Toyota Century: Japan's V12 Cruiser.

Introduction

What engines are the Japanese famous for? Toyota’s JZ family, Honda’s V-TEC technology, Nissan’s RB series, it’s VR38DETT powerhouse, Mazda’s groundbreaking Wankel Rotary Engine, and many more. But no V 12 car has ever come out of Japan. That is, what everyone else thought. Also, name a car that is capable of competing with the best from Mercedes-Benz and BMW, Rolls-Royce. No car has the capability of competing with the best from the European sedans that comes out of Japan. But they were all wrong.

Meet the Toyota Century. A 4-Door limousine from Japan that has the capability to take on the best of Europe. High technology under a design that stays the same since 1967. Used to transport Japan’s elites, including the Prime Minister of the country. But the star of the show, it’s V12 1GZ engine,is the only one of it’s kind to come out of Japan.

Where it all began

The first generation was based on the Toyota Crown Eight, which featured a V8 engine. It appeared two years after it’s main competitor, the Nissan President was released, which also came with a 4.0 L V8. Before it’s glorious 1GZ V12 engine was put in, it featured the 3.0 L Toyota 3V V8 egnine with some modifications. Overtime, the engine evolved. In 1973, the engine was modified into a 3.4 L 3V, which was updated into the 4.0 L 5V-EU a few months after.

For 30 years, the car remained unchanged, besides a few cosmetic enhancements and engine updates. in 1971, the Century received automatic climate control, which was vary innovative, and only a few cars had it at that time. A fiber-optic communications system was also introduced for added luxury. Not long after, a Limousine version debuted. It’s dimensions were similar to most limousines that were on the road at that time, such as the Cadillac De Ville, Lincoln Town Car, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit.

Introduction of the V12

In 1997, Toyota decided to give the Century a total redesign. From the exterior, it looked more like a face lift, because it looked visually similar to the previous generation. But what was completely new is it’s engine. It is no longer a slightly modified V8 that is found in the Toyota Crown Eight, but an entirely new V12 engine, called the 1GZ. The Century remains the first and only Japanese front-engine, rear-wheel drive production car equipped with a V12, and it is Toyota’s first and only V12 engine.

The Century was Toyota’s most luxurious model, and maintained this status throughout the 20th century. Today, it is positioned above the entire Lexus line-up, and remains the most luxurious and prestigious model to wear the Toyota badge. The Century is distinguished by different paint options than the rest of the Toyota line-up. It shares the role of flagship with the Toyota Crown Majesta with almost identical dimensions to the Century but with a more modern approach and appearance that appeals to younger buyers.

Interior Quality

Like other cars in the top of the luxury class, the Century is designed with the rear passengers 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 rear seats are equipped with a massage system. 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’ interiors are usually ordered in wool cloth, rather than the leather seen in many luxury cars; leather is not as quiet as cloth when sat upon. The vehicle can be ordered in any color the purchaser desires, however, they are usually medium brown, burgundy or royal blue inside, with black exterior paint. Vehicles primarily intended for livery service usually have leather interiors in gray, for easier interior cleaning and durability. White lace curtains are usually installed in the rear window, instead of tinted windows, which are perceived to attract unwarranted attention.

Toyota Century Royal

The Toyota Century Royal is a specially designed Century, costing around $500,000. It is designed to transport the Japanese elites. Five vehicles were originally ordered, but due to the individual cost for each, only four were built. The suspension consists of double wishbones for both the front and rear wheels, supplemented by air bag support springs. The engine used is shared from the second generation Toyota Century 5.0 L-V12 with horsepower limited to 280 HP. It features wool upholstery, granite entry steps and Japanese rice paper headlining for the passenger compartment, as well as undisclosed security measures. The front passenger compartment is upholstered in leather.

This vehicle replaced the fleet of eight 40-year-old Nissan Prince Royal limousines that were beginning to show their age, when one broke down while in service. After the Prince Royals were no longer in service, the Emperor and Empress use an extended length conventional Century until the Century Royals were ready for service. The Century Royal is exclusive to the Imperial Household and was introduced in July 7, 2006. When the Emperor is riding inside, the Imperial Standard, known as the Imperial Seal of Japan is displayed at both the front and rear of the car in place of a license plate, and on the exterior of both rear passenger doors, displaying a 16 petal chrysanthemum made of gold, in reference to the Chrysanthemum Throne of Japan.

The Century Today

Sadly, Toyota discontinued the Century in 2016. But the Century is still being used to transport the Japanese elites, including the prime minister. For now, it remains the only car that came out of Japan that contains a V12 engine, and is capable of taking on the best of Europe.