Photo: Toyota
So long as money is the least of your concerns, Toyota's craftspeople will be able to build your ideal version of the Century SUV. The brand-new luxury SUV will be available in two other configurations besides the regular model, including a performance-oriented GRMN and a convertible.
The Japanese automaker teased both of them during the official unveiling, and a teaser previewed the most unconventional of the two. We are talking about the rag-top variant, which, according to the company's Chief Branding Officer, Simon Humphries, will come to life at the hands of Toyota's "master craftspeople."
The official hinted at discussions with potential buyers, though it has yet to be determined if they plan a convertible option. Chances are the vehicle is in the pipeline, but we reckon it will be built in extremely limited numbers – unless it's a one-off commission. And you can bet on the fact that it is going to dwarf the regular Toyota Century SUV in terms of pricing, which starts at the equivalent of roughly $170,000 (25 million yen) in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Toyota's Gazoo Racing department will also have its way with the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan rival. As a matter of fact, they already have, as a prototype was showcased on stage next to the standard model. Some of the highlights include the different front bumper with an integrated apron-like piece, dark accents on the grille, lower parts of the doors, side mirror casings, and roof rails, different wheels presumably backed up by uprated brakes, and likely a retuned chassis with lower ground clearance.
The pre-production model also featured sliding rear doors, which will be on the options list of the standard Century SUV. We have yet to learn about the performance, but if it is really a GRMN, then expect more serious firepower than the 3.5-liter V6 PHEV, which pumps out 406 hp (412 ps/303 kW) on the regular variant of the high-rider. It is worth noting that the GRMN models sit above the GR and GR Sport cars in Toyota's family.
Before wrapping it up, we will remind you that Toyota's Century SUV is a Japan-only affair. Production will take place at the Tahara facility, where the manufacturer plans to assemble 30 units each month. It is based on the same platform as the Kluger, Highlander, Camry, and other Toyota vehicles, so despite sharing its name with the luxury sedan, it has nothing in common with it. The four-door uses the Lexus LS' architecture, featuring a gasoline hybrid assembly with a V8 instead of a V6. It tips the scales at almost 2.5 tons (~5,500 lbs), and its wheelbase is just short of that of the Mercedes S-Class.
[YOUTUBE=https://www.youtube.com/live/KTMrIYWULJE]
The official hinted at discussions with potential buyers, though it has yet to be determined if they plan a convertible option. Chances are the vehicle is in the pipeline, but we reckon it will be built in extremely limited numbers – unless it's a one-off commission. And you can bet on the fact that it is going to dwarf the regular Toyota Century SUV in terms of pricing, which starts at the equivalent of roughly $170,000 (25 million yen) in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Toyota's Gazoo Racing department will also have its way with the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan rival. As a matter of fact, they already have, as a prototype was showcased on stage next to the standard model. Some of the highlights include the different front bumper with an integrated apron-like piece, dark accents on the grille, lower parts of the doors, side mirror casings, and roof rails, different wheels presumably backed up by uprated brakes, and likely a retuned chassis with lower ground clearance.
The pre-production model also featured sliding rear doors, which will be on the options list of the standard Century SUV. We have yet to learn about the performance, but if it is really a GRMN, then expect more serious firepower than the 3.5-liter V6 PHEV, which pumps out 406 hp (412 ps/303 kW) on the regular variant of the high-rider. It is worth noting that the GRMN models sit above the GR and GR Sport cars in Toyota's family.
Before wrapping it up, we will remind you that Toyota's Century SUV is a Japan-only affair. Production will take place at the Tahara facility, where the manufacturer plans to assemble 30 units each month. It is based on the same platform as the Kluger, Highlander, Camry, and other Toyota vehicles, so despite sharing its name with the luxury sedan, it has nothing in common with it. The four-door uses the Lexus LS' architecture, featuring a gasoline hybrid assembly with a V8 instead of a V6. It tips the scales at almost 2.5 tons (~5,500 lbs), and its wheelbase is just short of that of the Mercedes S-Class.
[YOUTUBE=https://www.youtube.com/live/KTMrIYWULJE]
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