Photo: Toyota
The Century is a forbidden fruit for the Western world. Exclusive to Japan and the nearest equivalent to the Lexus LS, the Century welcomes its third generation at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, succeeding the G50 model that was produced from 1997 to 2016. The first generation (G20, G30, G40) of the luxury full-size sedan, on the other hand, was offered between 1967 and 1997.
In stark comparison to its predecessor, the 2018 Toyota Century isn’t powered by Toyota’s only V12. Introduced in 1997, the 1GZ-FE is a 5.0-liter plant with a dual overhead camshaft valvetrain and two ECUs, one for each cylinder bank. The newcomer, meanwhile, switches to a 5.0-liter V8 (2UR-FSE). The Japanese automaker didn’t release any output information, though the FSE is rated at 394 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque in the former-gen Lexus 600h.
Connected to the Toyota Hybrid System II, the naturally aspirated mill promises “outstanding fuel efficiency.” The electric motor is juiced up from a nickel-hydride battery, though Toyota refused to say how much the all-new Century can drive on electricity alone. The no-frills body shell is augmented by adaptive LED headlights and an extensive suite of active safety systems, but this being a full-size luxobarge, the party piece of the Century is the cabin.
The rear doors are higher and longer, enabling easier access to the extra-wide rear seats. Entry-level trim features wool upholstery, whereas the range-topping model gets smooth leather upholstery. As expected from the type of vehicle bought by Japan’s rich and famous, the seats offer massaging function and endless adjustment. Located between the two rearmost seats, you’ll find an LCD panel designed to offer control over pretty much every comfort function.
Coming to Tokyo as a near-production concept, the 2018 Toyota Century will go on sale in Japan next summer. Pricing isn’t known at the time being, but don’t expect cheap thrills. The second-gen model used to retail at the equivalent of $130,000, which is well-equipped Mercedes-Benz S-Class territory.
Connected to the Toyota Hybrid System II, the naturally aspirated mill promises “outstanding fuel efficiency.” The electric motor is juiced up from a nickel-hydride battery, though Toyota refused to say how much the all-new Century can drive on electricity alone. The no-frills body shell is augmented by adaptive LED headlights and an extensive suite of active safety systems, but this being a full-size luxobarge, the party piece of the Century is the cabin.
The rear doors are higher and longer, enabling easier access to the extra-wide rear seats. Entry-level trim features wool upholstery, whereas the range-topping model gets smooth leather upholstery. As expected from the type of vehicle bought by Japan’s rich and famous, the seats offer massaging function and endless adjustment. Located between the two rearmost seats, you’ll find an LCD panel designed to offer control over pretty much every comfort function.
Coming to Tokyo as a near-production concept, the 2018 Toyota Century will go on sale in Japan next summer. Pricing isn’t known at the time being, but don’t expect cheap thrills. The second-gen model used to retail at the equivalent of $130,000, which is well-equipped Mercedes-Benz S-Class territory.
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