnected.
License plate lamps
  • when one or more license plate lamps (2 bulbs) are open-circuited, with the switch in the "on" position.

EXHIBITION

"Development and Safety Features of the New TOYOTA CORONA Series"

Toyota Motor Sales Company, Ltd., will hold an exhibition to mark the introduction of the new TOYOTA CORONA series. Details follow.

  1. Place
    Isetan Department Store (Shinjuku)
    4th floor "Special Events Hall"
  2. Period
    From Sept. 1st (Sat.) to Sept. 6th (Thurs.).
  3. Scope of exhibits
    • Safety Exhibit
      Lecturers will use display kits, panels, and films to show and comment on safety features incorporated into the new TOYOTA CORONA series.
    • Development Exhibit
      The development of the new TOYOTA CORONA series (from concept to final production) will be shown.
    • Historical Exhibit
      Interesting facets of Japanese history in relation to progress in social welfare and motorization (down to development of the CORONA series) will be shown.
    • Automobile Exhibit
      Sedan and hardtop models will be shown.
    • Leisure-Time Activities & "How-To" Exhibit
      Noted experts in various leisure-time and craft fields will give demonstrations and classes on hobbies and recreational activities.
    • Health and Preventive Medicine Examination Exhibit
      To stress the importance of "Preventive Safety-Care," medical examinations for the eyes and ears will be featured.

Downloads (Images)

  • TOYOTA CORONA 1800SL Hardtop
    TOYOTA CORONA 1800SL Hardtop
  • TOYOTA CORONA 1800GL (Shock Absorbing Bumper and Side Protection Mouldings are optional.)
    TOYOTA CORONA 1800GL
    (Shock Absorbing Bumper and Side Protection Mouldings are optional.)
  • TOYOTA CORONA 2000GT
    TOYOTA CORONA 2000GT
  • TOYOTA CORONA 2000GT Hardtop (Car Cooler is optional.)
    TOYOTA CORONA 2000GT Hardtop
    (Car Cooler is optional.)
  • TOYOTA CORONA Electro Sensor Panel (O.K. Monitor) (On 1800GL, 2000GT and others are optional.)
    TOYOTA CORONA Electro Sensor Panel (O.K. Monitor)
    (On 1800GL, 2000GT and others are optional.)