The Japanese company is a leader in many automotive segments. It can compete with famous sports car manufacturers, big US truckmakers, their SUVs are the best-sellers, and Toyota is even present in the luxury segment. Most vehicles are under the Lexus brand, but there are a few of them still wearing Toyota badge. One of them is the Century full-size limo.
For now, we have only the name –Toyota Century SUV; the premiere date and time (September 6, 13:30); and a small teaser of the taillight. Not too much, but enough to start the rumors rolling about the new vehicle. Century is a luxury limousine. So, it is safe to say that the SUV is taking the high-end position on the lineup. There will be a spot in the full-size class with the departure of the Land Cruiser from the US market. This might be an original plan, which will definitely close doors to the comeback of the legendary SUV. The Century is more luxury-oriented and experts believe it is not going to match the off-road capabilities of the Land Cruiser.
Toyota Century SUV Specs
It looks easy to predict that the SUV will take the same engine as the limo. A 5.0-liter V8 hybrid system is ready to deliver 425 horsepower, which is more than enough to move the big car around smoothly. It will be also good for a full-size SUV. But engineers could try something else here. The new I Force Max hybrid can get even more power from a V6 engine. A 3.4-liter turbo unit with the support of electric batteries delivers 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, the Toyota Century SUV is a unique craft and it needs a unique drivetrain. It is still a long shot, but don’t be surprised if a hydrogen-fueled engine debuts on this vehicle.
A few years ago, five big Japanese carmakers (Toyota, Mazda, Subaru, Yamaha, Kawasaki) joined forces to develop a hydrogen fuel cell. Of course, as the biggest of them, we expect Toyota to give the most and be the first to introduce such a system. Also, there are some rumors that a 5.0-liter engine is the first one to get the hydrogen drivetrain support.
Rolls-Royce and Bentley Rival
The Century is a royal car in Japan. That will tell all about the vehicle. It is packed with the most advanced safety systems, most reliable engines, and high-end accessories for unmatched comfort. Well, in Europe, you get the same from Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Rumors and conclusions from a car purpose lead to the obvious clue – Toyota will go after them. Just as a comparison – British companies are more experienced in the luxury department, while Toyota is better with engineering stuff and the build of SUVs.
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Toyota Century SUV Teaser, Spy Photos, Dimensions
The luxury car-based SUV is going to borrow a lot of things from the limo. Still, turning it into a different type of vehicle is not so easy. Aerodynamics plays a big role in the driving experience. The teaser image is not showing enough. Sources from the company say that designers found inspiration in British luxury SUVs and the new Genesis vehicles. Still, that is not enough to build a picture of the Toyota Century SUV.
According to other sources, the SUV will be 5,200 mm (nearly 205 inches) long, which is 185 mm (7 inches) longer than the Land Cruiser. As a super-luxury vehicle, we assume the Century SUV is going to be a two-row four- or five-seater, maximizing the comfort for passengers. It is even possible to see it without a cargo area, making room for two rows behind the driver, positioned opposite.
A few spy shots can be found. Still, with a heavy camo, we can’t know if it is the Toyota Century SUV. The size fits. Details are well-hidden with heavy camouflage.
Built and Sold in Japan, What About Other Markets
The Century limo is available in its homeland only. Toyota announced the premiere in Japan. But, the SUV drew a lot of attention from fans around the world. It could make the company export high-end vehicle to the USA, Australia, Europe… Estimated price is $200,000. Such a vehicle will be a true rival to Bentley and Rolls-Royce.
