Toyota Unveils Stunning Pink Sedan: A Strawberry-Inspired Sweet Masterpiece

Instead of the traditional black or gray hues, this full-size sedan is adorned in a vibrant pink shade, directly inspired by strawberries—a renowned agricultural product of Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

Named the “Ichigo Crown” (Strawberry Crown), this model was created to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Tochigi Toyota, the brand’s official dealership network in the region. The choice of theme is no coincidence, as Tochigi is Japan’s largest strawberry producer. This distinctive feature became the central inspiration for the Ichigo Crown project, aimed at promoting local identity through an iconic symbol of the Japanese automotive industry.

Rather than exuding an elite aura, the “Ichigo Crown” resembles a candy-delivery vehicle straight out of a manga. Its exterior blends a rich pink base with smooth white accents, creating a visual effect reminiscent of a strawberry sundae. The body features illustrations of local strawberry varieties such as Tochiotome, Tochiaika, and Skyberry. A standout detail is the hood, adorned with a pink castle and three animated characters: Tochimaru-kun, Ichigo-chan, and the Strawberry Monster, infusing the design with youthful charm.

Despite its playful appearance, the “Ichigo Crown” retains its robust essence, built on the Z variant of the Toyota Crown Sedan. It features a self-charging hybrid powertrain, pairing a 2.5L four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors for a total output of 234 horsepower. Power is delivered to the rear wheels, staying true to the Crown’s traditional rear-wheel-drive sedan heritage.

This one-of-a-kind model debuted at the Strawberry Kingdom Tochigi Day event on January 18th at the Tochigi Prefectural Government Office. Governor Fukuda Tomiichi attended in a “Strawberry Kingdom King” costume, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The event also featured a student fashion show, art exhibitions, and strawberry-inspired desserts.

This isn’t Toyota’s first experiment with pink on the Crown. A previous-generation model was customized by Tochigi Toyota with a strawberry theme and remains in their fleet. In 2013, Toyota launched the limited-edition Crown Athlete “ReBORN PINK” in a deeper pink shade, exclusively for the Japanese market.

The Ichigo Crown thus transcends its commemorative purpose, showcasing Toyota’s ability to leverage local cultural values. It transforms an iconic sedan into a storytelling masterpiece, rich in emotion and identity.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)