Photo: Instagram | a.c.g_design
Toyota has managed something most automakers are only dreaming of: to challenge the likes of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Bentley Bentayga. The model was simply named the Century SUV, and even though it shares its name with the luxury sedan sold in the Land of the Rising Sun, it doesn't have anything in common with it.
While the four-door model is based on the same platform as the Lexus LS, the Toyota Century SUV builds on the TNGA-K architecture of the RAV4, Camry, Kluger, Highlander, and other vehicles. It is also a bit smaller than its main rivals, and while the Cullinan and Bentayga are global products, this one is strictly limited to Japan. Production will commence at the Tahara facility, and only 30 of them will come to life each month.
With seating for four, the Century SUV comes with a single powertrain. It is a 3.5-liter V6 plug-in hybrid that produces 406 hp (412 ps/303 kW) in total. Juicing up the small battery pack takes around 3.5 hours using a normal socket, and once full, it enables a zero-emission driving range of 43 miles (69 km). Despite the luxury nature of the vehicle, it features something that’s usually found on the blue-blooded machines: a rear-wheel steering system. And it doesn't only improve the dynamics, but it also improves the turning radius.
Toyota has big plans when it comes to this model, as they have already teased two additional versions. During the grand unveiling hosted last week, they presented a GRMN in prototype form. The sporty model features a more aggressive design and will likely pack a punchier powertrain that we know nothing of as of yet. A convertible is also in the making, as suggested by a teaser image released during the same event. Chances are it will be built in very limited numbers, and a one-off commissioning is also on the table. Still, these are all assumptions, as only those who are directly involved in the project know the answer.
Speaking of additional body styles, a coupe variant seems like a logical move. And it was precisely this one that was sketched out by a.c.g_design on Instagram. The model features a sportier profile with a slightly extended back end, a modified face, and sports rear suicide doors. It also comes with a lower ground clearance to emphasize its sportier nature, and between us, it is a very interesting proposal. Given the popularity of crossover coupes these days, we have no doubt that it could become a moneymaker for Toyota if they decided to give it a shot, especially if it becomes a global product. But would you kick that range-topping BMW X6, Audi Q8, or Mercedes GLE Coupe out of bed for it?
With seating for four, the Century SUV comes with a single powertrain. It is a 3.5-liter V6 plug-in hybrid that produces 406 hp (412 ps/303 kW) in total. Juicing up the small battery pack takes around 3.5 hours using a normal socket, and once full, it enables a zero-emission driving range of 43 miles (69 km). Despite the luxury nature of the vehicle, it features something that’s usually found on the blue-blooded machines: a rear-wheel steering system. And it doesn't only improve the dynamics, but it also improves the turning radius.
Toyota has big plans when it comes to this model, as they have already teased two additional versions. During the grand unveiling hosted last week, they presented a GRMN in prototype form. The sporty model features a more aggressive design and will likely pack a punchier powertrain that we know nothing of as of yet. A convertible is also in the making, as suggested by a teaser image released during the same event. Chances are it will be built in very limited numbers, and a one-off commissioning is also on the table. Still, these are all assumptions, as only those who are directly involved in the project know the answer.
Speaking of additional body styles, a coupe variant seems like a logical move. And it was precisely this one that was sketched out by a.c.g_design on Instagram. The model features a sportier profile with a slightly extended back end, a modified face, and sports rear suicide doors. It also comes with a lower ground clearance to emphasize its sportier nature, and between us, it is a very interesting proposal. Given the popularity of crossover coupes these days, we have no doubt that it could become a moneymaker for Toyota if they decided to give it a shot, especially if it becomes a global product. But would you kick that range-topping BMW X6, Audi Q8, or Mercedes GLE Coupe out of bed for it?
Google News