Toyota Challenges Rolls-Royce with Lavish Century SUV.
Toyota is entering the high-end luxury SUV market to compete directly with Rolls-Royce, introducing an opulent Century SUV that aims to rival the renowned luxury brand.
On September 6, 2023, Toyota Motor Corporation revealed its latest Century model, opening up orders starting today with plans for a 2023 launch. Despite the introduction of the new model, the Century sedan will still remain in the lineup.
Originally introduced in 1967, the Century has been Toyota's premier chauffeur-driven car, challenging the dominance of Western luxury brands in the Japanese chauffeur car market. The first-generation Century was a groundbreaking effort, combining cutting-edge Japanese technology with a dignified design rooted in traditional aesthetics and a focus on human-centered comfort and quietness. Over the past five decades, the Century has been the go-to chauffeur car in Japan, embodying a unique spirit of hospitality known as "omotenashi," ensuring passengers reach their destinations in utmost comfort.
With changing preferences in chauffeur-driven cars, where passengers seek to utilize their time on the road more efficiently, Toyota's development team decided to introduce a new model. Under the concept of "The Chauffeur," the new Century aims to evolve into a chauffeur car that not only meets current expectations but also looks ahead to the future, preserving the essence, dignity, quietness, and ride comfort characteristic of a Century.
The upcoming Century model will offer full customization on a global scale, catering to the individual needs of each customer. The goal is to provide "freedom in motion—the ultimate freedom of movement" to a wider audience.
Vehicle Outline:
The "stately grandeur" theme is evident throughout in a dignified vehicle adorned with Japanese aesthetic elements.
Majestic, dignified body design with both horizontal and vertical form features.
Characteristic chauffeur-driven car proportions, with a center of gravity at the rear.
The outline is inspired by a loom shuttle motif, with **kichomen*2 chamfering** delineating generously sized, smooth-flowing door panels.
The aim is to give expression to the unique Century worldview.
Every aspect of the exterior is perfected by skilled craftsmen, showcasing their expertise. The finely engraved phoenix emblem and the glossy mirror finish are prime examples, displaying a lavish brilliance achieved through careful polishing of painted surfaces.
Four set-back lamps for each of the headlights and taillights impart a dignified gaze.
The interior space is thoughtfully designed with a focus on human comfort, ensuring a pleasant travel experience. The new Century offers a versatile and functional interior, providing ample space for various situations.
The rear seats are fully reclining, equipped with features that allow passengers to truly unwind, including a refreshment function. The development of the audio system incorporated the refined auditory sensibilities and exceptional techniques of a master in musical instrument manufacturing, creating a listening space that offers the comfort of a live performance.
For added convenience, the rear doors open wide at a 75-degree angle, coupled with a sweeping cabin floor for easy entry and exit. Automatic retractable power steps and user-friendly C-pillar grips further enhance the natural and graceful entry and exit for rear-seat passengers.
The cockpit is designed with functions and features tailored to support professional drivers and improve overall usability. It's a space that enables owners to concentrate on their driving experience when they take the wheel themselves.
A powertrain and driving control system that delivers performance for chauffeur or regular driving, surpassing expectations.
The recently crafted 3.5-liter V6 plug-in hybrid system brings a dynamic and thrilling driving experience, all while maintaining the serene and quiet qualities expected of a Century.
This innovative plug-in hybrid system serves as both a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) for everyday use and a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) for long-distance journeys, making it the perfect powertrain for a chauffeur-driven vehicle.
The motor and engine work in harmony to deliver robust and exhilarating acceleration, ensuring that the car can function not only as a chauffeur-driven vehicle but also as a driver's car for those seeking a personally enjoyable driving experience.
The "Dynamic Rear Steering" four-wheel steering system facilitates easy handling at low speeds.
At medium to high speeds, the system ensures seamless and natural handling for a smoother driving experience.
The introduction of the Rear Comfort mode is a first, enhancing the driver's control for a more comfortable ride for rear passengers.
The Rear Comfort mode also contributes to braking control, minimizing jolts when the vehicle comes to a stop.
The body structure and suspension are designed to enhance the driving performance suitable for a chauffeur-driven car.
1. Newly Developed Structure: The introduction of the "luggage compartment separate structure" is designed to improve the body's torsional rigidity and ride comfort.
2. Enhanced Torsional Rigidity: The new structure contributes to a substantial improvement in the vehicle's torsional rigidity, enhancing overall stability and performance.
3. Improved Ride Comfort: Alongside increased rigidity, the design aims to elevate ride comfort, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable driving experience.
4. Noise Reduction: Clear laminated glass, specifically chosen for its noise-reducing properties, is employed on the cabin side of the cargo space separator.
5. Privacy and Quietness: The use of this glass serves the dual purpose of properly separating the cabin from the cargo area, achieving both privacy and the exceptional quietness associated with chauffeur-driven vehicles.
1. TNGA Platform: The vehicle is built on the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, representing a modern and versatile foundation for design and engineering.
2. High-Rigidity Body: The body is engineered with a focus on high rigidity, enhancing overall structural strength and contributing to improved performance and safety.
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