Toyota's latest luxury sedan hits Japanese market

author: FutureCar Staff    

Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has introduced a new Century model and is now accepting orders. The new model is set to be launched in 2023, while the existing Century sedan will still be available.

The Century was first introduced in 1967 as Toyota's premium chauffeur-driven car, aiming to compete with Western luxury brands in the Japanese market. It was built with the best technology available at the time, incorporating traditional Japanese aesthetics and a focus on quietness and comfort. For over five decades, the Century has been the preferred choice for chauffeur services in Japan, embodying the spirit of hospitality.

In recent years, the needs of chauffeur-driven car passengers have evolved, with a greater emphasis on utilizing travel time effectively. To meet these changing demands, Toyota decided to introduce a new model under the concept of "The Chauffeur."

The new Century model will be fully customizable on a global basis, catering to the individual needs of each customer. The goal is to provide "freedom in motion" and the ultimate freedom of movement to a wider range of people.

Here are some details about the new vehicle:

Vehicle Outline

1) The design of the new Century reflects a "stately grandeur" theme, incorporating Japanese aesthetic elements. It features a dignified body design with both horizontal and vertical form features, characteristic proportions of a chauffeur-driven car, and an outline inspired by a loom shuttle motif. The exterior is meticulously finished, with engraved emblems and a mirror-like shine.

2) The interior space is designed with a human-centered approach, providing comfort and functionality for various situations. The rear seats are fully reclining and equipped with a refreshment function. The audio system incorporates techniques from musical instrument manufacturing, creating a listening space reminiscent of a live performance. The rear doors open wide, and the cabin floor is designed for easy entry and exit. The cockpit includes features to support professional drivers and enhance ease of use.

3) The powertrain and driving control system of the new Century deliver exceptional performance for both chauffeur and personal driving. The 3.5-liter V6 plug-in hybrid system offers a powerful and exhilarating drive, while maintaining quietness. It can function as a battery electric vehicle for everyday use and as a hybrid electric vehicle for long-distance travel. The four-wheel steering system provides easy handling at low speeds and natural handling at medium to high speeds. A Rear Comfort mode is available for the first time, ensuring a comfortable ride for passengers in the rear.

4) The body structure and suspension of the new Century have been improved to support the driving performance expected from a chauffeur-driven car. A newly developed "luggage compartment separate structure" enhances torsional rigidity and ride comfort. Noise-reducing laminated glass separates the cabin from the cargo area, ensuring privacy and quietness.

With the introduction of the new Century model, Toyota aims to continue exceeding customer expectations and providing a luxurious and comfortable experience for chauffeur-driven car passengers.

SOURCE: Toyota

FutureCar Staff