Toyota Century

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Toyota Century
Toyota Crown Eight (G10)

The Toyota Century (Japanese: トヨタ・センチュリー, Hepburn: Toyota Senchurī) is a lineup of full-size luxury cars and limousines produced mainly for the Japanese market, serving as Toyota's flagship car within Japan; globally the unrelated Lexus LS series is Toyota's flagship luxury model. Production of the Century began in 1967, and the model received only minor changes until redesigns in 1997 and 2018.

The Century derived its name from the 100th birthday of

Mercedes-Maybach, Hongqi, Rolls-Royce Phantom, and Russian ZIS/ZIL
limousines.

The first-generation Century was available with only a V8 engine (the third post-war Japanese-built sedan so-equipped) at its introduction in 1967 until a full platform redesign in 1997. The second generation was only installed with a Toyota-designed and -built V12, an engine bespoke to the Century, until 2018, when the power-train reverted to a V8 with the addition of Toyota's hybrid technology.

While the Century is a premium, full-size luxury sedan, it is not available at Japanese

Sinospheric mythology, representing the Imperial House of Japan, and the image can be found throughout Asia, such as the Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto.[1]

The exterior styling of the Century has, with some modifications, remained unchanged since its introduction, primarily due to its perception as denoting conservative success. Its appearance is iconic in Asian countries and is usually painted black. The closest Japanese competitor was the

Isuzu Statesman de Ville and the Mazda Roadpacer
(both derived from General Motors-Australia products) — which were short-lived.

The Century nameplate introduced the SUV body style in 2023.[3]

First generation (G20/G30/G40; 1967)

First generation
Overview
Model code
ProductionNovember 1967 – March 1997
AssemblyJapan:
Curb weight
1,760–1,830 kg (3,880–4,030 lb)

The original Century was based on the 1964

Crown Eight, which featured the 2.6 L V8 Toyota V engine, and appeared almost two years after the October 1965 introduction of the 4-liter Nissan President
. The design remained largely untouched during its 30-year production run, apart from minor cosmetic changes and engine upgrades. This appearance has also inspired the designs of subsequent versions, as it remains desired by its clientele.

The 1967 Century was equipped with an upgraded version of the Crown Eight engine, the 3.0 L 3V. 1973 saw the introduction of the 3.4 L 4V, replaced by the 4V-U two years later, benefitting from the installation of emission control technology Toyota called "

"C" pillar there is a badge in blue with a gothic-style
"C" for Century with a label "V8" below.

In 1971,

automatic climate control became available, an innovation.[9]
Along with the change of engine in April 1973 (VG21) a host of other changes took place. The electromagnetic locks were changed, the taillights were changed (now with amber turn signal lenses) as well as the inclusion of front disc brakes. In September 1987, the Century received another light makeover, changing from a hydraulically operated three-speed to an electronically operated four-speed automatic transmission. A floor-mounted shifter became available on a model called the D-type, which also had front bucket seats rather than a full-width bench. The grille received detail changes and the cornering lamps were integrated into the headlight surrounds.

During Japan's Bubble Economy, sales of the Century doubled (from 1,027 in 1985 to 2,117 in 1989).[10] The Century sedan wasn't enough for those heady days, and in October 1989, the Century Limousine appeared. This was 650 mm (26 in) longer for an overall length of 5,770 mm (227.2 in), on a 3,510 mm (138.2 in) wheelbase, approximately the same dimensions as a Cadillac de Ville series, Lincoln Town Car, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, or a Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit. The Limousine also received a standard padded vinyl roof and an opera window in the centre pillar, where the stretch was placed. It also uses 150 mm wider rear doors, for a more balanced design and ease of entry. An annual production of 60 was planned.[10] As of September 1990, there was also an L-type stretched version of the Century sedan — length is 5,270 mm (207.5 in) with a wheelbase of 3,010 mm (118.5 in); this model uses the same larger rear doors as were fitted to the Century Limousine. In December 1992, the Century received its last makeover, with some very minor changes taking place in late 1994.

A Century with a GT45

Tokyo Motor Show.[11]

Chassis codes

  • VG20: 3.0 L 3V V8, 1967–1973
  • VG21: 3.4 L 4V V8, 1973–1975
  • VG30: 3.4 L 4V-U V8, 1975–January 1977
  • C-VG30: January 1977–November 1978 (1977 Emissions Standards)
  • E-VG35: November 1978–1982[7] (1978 Emissions Standards)
  • VG40: 4.0 L 5V-EU V8, 1982–1997
  • VG45: 4.0 L 5V-EU V8 (L-type) 1990–1997
  • First generation (G20, G30, G40)
  • 1982 VG40 Century
    1982 VG40 Century
  • 1982 VG40 Century rear
    1982 VG40 Century rear
  • 1990 VG40 Century
    1990 VG40 Century
  • Rear passenger area (Limousine VG45 series) with antimacassars
    Rear passenger area (Limousine VG45 series) with antimacassars
  • Rear passenger area (VG40) with the wool interior
    Rear passenger area (VG40) with the wool interior

Second generation (G50; 1997)

Second generation
Curb weight
2,050 kg (4,520 lb)[13]

The Century received a complete redesign in April 1997, although the new model was visually very similar to the previous generation. This model is powered by a 5.0 L 1GZ-FE V12, rated at 206 kW (276 hp; 280 PS) in Japanese models and 220 kW (295 hp; 299 PS) at 5200 rpm in export models.[citation needed] Torque was rated at 460 N⋅m (340 lbf⋅ft) at 4000 rpm for both Japanese and export versions. It was initially equipped with a 4-speed A342E automatic, until a 6-speed "intelligent" transmission arrived in 2005. It also features air suspension. The Century remains the first and only Japanese front-engine, rear-wheel-drive production car equipped with a V12, and it has Toyota's first V12 engine.[14]

This generation no longer offered a selection of level of equipment preferred, and has either a floor-mounted or column-mounted transmission selector.

CNG
fuel.

Toyota began limited official exports of the G50 Century to Europe and other Asian markets including China and the Middle East in November 1998, positioning it as an executive car for company and government officials.[16] About 100 left-hand drive cars were produced for export, with some going to the United States for promotional and testing purposes.[17] Several were in use as corporate cars for Toyota's North American executives.[18] As of 2023, the G50 remains the only generation of the Century sedan to have officially been exported and sold outside of Japan.[19]

The Century was Toyota's most luxurious model at its inception in 1967, and maintained this status throughout the 20th century. Today, it is positioned above the Lexus line-up, and is the most luxurious and prestigious Toyota. In contrast to other luxurious cars (such as the Maybach or Rolls-Royce), the Century has not been positioned and marketed as a sign of wealth or excess. Marketing literature states roughly that, "the Century is acquired through persistent work, the kind that is done in a plain but formal suit."[20]

Like other cars in the top of the luxury class, the Century is designed with the rear passengers in mind. Hence, the rear seats recline and the front passenger seat (in right-hand drive cars only) has a fold-down center section so that a passenger in the back may stretch their feet forward. The rear seats are equipped with a massage system. The doors are equipped with a soft-close mechanism, allowing the door to pull itself completely closed electrically when the latch makes contact with the striker.[15]

The Century was priced at ¥11,445,000 – approximately US$100,000 (equivalent to $142,020 in 2023). In comparison, the base price for the

full-size luxury 2008 Lexus LS 460 is approximately ¥10,000,000 (US$87,000 (equivalent to $123,118 in 2023)),[21]
with the LS 600h L at ¥15,000,000 (US$125,800 (equivalent to $178,025 in 2023)).

The second generation Century was discontinued on 4 February 2017, after almost 20 years of production.[22] 9,573 vehicles were built from 1996 (the launch year was 1997) to the final figure of 100 cars in 2016.[citation needed]

  • Second generation (G50)
  • Century rear
    Century rear
  • 1997 Century driver's seat. Note that the steering wheel design was later adopted for various Toyota models throughout the 2000s.
    1997 Century driver's seat. Note that the steering wheel design was later adopted for various Toyota models throughout the 2000s.
  • 1GZ-FE V12
    1GZ-FE V12

Century Royal (G51; 2006)

Toyota Century Royal
Curb weight
2,920 kg (6,440 lb)

The Century Royal is the official state car currently used by the Emperor of Japan, being a specially prepared Century, a one-off ¥52,500,000 (US$500,000) custom car.[23] This special version has wool cloth upholstery, internal granite entry steps and Japanese washi rice paper headlining for the passenger compartment, as well as undisclosed security measures. The front passenger compartment is upholstered in leather.

The suspension consists of

double wishbones for both the front and rear wheels, supplemented by air-bag support springs. The engine used is the 5.0 L-V12 shared with the standard Century with horsepower rated at 280 PS (206 kW; 276 bhp) and 460 N⋅m (340 lbf⋅ft) of torque at 4000 rpm.[24] For various state functions, additional conventional Century sedans are used with a designated "Imperial" number roundel
.

The limousine stretches around 20 feet in length and 6.5 feet across.[25]

Chassis codes

The Emperor Emeritus in a conventional Century, labeled Empress 8

Third generation (G60; 2018)

Third generation
Curb weight
2,370 kg (5,225 lb)[26]

The third generation Century was unveiled at the

October 2017 Tokyo Motor Show.[27] The car then went on sale on 22 June 2018, with prices starting from ¥19,600,000[26] (approximately US$180,000 at June 2018 exchange rates) to the top grade Century Limousine at ¥60,000,000.[28] The Century's production is limited to 50 per month, and it is built in a "nearly hand-made" fashion.[29] Unlike the previous generation, the G60 Century is no longer available outside of the Japanese market due to the G50's failure to sell overseas.[19]

It shows that its appearance was influenced by the Century Royal, which was produced at the request of the

Toyota T-Connect.[31]
The traditionally installed side-view mirrors above the front wheels, a standard feature that started with the first generation, have been replaced with door mounted units, incorporating turn signal lights.

As with previous generations, rear passenger comfort and convenience is made a priority. The rear seats have a recline feature, with integrated heaters and massage function, as well as an adjustable power leg rest for the rear seat opposite the driver. The sound system comes standard with 20 speakers. A 20-inch LCD screen is installed for rear seat passengers that let occupants control many aspects and features as a convenience as well as playing video content. The standard upholstery fabric continues to be offered in three color choices using 100% wool with a unique heather pattern, with leather remaining available optionally in two different color combinations. Both upholstery choices include two different wood inlay selections. The transmission selector, which on previous generations was either floor mounted or steering column installed, is now only available on the floor.

The powertrain is

Century gas turbine hybrid, with a GT45 gas turbine and electric motor.[11]

Chassis codes

Production transfer

From 1967 to 2020, the Century was assembled at the Higashi-Fuji plant (

Toyota City's Motomachi plant.[33][34]

  • Third generation (G60)
  • Century side
    Century side
  • Century rear
    Century rear
  • Century interior
    Century interior
  • Century rear passenger area
    Century rear passenger area
  • 2020 Olympic Torch Relay Century Pace Car (2021)
    2020 Olympic Torch Relay Century Pace Car (2021)

Century SUV (G70; 2023)

SUV
Kerb weight
2,570 kg (5,666 lb)

The Century-badged

GA-K platform shared with the North American market Grand Highlander and the Lexus TX. A 3.5-litre 2GR-FXS V6 engine with plug-in hybrid
drivetrain is standard.

Development was led by Yoshikazu Tanaka as chief engineer, along with Design Division General Manager Tatsuya Sonoda.[37] In its marketing materials and official releases, Toyota avoided the 'SUV' label to the vehicle. The company described it simply as the "New Century", and according to Tanaka, a "new concept for chauffeur-driven mobility." He explained that the G70 Century adopts this body style to maximise backseat space.[38][39]

Markets

Japan

The Century SUV launched in Japan on 6 September 2023, with orders beginning the same day.[3] In Japan, the SUV is sold alongside the G60 sedan at select Toyota dealerships employing specialized sales and service staff called "Century Meisters".[3]

China

The Chinese-market version of the Century SUV was introduced at Auto Guangzhou 2023 on 17 November 2023.[40] Slated to be sold through the Lexus dealer network as an imported model, it is the first Century model to officially be exported and sold outside of Japan with a left-hand drive configuration since the G50 sedan, which was discontinued in 2017.[41]

Chassis codes

  • Rear view
    Rear view

See also

References

  1. ^ Schumacher, Mark (2011-08-27). "Hou-ou (or Hoo-oo)—the Japanese Phoenix". Onmark Productions. Retrieved 2016-11-05.
  2. ^ "Mitsubishi Automotive History" (Press release). South Africa: Mitsubishi. Archived from the original on 2008-09-22. Retrieved 2013-05-21.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Toyota to Launch New Century in Japan". Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website (Press release). 2023-09-06. Retrieved 2023-09-06.
  4. ^ Toyota Century, Japanese sales brochure, circa 1990
  5. ^ a b "Affiliates (Toyota wholly-owned subsidiaries)-Toyota Motor East Japan, Inc". Toyota. 2012. Retrieved 2014-07-15.
  6. ^ 自動車ガイドブック [Japanese Motor Vehicles Guide Book 1979/1980] (in Japanese), vol. 26, Japan: Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, 1979-11-01, p. 113, 053-790026-3400
  7. ^ a b Automobile Guide Book 1979/1980, p. 118
  8. ^ "トヨタ センチュリー | 世代別モデル一覧" [Toyota Century | Generation model list]. Toyota. Retrieved 2017-10-21 – via Gazoo.
  9. ^ "75 Years of Toyota - Technical Development - Electronics Parts". Toyota. 2012. Retrieved 2017-02-10.
  10. ^
    ISBN 4-7542-5120-2
    .
  11. ^ a b Toyota brochure from the 1975 Tokyo Motor Show (Japanese)
  12. ^ Toyota Century (second generation), Japanese sales brochure, #TB0018-0105 (2001)
  13. ^ a b c d e Century sales brochure (in Japanese). Japan: Toyota. January 2005.
  14. ^ "75 Years of TOYOTA". Toyota. 2012. Retrieved 2015-01-02.
  15. ^ a b "Toyota Century Catalog". Goo-Net. Proto Corporation. Retrieved 2017-10-08.
  16. ^ "Toyota to Begin Century Saloon Exports" (Press release). Toyota. 1998-10-15. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
  17. ^ Mihori, Naotsugu. "トヨタ自動車 製品企画本部 センチュリー 開発主査 清水 勉 インタビュー(5/5)|NEXTALK【オートックワン】" [Interview with Tsutomu Shimizu, Century Development Chief, Toyota Motor Corporation Product Planning Division]. オートックワン (in Japanese). Retrieved 2018-08-03.
  18. ^ Motavalli, Jim (2005-01-30). "What the Heck Was That Crazy Car?". The New York Times. US. Retrieved 2018-07-13.
  19. ^ a b Lieberman, Jonny (2019-02-26). "Inside Look: How the Toyota Century Rivals Rolls-Royce". Motor Trend. Retrieved 2022-04-11.
  20. ^ "Perpetual Classic: 2013 Toyota Century: The Ultimate Brougham Time Machine". Curbside Classic. 2013-05-20. Retrieved 2013-05-21.
  21. ^ Schreffler, Roger; Chrysler, Mack (2006-12-28). "Lexus Slowly Progressing in Japan". WardsAuto. Archived from the original on 2011-09-29. Retrieved 2013-05-21.
  22. ^ Hsu, Ben (2017-10-05). "NEWS: Toyota will introduce a new Century for only the third time in 50 years". Japanese Nostalgic Car. Retrieved 2017-10-05.
  23. ^ "Goryō new vehicles - the Imperial Household Management Division" (in Japanese). 2006-07-12. Retrieved 2009-11-14.
  24. ^ "センチュリー フロアシフト（2014年4月） のカタログ情報" [Century Floor Shift (April 2014) Catalogue]. Goo-net.com. Proto. Retrieved 2017-10-16.
  25. ^ "Toyota gives emperor the Century Royal treatment". Windingroad.com. 2006-07-13. Archived from the original on 2009-03-30. Retrieved 2007-08-29.
  26. ^ a b c d e f g "TOYOTA CENTURY catalog - reviews, pics, specs and prices". Goo-net Exchange. Japan. 2018. Retrieved 2018-07-03.
  27. ^ "Toyota to Debut Next-generation Century at Tokyo Motor Show 2017" (Press release). Toyota Motor Corporation. 2017-10-05. Retrieved 2017-10-27.
  28. ^ トヨタ 新型 センチュリーハイブリッド 最高級フラッグシップモデルは2018年6月フルモデルチェンジ [Toyota's flagship Century hybrid to be fully remodelled in June 2018]. Kuruma GT (in Japanese). Japan. 2018-03-18. Retrieved 2018-03-31.
  29. ^ Saito, Ken (2019-07-24). "The Most Interesting Car Toyota Makes Is Too Luxurious for America". Jalopnik. Retrieved 2019-07-26.
  30. ^ "2018 Toyota Century". Net Car Show. Retrieved 2017-10-05.
  31. ^ Toyota's Rolls-Royce for half the money - the incredible 2018 Century. 2017-10-27. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved 2017-10-28 – via YouTube.
  32. ^ Hsu, Ben (2017-10-05). "NEWS: Toyota will introduce a new Century for only the third time in 50 years". Japanese Nostalgic Car. Retrieved 2017-10-05.
  33. ^ "トヨタ東日本、東富士工場の生産終了 東北に集約、小型車強化へ" [Toyota East Japan ends production at the Higashi-Fuji plant, consolidates production in Tohoku to strengthen compact/sucompact]. Kahoku Shimpo. 2020-12-11. Archived from the original on 2020-12-31. Retrieved 2021-01-21.
  34. ^ Yabuki, Takafumi; Wada, Shota (2020-12-30). "センチュリーもヨタハチも トヨタ東富士工場、生産に幕" [Site of both the Century and the "Yotahachi", Toyota's Higashi-Fuji plant drops curtain on production]. Asahi Shimbun. Retrieved 2021-01-21.
  35. ^ "トヨタ 取扱説明書 センチュリー" [Toyota instruction manual Century] (in Japanese). Toyota. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  36. ^ a b "Century Design Sketches". Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website. Toyota. 2023-09-06. Retrieved 2023-09-06.
  37. ^ "This is No SUV—Developer's Vision Behind the New Century". Toyota Times (Press release). Retrieved 2023-12-02.
  38. ^ "Toyota to Launch New Century in Japan". Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website (Press release). 2023-09-06. Retrieved 2023-12-02.
  39. ^ Sergeev, Angel (2023-10-09). "Toyota Says The New Century Is Not An SUV". Motor1. US. Retrieved 2023-12-02.
  40. ^ "近130余款新车 2023广州车展最全汇总" [The most complete summary of nearly 130 new cars at the 2023 Guangzhou Auto Show]. Autohome, Inc. (in Chinese). China. 2023-11-17. Retrieved 2023-11-29.
  41. ^ a b "トヨタが新型SUV「世極」発表！ 白ボディで塊感強調!? 全長5m超えの新たな「センチュリー」を中国でお披露目" [Toyota announces new SUV “Segyoku”! The white body emphasizes the massiness!? The new Century with a total length of more than 5 meters is unveiled in China]. Motor Vehicle News (in Japanese). 2023-11-18. Retrieved 2023-11-29.

External links

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