Toyota’s Century Is Japan’s Take On A Rolls-Royce

Published October 6, 2017
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Toyota’s luxury car gets updated with a hybrid engine and tons of features

Toyota has just announced their latest toy for the high-rollers and mobs of Japan. No, it's not another Lexus. It is, in fact, the Toyota Century. Since its inception in 1967, the Century has just gone through only two updates, the most recent being in 1997. So it only makes sense that Toyota has ushered in a host of new changes, including an all-new motor!

The 2018 Toyota Century now gets a modern 5.0-litre V8 hybrid motor in place of the Jurassic-era 5.0-litre V12. The new motor is paired to a two-stage electric motor and a nickel-metal hydride battery. Considering that many automakers have joined the electric bandwagon, this doesn’t come as a surprise to us. However, what’s surprising is Toyota has made no design changes to the car whatsoever. It still looks like something out of a Godfather movie!

Along with the electric motor, the Century also gets a ton of new features. Toyota has put in great effort to make the new Century more distinguishable than the older one. From the outside, the first thing you’ll notice is the distinctive grille and the new LED headlamps. The wheelbase is now longer at 3090mm. The height between the scuff plate and the floor has been decreased, while the length of the door opening has been increased. According to the company, these changes make for a more refined rear seat experience. Inside the car, you’ll find that the ceiling has been raised. The cabin looks chic with wool and other high-quality materials used all around. The reclining seats with massage function at the rear also gets a powered leg rest and a writing table!

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You also get an integrated LCD display ahead of the rear passenger armrest which holds the controls for the AC unit, infotainment, etc. Toyota has added the latest safety features as well. The 2018 Century now gets blind spot assist, rear cross traffic alert, emergency braking, and the Toyota Safety Sense P collision avoidance support.

The Century has served as Toyota's flagship in Japan for many years. Over the years, it has largely integrated itself into the high-roller circuit of Japan, which includes the Emperor of Japan and the Yakuza.The car will be officially launched at the Tokyo Motor Show 2017 set to take place between October 25 and November 5, 2017. For now, the 2018 Century will be limited to the Japanese market.