Toyota Mark II Tourer S & V

-----------------------------EXTERIOR----------------------------

Here we have another of the larger cars.

The Cressida (or Mark II Tourer as the Brits call it), looks kinda like a Camry, and makes for some interesting racing. It weighs anywhere from 3,020 pounds for the '92 Tourer S to just over 3,200 for the '97 Tourer V. Full weight reductions shave off anywhere from 333 to almost 500 pounds, depending on which car you buy and which version of the game you're playing (GT1 or 2), but you have to remember that this is still physically a large vehicle no matter what you do. It's like watching a pro-football player attempt ballet once the weight is reduced, as the Cressida/Mark II will wind up being rather graceful in replays despite its size.

There's not much overhang up front, but plenty in the rear. Like the Jaguar XJR, it has lots of trunk space, which makes for lots of oversteer under acceleration and braking. 105" of wheelbase helps with stability, but rarely can it be said that the Mark II behaves as we want.

In its computer-brain, there is some sort of system that supposed to minimize lateral movement (this is according to a website I visited), but honestly it doesn't seem to do much in racing situations.

This is the closest thing to a Mercedes one can race in GT1, for only half the price. In GT2, actual Mercedes, Lexus, and Jaguars, etc. are available, making the Mark II Tourer seem secondary as a luxury car choice. But still, this is not a car one can just buy; it must be earned by winning a few races, tho in GT2 used models can be purchased by those of us who are struggling. The Mark II was dropped for both GT3 and GT4, not that it's ever missed.

There are a nice selection of color schemes. It's not impossible to win with this car since the engine is powerful, but beginners will have a difficult time with it.

-------------------------ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN------------------

What we have here is a sports car engine lurking beneath semi-luxurious skin. The Mark II comes as two basic models in either GT1 or 2: the Tourer S and the Tourer V. Basically, the main difference between these two are their engines...the S has normal, fuel-injected power and the V has a turbo. Either 6-cylinder powerplant has an engine sample that sounds similar to an MA70 Supra, and it wouldn't surprise me if the two models share the same.

One interesting thing about the '97 Tourer V engine is its power graph. Unmodified, this car hits its peak torque around 2,500 rpm, which is unusual for a turbo charged car. Well sort of. The other engines featured in the other cars don't have as much power as this one (291 tested hp standard), and none of them have this awesomly frightening low-end torque.

The power remains nice and flat right to redline, meaning there's plenty of torque sent to the 5-speed transmission. Plus, we'll be able to rely on power no matter when we step on the gas. Wheelspin can be attained even if we don't manipulate the clutch before starting this devil!

Other motors found in other Tourer vehicles don't measure up to the configuration found in the '97 Tourer V, and the '92 models only have 4-speed transmissions. All of these cars use gearing that keeps them rolling down the straights with haste. All can be modified with 3 stages of turbo, though you can't add intercoolers to either of the '92 models. :(

Engine performance varies a great deal: the '92 Tourer S took 9.1 seconds to hit 60 mph, and 23.6 to make 100, while the the '97 Tourer V took 7.1 seconds and 17.3. Top speed of the S is 142 mph, while the V got to 164, but both engines will have plenty of room left over on the tach at this point. The Tourer S achieved 5,700 rpm even though its redline is 6,500. The V got to 6,000. In GT2, you won't be able to take the S thru certain crucial races (the GT Regionals, for instance) but the V will handle these with a "yes".

--------------------CHASSIS / HANDLING---------------------

Again, we have a large difference in performance between the two Tourer autos: S and V.

Although both cars share a double-wishbone suspension, the spring rates of the '97 car are much higher (2.3 kg/mm front & 2.7 rear for the '92 versus 6.4 & 3.0 for the '97). Either car will require a better suspension early on, but with the Tourer V, the sports package can be used for a few more races before upgrading since it's got a firmer set of coils all around.

Though lots of weight can be subtracted (this is not a sports car) the large trunk will create plenty of bouncy riding if it's not tamed with dampers, especially once weight reductions are done. Like other mid to full-size sedans, the Mark II can be made to handle well if one uses the size of the car to help drift and slide around corners, but keep in mind that this is a rear-drive machine. It will spin out despite the manufacturer's claim of a traction control device being used.

--------------------------PROS------------------------

1). Variety of cars can be selected: used / new, turbo-charged / normally-aspirated, '92 / '97...

2). Lots of power and low-end torque are standard from the Tourer V's straight-6.

3). Gearbox is spaced well for acceleration and top-end, though the '92 cars (S or V) only come with a 4-speed.

4). Possibly features the Supra engine. Now how can we beat that?

5). Firm suspension standard in the Tourer V.

6). Used Tourers are cheap (costing from @ $7,000 and up).

7). Racing kits can be had in either GT1 or GT2.

----------------------------CONS--------------------------

1). GT2 Mark IIs are rather heavy, even after full weight reductions. The racing kits in either game make things manageable, though.

2). Tires need to be upgraded early on.

3). No intercoolers available for the '92 cars.

4). Plenty of trunk space great for carrying luggage, but will cause oversteer and spin-outs easily, for those who get a little over-eager.

5). Poor maneuverability on twisty tracks.

6). Brake controller needed early on. In GT2, limited slip devices are a must, too...even for stock Tourers.

Originally Published: June 22, 2004