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2018 Toyota Century unveiled

The next-generation Toyota Century has been unveiled ahead of its in-the-flesh debut at the 2017 Tokyo motor show.


The new model is powered by a hybrid drivetrain with a direct injection 5.0-litre V8 at its core, and a nickel-metal hydride battery powering the electric motor.

With the car not due to go on sale in Japan until mid-2018, Toyota has yet to release power, performance or fuel economy figures for the vehicle.

The V8 hybrid engine replaces the V12 engine used exclusively in the outgoing car, and probably ushers the end of the 12-cylinder engine format within the Toyota kingdom.

At 5335mm long, 1930mm wide, 1505mm tall, and riding on a 3090mm wheelbase, the new Century is 65mm longer overall, 40mm wider, 30mm taller, and sits on a 65mm longer wheelbase for improved cabin space.

Unlike many new sedans of late, the Century makes no claims about being an improved proposition for drivers. Rather, it caters unashamedly for the two passengers at the rear, with taller door openings and a reduced gap between the scuff plate and the floor enabling easier ingress and egress.

There's also adjustable rear seats with a massaging function, powered leg rests, a large entertainment screen, lace window curtains, and a touchscreen controller for the audio, climate control and seating systems. Seat covering options include 100 per cent wool and soft-textured leather.

Other features available in the Century include a 20-speaker sound system, adaptive high beam lights, collision avoidance support, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert.

The new Century is only the third generation of the car, with the original model going on sale in 1967, and staying in production for 30 years before being replaced by an all-new model in 1997.

All three generations of the Century are very close in terms of design. All sport a traditional three-box shape, rectangular lights, splashes of chrome, and simple, but not slab-sided, surfacing.

Traditionally a favourite vehicle of the country's richest and most influential individuals, the Century has only ever been built in small numbers through a limited number of dealers. In Japan, the Century serves as Toyota's flagship model.

Four specially stretched and modified versions of the second-generation model, measuring over six metres in length and kitted out with rear-hinged doors, became the official vehicle of the Japanese emperor and his court.

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