2018 Toyota Century reborn for another generation

It isn’t that rare in the automotive world for a car to go on sale for a very long period of time. The Land Rover Defender remained on sale, unchanged, for 67 years before the plug was pulled on it in 2016. The Toyota Century is a car more or less like the Defender. The second-generation one that ended production in early 2017 still flaunted the same classic design language that it debuted with in 1967. And now, there is a new one. But unlike the Defender, the new Toyota Century is equipped with modern age creature comforts that help it compete against other modern offerings.

The boxy shape is retained for another generation but do not let the retro looks fool you. The redesigned 2018 Century is filled to the brim with new-gen technology like adaptive LED headlamps, and a hybrid powertrain. There is an increase in the wheelbase to provide more space for passengers. Custom tailored tyres and bespoke engine mounts are used to offer a silky smooth ride.

The rear seats are extra wide units that also have massive leg room, thanks to the increased wheelbase. The lower-end models get seats covered in wool while the higher models get leather seats. The seats also have a massaging function and an electrically operated leg rest. Between the front seats is an LCD panel which grants the rear passengers control over the infotainment system, climate control and the seat adjustments. Speaking of the infotainment system, it is not a cassette winder, but a fully-fledged multimedia system with 20 speakers littered around the cabin.

Under the hood, Toyota’s Hybrid System II powers the sedan by utilising a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine along with batteries and motors. Details about this are not that clear now but it is believed to be related to the hybrid powertrain of the Lexus LS600h where it produces 394 hp. Unfortunately, Toyota’s only ever V12 engine that powered the old models has bowed out for good.

This large sedan will be revealed at the upcoming 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. If you are excited about the Toyota Century, unfortunately for you, it is made specifically for Japan and will only be sold there. There are no plans to sell this large sedan outside the land of the rising sun.