Toyota Century redesigned after 21 years.

By JAY WONG | 22 June 2018


NAGOYA: Toyota has announced the launch of its completely redesigned Century that goes on sale throughout Japan.

The Century, which debuted in 1967, and was released to commemorate the 100th birthday of Sakichi Toyoda, founder of the Toyota Group.

For more than 50 years the Century has served as the chauffeur-driven model of choice for Japan and remains a favourite among executives across all industries.

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The new third generation Century finally sees its first full redesign after 21 years and rolls out of the Japanese carmaker's Higashi-Fuji Plant with the aim of selling 50 units per month - each costing from 19,600,000 yen (RM715,000)

The Century is powered by a 5.0-liter (4,968cc) 2UR-FSE V8 hybrid system and is said to deliver up to 13.6km per litre (under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's JC08 test cycle).

Output has been rated at 381PS at 6,200rpm and 510Nm of torque at 4,000rpm

The electric motor sources it power from a Nickel-metal hydride batter, and is capable of providing 224PS/300Nm to bring its combined system output to 431PS.

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The development theme blends the concepts of legacy and evolution, while carrying on the tradition of master craftsmanship and high-quality monozukuri (all-encompassing manufacturing).

The exterior is touted to infuse tradition and dignity that reflects the Japanese aesthetic of passive symmetry while employing a proprietary ideology that focuses on creating a regal rear seating space.

The silhouette is easily recognizable as a chauffeur model and by straightening the slope of the C pillar, the design focus of the cabin shifts to the rear to heighten the importance of its appearance.

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The side design achieves a beautiful curvature to the doors enhanced by a surface treatment used in Heian period (794-1185 C.E.) room partitions on the character line of the shoulder portion.

Two distinguishing lines have been polished at an angle with only a slim space between them so that they appear as a single, prominent line, lending the body an air of dignity and excellence.

The phoenix emblem has been carefully engraved over a six-week period by a craftsman, which portrays the vibrant movement of the wings and delicate feathers, while the grille serves as an ornate backdrop, featuring an infinite loop crown pattern that exudes a dignified panache.

The newly developed colour is an eternal black and is dubbed Kamui - consisting of seven layers including a clear coat containing black paint, to give the impression of a black lacquer finish.

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Sanding and polishing is based on traditional Japanese lacquer craftsmanship and lends the car its deep lustre and shine.

A wet sanding technique is carried out three times to smooth out the minute unevenness, after which the body then receives a mirror finish to ensure there is not the slightest cloudiness or dullness in colour.

With an increase of 65mm in wheelbase, the rear seats receive greater leg room and the height difference between the scuff plate and floor has been reduced by 15mm to ensure that the floor mats lie flat when installed. Also, this improves ease of entering and exiting the car.

The cabin features wood trim to create a distinct rear seating space, a raised ceiling design, and an exclusive fabric with a slanting lattice motif to create a refined, rich look.

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The step-less adjustable power leg rest and massage function (in the left rear seat) provides for a comfortable ride.

Also included within the cabin is an 11.6-inch rear seat entertainment system, 12-channel audio amplifier and 20 optimally positioned speakers

Added equipment includes a 7.0-inch touch panel in the centre armrest which enables a passenger to control the audio system, air conditioning, massage function, and curtains.

A Seamless installation of noise-proofing materials has also been included for the cabin as well as active noise control system tp reduce noise and vibration when the engine starts.

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In addition to an electronically controlled air suspension with an AVS8 function, body rigidity was improved through the use of structural adhesives.

Both driving stability and premium ride comfort have been fine-tuned using newly developed tyres, suspension arms, bush, mount, and other rubber parts specialised for ride comfort and reduced road vibration.

For safety, the Century has receives the company's Toyota Safety Sense that includes Blind Spot Monitor, Parking Support Alert, Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with steering assist capability.

There's also a Radar Cruise Control system (with All-speed Tracking function), Adaptive High Beam System (AHS), 24 LED light array on the side and HELPNET 10. This is an automatic emergency reporting system that activates upon airbag deployment and automatically contacts the authorities (police and fire departments).

A D-Call Net11 service can determine if air and ground ambulances are necessary if the system estimates that the accident is severe enough, based on its vehicle data.

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