TOYOTA CENTURY

The 'Toyota Century' is a large four-door limousine produced by Toyota mainly for the Japanese market. Production of the Century began in 1967 and the model received only minor changes until a redesign in 1997. This second-generation Century is still sold in Japan, with some exports to Asian countries, notably Hong Kong where it was used as the official transportation for the Chief Executive until July 2007, when it was replaced by a Lexus LS 600h L. The Century derived its name from an 100 year anniversary of Japan becoming an open country, when Japan began to trade and interact with the world in 1867, after the Meiji Restoration.
The Century is produced in limited numbers and is built in a "nearly hand-made" fashion. It is often used by royalty, government leaders, and executive businessmen. The Century is comparable in purpose to the Austin A135, ZIS/ZIL, Chinese Red Flag, Rolls-Royce and Maybach limousines. The Toyota Century is equipped with the fender mirrors characteristic of Japanese cars.
A special version is produced for the Japanese Imperial Household, to be used by senior members of the royal family, with the same purpose of the Bentley State Limousine presented to the British Royal Family.
The exterior styling of the Century has, with some modifications, remained unchanged since its introduction, primarily due to its perceived social status as the "prefered vehicle denoting conservative success" . Its appearance is iconic in Asian countries, usually painted black. The closest Asian competitor is the Nissan President, with a similar reputation.

Contents

1st Generation (1967–1997)

Chassis codes

2nd Generation

Chassis codes

References

Cultural Reference

External links

1st Generation (1967–1997)

The original Century was based on the 1964 Toyota Crown, which featured the 2.6 L V8 ''Toyota 3V engine''. The 1967 Century was equipped with an upgraded version of this engine, the 3.0 L ''3V''. 1973 saw the introduction of the 3.4 L ''4V'', and the engine was once again changed to the 4.0 L ''5V'' in 1982. Note that the ''3V'', ''4V'', and ''5V'' do not refer to the number of valves in the engine; they denote models in the line of Toyota V engines. There is also a 'L-Type' stretched version of the Century, length is 5270mm with a wheelbase of 3010mm.
The 1st generation Century remained largely untouched during its 30-year production run. Although minor cosmetic changes and engine upgrades occurred throughout its lifespan, the commercial longevity of the Century chassis is nevertheless impressive.
In 1975, Toyota presented the Century Hybrid model, powered by a hybrid drive system with a gas turbine and electric motor.

Chassis codes

★ 'VG20': 3.0 L ''3V'' V8

★ 'VG30': 3.4 L ''4V'' V8

★ 'VG40': 4.0 L ''5V'' V8

★ 'VG45': 4.0 L ''5V'' V8 (L-Type)

2nd Generation

The Century received a complete redesign in 1997, although the new model was visually very similar to the old. This current model is powered by a 280 PS 5.0 L ''1GZ-FE'' V12, initially with a 4-speed automatic, and then a 6-speed "intelligent" transmission. It also features air suspension and a factory LPG gas option, enabling the 2-ton car to be classed as a low emission vehicle(edit
★ LPG option could not be confirmed from Toyota). The Century remains the first and only Japanese front-engine, rear-wheel drive production car equipped with a V12.
The Century was Toyota's most luxurious model at its inception in 1967, and maintained this status throughout the 20th century. Today, it is placed above most of the Lexus lineup in Japan, and remains the most luxurious and expensive model to wear the Toyota badge. The Century is distinguished by different color options than the rest of the Toyota lineup.
Like other cars in the top of the luxury class, the Century is designed with a chauffeur in mind. Hence, the rear seats recline and the front passenger seat has a fold-down center section so that a passenger in the back may stretch his feet forward. The exterior door handles open the doors electrically since the sound of the door being opened mechanically is perceived as being "too obtrusive". The doors do not need to be closed directly, instead the door only needs to contact the latch, causing the door to pull itself completely closed electrically.
The vehicles interior is usually ordered in cloth, not leather, due to the aroma of leather being less desirable and not as quiet as cloth when sat on. The vehicle can be ordered in any color the purchaser desires, however, the favorite colors are usually medium brown, burgundy or royal blue with black exterior paint. White lace curtains are usually installed in the rear window, instead of tinted windows, which are perceived to attract unwarranted attention. The passengers usually like to be seen in a Century, despite Asian tendencies for modesty.
The Century is priced at ¥11,130,000 or approximately US$94,500 (as of 2007). In comparison, the base price for the ultra-luxury 2008 Lexus LS 460 is approximately ¥10,000,000 (US$87,000), [1] with the LS 600h L at ¥15,000,000 (US$125,800).
Although the Century is not exported outside Japan in large numbers, it is used frequently by officials stationed in overseas Japanese offices.
In contrast to other luxurious cars (such as the Maybach or a Rolls Royce), the Century has not been positioned and marketed as a sign of wealth or excess. Instead, the Century projects an image of conservative achievement. Marketing literature states roughly that, "the Century is acquired through persistent work, the kind that is done in a plain but formal suit." This image drove a good deal of the 2nd generation design as a traditional and tasteful update of the original.

Chassis codes

★ 'GZG50': 5.0 L ''1GZ-FE'' V12

References

★ Toyota Century, japanese sales brochure, ca. 1990

★ Toyota Century (second generation), japanese sales brochure, #TB0018-0105 (2001)

Cultural Reference

In the 2003 movie ''Lost in Translation'', Bill Murray was chauffered in a Toyota Century provided by the Park Hyatt Tokyo where his character was staying.

External links

★ Official Site (Japanese Only)

★ Century for Japanese Imperial Household