Toyotas are still in that game but the NA version is missing the Aristo and Celsior models. Don't trust my citation here, but I heard this happened due to Toyota favouring the game deal to feature a Lexus license instead featuring current-year GS and LS models instead of the older generation models present in the game (as it is 'unfavourable'). But even if this is met, these vehicles cannot be licensed to be in the game. The NA version was able to feature the Japan-only Crown Athlete but only those two Lexus models were problematic for Toyota USA.
This result is disappointing for multiple reasons, as
- The two models share a taxi 'cheat' car.
- The Aristo is proven to be a high-tier 4 speed car among players.
- The Celsior is confirmed to be the heaviest vehicle in game (demonstrating radically different characteristics).
- The Celsior is included due to the manga source-material, therefore resulting in the Story Mode chapters that contained the Celsior to be replaced with a Crown Athlete/Chaser.
- North American players are restricted in content compared to Japan and Asia-Pacific versions.
- Past versions of Maximum Tune were capable of releasing in North America with the two models, by only containing the footnote message 'The car name is based on the name when released in Japan.'
- The MT5 NA Location Test last year contained these cars prior to MT5 NA's official release.
In this case, I specifically mentioned how Toyota USA has a conflict of interest with this game. As this is only an issue in one region, therefore it is only Toyota of that region that carries alternate policies not enforced in other markets. Perhaps Microsoft and EA acquire the Toyota license from Toyota USA instead of Japan.
