Things You Don’t Know About The Toyota Chaser JZX100!
The Toyota Chaser JZX100 is an iconic car amongst car enthusiasts worldwide, especially those who love JDM vehicles. A powerful engine, racing legacy, and reliable vehicle are the outstanding features when it comes to the JZX100.
However, there are still a lot of lesser-known aspects of the Chaser JZX100 that may surprise the Chaser fans. Now let’s discuss everything about this legendary Japanese car:
Toyota Chaser JZX100 Overview
In the 90s the last decade, mid-size and hatchback cars from Japan created a big buzz in the car community with a series of famous brands including the JZX100.
Launched in September 1996 to replace the X90 Chaser, the Toyota Chaser JZX100 emerged as a powerful competitor in the Japanese sedan market. The Chaser in general belongs to the family of the Toyota Crown and was known as one of the triplets with the same floor assembly. It’s one of Toyota’s longest-running models.
The JZX100 styling was more refined and it was probably the best-looking one compared to its predecessors. Unlike other brands at that time, the Chaser JZX100 was designed with an RWD chassis which provided a more exciting driving experience with precise control and the ability to drift.
Under the hood, the JZX100 was equipped with a powerful 1JZ engine. The JZX100 served as the base for race cars, battling it out with iconic names like the Nissan Skyline GT-R. Knowing more about this model through the Toyota Chaser JZX100 specs:
| Production | 1996–2001 |
| Model code | X100 |
| Layout | RWD |
| Engine | 2.0 L 1G-FE I6/ 2.5 L 1JZ-GTE turbo I6 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,730 mm (107 in) |
| Length | 4,760 mm (187 in) |
| Width | 1,760 mm (69.1 in) |
| Height | 1,400 mm (55.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,450 kg (3,197 lb) |
Things You Don’t Know About Toyota Chaser JZX100 – A JDM Legend Unveiled
Beyond the well-known aspects, there’s more to discover about the Toyota JZX100:
1. JZX100: What does it mean?
You probably don’t know the meaning of the name JZX100 why was it called like that? Relatively simple. It is not a code used by Toyota to designate specific models and variations but JZX100 also has the other meaning. X100 is the name of the sixth generation of the Toyota Chaser produced from 1996 to 2001 while the JZ stands for the legendary 1JZ-GTE engine – a little brother of the 2JZ.
2. Single turbo
New for the JZX100 was a big change to the engine. The 1JZ-GTE no longer had twin turbos as its predecessors, it utilized a single big turbo configuration.
For the 1998 Japanese Touring Car Championship Season, Toyota entered a highly modified JZX100, driven by Masanori Sekiya who drove the Chaser JZX100 to the top of the leaderboard becoming a champion of that season.
3. It’s legal to import to the US
In its first stages, the Chaser was only built and sold in Japan, but now you can legally import this legendary car and drive it on the US roads.
The JZX100 Chaser started its production in 1996 which means it met the 25-year import rule in 2021 so now If you are looking for the JZX100 for sale in the USA, you can get one.
4. Beyond the 2JZ
Toyota Chaser JZX100 engine: A Lineup of Choices: While the 2JZ is the most celebrated engine, the JZX100 offers other options:
- 1.8 L 4S-FE I4
- 2.0 L 1G-FE I6
- 2.5 L 1JZ-GE I6
- 2.5 L 1JZ-GTE turbo I6
- 3.0 L 2JZ-GE I6
- 2.4 L 2L-TE turbo-diesel I4
Early models were equipped with the 1JZ-GTE, a potent inline-six with powerful horsepower, and the naturally aspirated 1JZ-GE was also available in some configurations.
When you buy the JZX100, you have quite a few tuned versions, but the JDM classics Chaser that comes with the legendary 1JZ is always something that is addictive to drifters.
It is a 6-cylinder turbocharged beast that is capable of delivering a scary amount of power once tuned. For example, the Tourer V aka JZX100 can reach from 0 to 62 mph in 5.5 seconds thanks to the power of the 1JZ GTE VVTI engine.
5. Not just performance
The JZX100 wasn’t just about high performance. These mid-sized cars boasted luxurious interiors with features like high-quality leather seating, automatic climate control, and advanced sound systems, making them a comfortable and stylish choice for discerning drivers.
Other things you don’t know
- There is not always a Toyota logo on the front of the Toyota Chaser. In Japan, it’s common for some model lines to have their logos. That’s why many Chasers have a logo with a bow and arrow.
- The JZX100 had two brothers, the Chaser was the more sporty type, the Cresta the more luxurious, and the Mark 2 was a healthy middle ground.
- Because of its reliability, the Chaser was used as a police car. These models were then sold to the public after their services to the government.
