Japan’s long-time luxury paragon, the Toyota Century, is set to make a huge return to the Japanese-only market. The ultimate luxury vehicle’s return was teased by Chief Branding Officer, Simon Humphries, during the launch of the Alphard minivan on June 21st of this year, with its familiar features flashing briefly on the screen behind Toyota’s CBO as he gave his presentation.
The Century began as a top-of-the-line luxury carriage for the elites of the Japanese population and has remained a prized possession, one that collectors the world over have been trying to get their hands on, as acquiring a Century is no easy task. The Japanese automaker only produced 50 examples of the third-gen luxury carriage per month during its production run, meaning the exclusivity of the Century rivals, and even tops, that of the Rolls-Royce, which it was made to compete with.
Speculation from inside sources and knowledgeable analysts have given us an idea of what to expect, though until the official reveal on September 6th, nothing can be confirmed. And with speculation from top sources conflicting at times, the finished product remains elusive until the official reveal.
However, considering the innovations Toyota has been employing in their latest models including the Grand Highlander and Lexus crossovers, we’re given a peek behind the curtain at what specifics we may see in the coming generation of the Toyota Century.
Speculation Paints Century SUV As Rolls-Royce, Bentley Rival
The Century has been around for more than 50 years, with the first luxury vehicle hitting Japanese markets in 1967. Since then, the Century has evolved with time and has maintained its prestige well into the modern age, usually featuring top-tier amenities and unlimited opulence at the time of release.
That said, the Century also has a humble quality to it, especially when compared to Rolls-Royce and Bentley. This is true of Japanese culture as a whole, the extremely reserved nature is present in the design and appearance, even as the luxury of the exclusive vehicle is on full display.
The previous generation Century shares its powertrain with the Lexus LS600h. However, it could mean a few things, first: that we could expect a plug-in hybrid option, as both the LS600h and Grand Highlander offer hybrid engine options, and second: it will likely utilize the popular TNGA-K platform, also similar to the previously mentioned SUVs.
Early Toyota Century Features A V-12 Engine
The Century entered the market boasting a V-8, receiving only minor updates over the course of 30 years. Toyota introduced the big V-12 power plant into the luxury sedan starting with the second-generation in 1997. The second-gen Century held the title of the ONLY Japanese production car to feature a V-12. This became an iconic model, as it was later made available for U.S. import, extending its legacy stateside.
The current generation of Centuries features a 5.0-liter V-8 hybrid powertrain, bringing the smaller, yet brutish V-8 into the future of the luxury model, only heightening the allure of the big V-12 from the past. The V-8 hybrid powertrain found in the Third-gen is the same plant that pushes the Lexus LS600h, producing 425-horsepower in the crossover SUV.
Engine options could vary, with the current generation boasting a 5.0-liter V-8 hybrid powertrain, yet a top contender for the upcoming power plant going into the new Century is likely the 3.5-liter plug-in hybrid V-6 engine, the very same set to power the 2024 Lexus TX550h+. The plug-in V-6 in the TX550h+ delivers 406-horsepower to the all-wheel drivetrain and continuously variable automatic transmission, ensuring excellent road manners and, most importantly, ride quality.
Bear in mind that the TNGA-K platform usually entails a transverse-mounted engine and front-wheel drive architecture, however, the K platform allows for both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive ability, as observed in the Lexus LS600h.
You can guarantee the new Century SUV will feature all the bells and whistles we’ve come to expect from such a prestigious model, including, but certainly not limited to, extensive passenger comforts such as climate control, full rear-seat entertainment system, premium leather and wood interior, and a relaxing, quiet, cabin.
Notable Amenities Featured In 2022 Toyota Century Sedan
- Bespoke wood trim accents
- Raised ceiling
- Step-less adjustable power leg rest
- Massage functions
- 11.6-inch rear seat entertainment system
- 20-speaker sound system
- 7-inch touchscreen control panel
- Privacy curtains
As is protocol with the previous models, the Century will remain a chauffeur-ready vehicle, with heavy focus on passenger comforts and ride quality. With an estimated starting price of around $150,000, not to mention limited production, the wait list to own one of these luxury sedans will likely extend well beyond a few years.
What To Expect From The Fourth Generation Century
The livery worn by the Century projects power and class, while the cabin invites the passenger to escape the outside world with top-to-bottom bespoke fittings. Though horsepower and torque were never the central focus of the Century, in this modern age of automotive progress, achieving the power to leave the competition in the rearview (literally) doesn’t necessarily mean a sacrifice in comfort and quality, so we may see the Japanese luxury sedan hauling more tail than before, just don’t expect to run into one at the track or drag strip.
Toyota has been an industry leader in adaptability and innovation, meaning we could see various iterations of the ultimate luxury vehicle, maybe even one with a little extra punch.
However, at this time, all that can be said for sure is that the fourth-generation Toyota Century will be a Japan-only model, it will likely utilize the current TNGA platform found in the Grand Highlander and Lexus crossovers, it will include the most modern amenities available, as previous models have upon release, and it will give top luxury brands including Rolls-Royce and Bentley a run for their money in terms of passenger-focused luxury.
For now, the plug-in hybrid powertrain found in the Lexus TX 550h+ seems most likely to power the fourth-gen Century, at least initially, with insider and industry experts speculating a battery electric vehicle may be in the cards, albeit not for another few years.
That said, Lexus plans on producing a three-row BEV from the ground-up, the TZ, an all-electric alternative to the TX. With the European trademarks filled for the TZ, speculation of the three-row electric SUV casts doubt on the likelihood of an all-electric Century.
Catch The Live stream Of The Toyota Century SUV Launch Below: