According to its manufacturer, the new Toyota Century is “a new chauffeur-driven vehicle to meet the demands of a new era”. And it so happens that the Toyota flagship is abandoning its usual sedan line and adopting an SUV design unmistakably reminiscent of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
The new model will be launched in the course of 2023 the Toyota Century sedan, which will continue to be available. In fact, the Toyota Century sedan was launched in 2018, so theoretically it still has a long life ahead, considering that it is the third generation of a saga born in 1967 and renewed only twice: in 1997 and , as we have already seen, 2018.
The development of this new body responds to the different usage that this type of vehicle has experienced in recent years, as Toyota says passengers want to use their time on the road more effectively, resting in the cabin or attending meetings. on-line.
Another feature of the Toyota Century in SUV format is that it can be fully customized according to the individual needs of each customer, with one common aspect: The entire design focused on the rear seats, which are the most important part of the vehicle.
With each rear seat fully reclined, the audio system promises unprecedented audio fidelity “Envelop the passengers in the feeling of a live performance”, And every aspect of this Toyota Century was designed with the occupants of those seats in mind.
In this sense, the greater height of the vehicle facilitates access to the rear seats and its large doors have an opening angle of 75 degrees. Aside from that, There are automatically retractable electric running boards and a couple of grab handles on the C-pillar designed to facilitate “a natural and elegant entry and exit for the rear passengers.”
The Toyota Century SUV introduces a PHEV system
Previously, all Toyota Century V8 (and even V12) petrol engines were naturally aspirated, but The new Toyota Century SUV uses a new plug-in hybrid drive system Consisting of the Land Cruiser 300 3.5-litre V6 2GR-FXS engine combined with an electric motor.
The idea, as with any PHEV, is that this gigantic SUV will function as an electric vehicle for everyday use and as a hybrid for long road trips.
Overall, the system, which features a continuously variable transmission ratio (CVT), offers an output of 412 CV and enables a purely electric drive of 69 kilometers, So if it were sold in Spain (which is unlikely) it could be Zero labeled by the DGT.
From a technical point of view, we must also highlight its system Steering for the rear axle Dynamic Rear Steering, That promises to make low-speed maneuvering easier while improving behavior at higher speeds.
It must be taken into account that it is a car with a length of 5.21 meters, a width of 1.99 meters and a height of 1.81 meters. Likewise, the battle measures 2.95 meters, while the weight reaches 2,570 kilos.
Technical innovations for the Toyota Century with SUV body
Among the most notable innovations of the Toyota Century SUV are: Comfort driving mode, in which the vehicle’s dynamic elements are adjusted to ensure maximum comfort in the rear seats. For example, it takes into account that the driver is braking in order to avoid, as far as possible, this movement of the vehicle shaking the rear seat occupants when the vehicle comes to a standstill.
Of course, the Toyota Century with an SUV body promises high torsional rigidity. It is based on the modular TNGA platform. The passenger compartment is separated from the cargo area by a laminated glass bulkhead to protect the passenger compartment from outside noise and increase privacy in the rear when the trunk is open.
Finally, the only thing left to talk about is the price, which in Japan, where 30 units are expected to be sold per month, stands at 25,000,000 yen, which is about 158,000 euros. The vehicle, which will be built at the Japanese plant in Tahara, will only be available at selected Toyota dealerships.
