Eunos Cosmo
Original MSRP: $46,000
Throughout its history, the Cosmo has held a special place as a “halo” vehicle for Mazda, playing a crucial role in launching the revolutionary Mazda Wankel engine. In Japan, it served as Mazda’s flagship car and was marketed as the Eunos Cosmo, belonging to the luxury Eunos division.
The Cosmo JC, a two-door coupe, held the top-line touring flagship position on the Eunos luxury channel. It was loosely based on the MX-03 concept car, boasting an elegant design and high-end features. Loaded with power amenities, it adhered to the Japanese luxury theme, providing a refined and comfortable driving experience.
Performance
| Engine | 2.0-liter triple-turbocharged 20B-REW Wankel rotary |
| Power | 300 horsepower |
| Torque | 297 pound-feet |
| Weight | 3461 pounds |
The name “Cosmo” stems from the global fascination and excitement of the space race at the time. The name signifies forward-thinking and the inclusion of the Wankel rotary engine combined with its luxurious and stylish features really makes this a unique vehicle. Under the hood, the Mazda Cosmo boasted a groundbreaking triple-rotor engine, a distinctive feature that set it apart from other Mazda models. This 2.0-liter engine delivered an impressive 300 horsepower, further solidifying the car’s status as a high-performance icon.
Luxury
In the early ’90s, this was the pinnacle of Japanese automotive luxury and innovation. It was a high-end grand tourer with advanced features that were well ahead of its time. Notably, it is one of the earliest cars to feature built-in GPS navigation system and touchscreen controls, innovations unheard of in the early ’90s.
Mazda outfitted the Cosmo’s interior with high-quality materials and a focus on comfort. The seats were available in premium leather, and the cabin featured real wood trim, plush carpets, and an overall refined design that emphasized both comfort and sophistication.
Lexus LS
Original MSRP: $77,000
The Lexus LS is sort of like the big boss of the . It is a super fancy full-size luxury sedan that everyone loves. And it’s been rocking the quality, comfort, and performance game since way back in 1989 .
Originally conceived as a top-secret project, the LS emerged as the first-ever offering from Lexus, developed with the ambitious goal of challenging renowned luxury car manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Jaguar. The arduous process spanned five years and required a staggering investment of over $1 billion to meticulously design and construct the inaugural LS 400.
Performance
| Engine | 4.6-liter V-8 |
| Power | 460 horsepower |
| Torque | 367 pound-feet |
| Weight | 4,233 pounds |
Fast-forward to modern days and on the latest LS, passengers are cocooned in luxury as they sit on their leather heated front and rear massage seats and enjoy music on a 23-speaker Mark Levinson Reference Surround system. The interior also features a Kiriko door trim that showcases traditional Japanese glass hand-cut patterns.
Equipped with a groundbreaking V-8 engine and an array of luxurious features, the LS 400 debuted to widespread acclaim, playing a pivotal role in catapulting the Lexus brand onto the international stage.
Luxury
Lexus has long been synonymous with luxury, setting a high standard for refinement and comfort. From its meticulously crafted interior to its smooth, quiet ride, every aspect of the LS is designed to provide an unparalleled experience for both driver and passengers.
One of the standout features of the Lexus LS is its exquisite interior quality. Lexus exclusively uses premium materials, including hand-pleated upholstery, Shimamoku wood trim, and genuine leather. Additionally, the LS offers customizable ambient lighting and plush seating with optional massage functionality. The LS includes an advanced infotainment system, voice-activated controls, and a Mark Levinson premium audio system that delivers concert-level sound quality.
Ride quality is another critical aspect of the LS’s luxury appeal. Equipped with an adaptive variable suspension, the LS glides effortlessly over those pesky bumps in the road. The ultra-quiet cabin, insulated with specialized soundproofing materials, makes highway cruising almost too quiet.
Toyota Crown
Original MSRP: $67,000
The Toyota Crown is a prestigious line of mid-size luxury cars strategically positioned as an upscale offering in the Toyota lineup. Its history dates back to 1955, becoming the mainstream sedan for Toyota in the Japanese market and holding the remarkable distinction of being the longest-running car in Toyota’s history. The Crown was also the first-ever Toyota vehicle to be exported to the United States back in 1958.
Performance
| Engine | 3.5-liter V6 hybrid |
| Power | 354 horsepower |
| Torque | 257 pound-feet |
| Weight | 3,726 pounds |
Over the decades, the Toyota Crown has earned its reputation as one of the most sophisticated and technologically advanced cars in the Toyota family. Embracing a versatile role, it has been a preferred choice among government officials, police officers, company executives, and taxi drivers, solidifying its popularity not only in Japan but also across Asia for more than six decades.
The Fifteenth generation Toyota Crown featured a luxurious interior that was equipped with heated front and rear massage seats along with a climate concierge that allowed each passenger to adjust the climate for their individual zones. Throughout its evolution, the Toyota Crown has undergone various transformations and enhancements while remaining true to its core values of superior quality, comfort, and performance.
